Peter Tizard

Peter Tizard (1 April 1916 – 27 October 1993) was a prominent British pediatrician and neonatologist. He made significant contributions to the field of neonatal medicine and was instrumental in advancing the understanding and treatment of neonatal neurological disorders.

Early Life and Education

Peter Tizard was born in London, England. He was the son of Sir Henry Tizard, a distinguished scientist and inventor. Peter Tizard attended Marlborough College and later studied medicine at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he graduated with a degree in physiology in 1938. He completed his clinical training at St Thomas' Hospital in London.

Career

After qualifying as a doctor, Tizard served in the Royal Army Medical Corps during World War II. Following the war, he returned to St Thomas' Hospital, where he began his career in pediatrics. He later moved to the Hammersmith Hospital and the Royal Postgraduate Medical School, where he worked under the mentorship of Sir Wilfrid Sheldon.

In 1964, Tizard was appointed as the first Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Oxford. During his tenure, he established the Department of Pediatrics and the Neonatal Unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital. His research focused on the neurological development of newborns and the impact of perinatal events on long-term outcomes.

Contributions to Neonatology

Peter Tizard is best known for his pioneering work in neonatology. He conducted extensive research on neonatal asphyxia, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, and cerebral palsy. His studies on the neurological examination of newborns helped to develop standardized methods for assessing the neurological status of infants.

Tizard also played a key role in the development of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in the United Kingdom. His work emphasized the importance of early intervention and specialized care for premature and critically ill newborns.

Honors and Awards

Throughout his career, Peter Tizard received numerous accolades for his contributions to medicine. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. In 1981, he was awarded the James Spence Medal by the British Paediatric Association for his outstanding contributions to pediatric medicine.

Personal Life

Peter Tizard was married to Mary Tizard, a distinguished child psychiatrist. They had three children, including Barbara Tizard, a noted psychologist. Peter Tizard passed away on 27 October 1993.

Legacy

Peter Tizard's work laid the foundation for modern neonatal care and significantly improved the outcomes for countless newborns. His contributions to the understanding of neonatal neurological disorders continue to influence the field of pediatrics and neonatology.

See Also

• Neonatology
• Pediatrics
• Neonatal intensive care unit
• Cerebral palsy
• Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy