Elizabeth Barrett-Connor

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Elizabeth L. Barrett-Connor

Elizabeth Barrett-Connor (April 8, 1935 – June 9, 2019) was an American epidemiologist and distinguished professor at the University of California, San Diego. She was renowned for her pioneering research in the fields of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and aging.

Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]

Elizabeth Barrett-Connor was born on April 8, 1935, in Los Angeles, California. She earned her undergraduate degree from Mount Holyoke College in 1956 and her medical degree from the Cornell University Medical College in 1960.

Career[edit | edit source]

Barrett-Connor began her career as a physician but soon transitioned to research. She joined the faculty at the University of California, San Diego in 1972, where she became a professor of family and preventive medicine. She was the founding director of the Rancho Bernardo Heart and Chronic Disease Study, which began in 1972 and provided valuable insights into the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and aging.

Research Contributions[edit | edit source]

Barrett-Connor's research significantly advanced the understanding of the epidemiology of chronic diseases. Her work on the Rancho Bernardo Study provided critical data on the risk factors and natural history of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. She was particularly interested in the role of hormones in disease development and the differences in disease patterns between men and women.

Cardiovascular Disease[edit | edit source]

Barrett-Connor's research in cardiovascular disease focused on identifying risk factors and understanding the gender differences in disease prevalence and outcomes. Her studies contributed to the knowledge of how lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and smoking impact heart health.

Diabetes[edit | edit source]

In the field of diabetes, Barrett-Connor's work helped to elucidate the relationship between diabetes and cardiovascular disease. She investigated the impact of diabetes on mortality and morbidity, as well as the role of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.

Aging[edit | edit source]

Barrett-Connor also made significant contributions to the study of aging. Her research explored how aging affects the risk of chronic diseases and the role of preventive measures in promoting healthy aging.

Awards and Honors[edit | edit source]

Throughout her career, Barrett-Connor received numerous awards and honors, including the American Heart Association's Distinguished Scientist Award and the American Diabetes Association's Kelly West Award for Outstanding Achievement in Epidemiology.

Personal Life[edit | edit source]

Elizabeth Barrett-Connor was married to Dr. John Connor, and they had three children. She passed away on June 9, 2019, at the age of 84.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Barrett-Connor's work has had a lasting impact on the fields of epidemiology and public health. Her research continues to inform clinical practices and public health policies aimed at preventing and managing chronic diseases.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

External Links[edit | edit source]


Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD