Sheila Sherlock

British physician and hepatologist

Dame Sheila Patricia Violet Sherlock (31 March 1918 – 30 December 2001) was a pioneering British physician and hepatologist who made significant contributions to the field of liver disease. She is often regarded as one of the founders of modern hepatology.

Early life and education

Sheila Sherlock was born in Dublin, Ireland, and grew up in Folkestone, Kent, England. She attended Folkestone County Grammar School for Girls and later studied at Edinburgh University, where she graduated with a degree in medicine in 1941. Her early interest in liver disease was sparked during her time at Edinburgh.

Career

Sheila Sherlock

After completing her medical degree, Sherlock worked at the Royal Postgraduate Medical School at Hammersmith Hospital in London. In 1947, she was appointed as a lecturer in medicine at the Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine, where she established a liver unit that became internationally renowned.

In 1959, she became the first woman to be appointed as a full professor of medicine at a London medical school. Her work at the Royal Free Hospital led to significant advancements in the understanding and treatment of liver diseases, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and portal hypertension.

Contributions to hepatology

Sherlock's research focused on the pathophysiology of liver diseases and the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. She published extensively, authoring over 600 scientific papers and several influential textbooks, including "Diseases of the Liver and Biliary System," which became a standard reference in the field.

Her work helped to establish the importance of liver biopsy in diagnosing liver diseases and contributed to the understanding of autoimmune liver diseases and hepatitis B.

Honors and awards

Sheila Sherlock received numerous honors throughout her career. She was elected a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in 1951 and was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1978 for her services to medicine. She was also a member of several prestigious medical societies and received honorary degrees from universities around the world.

Personal life

Sherlock married Dr. Geraint James, a fellow physician, in 1951. They had two daughters. Despite her demanding career, she was known for her warmth and dedication to her family and students.

Legacy

Dame Sheila Sherlock's contributions to medicine, particularly in the field of hepatology, have left a lasting impact. Her pioneering work laid the foundation for modern liver research and treatment, and her textbooks continue to be used by medical students and professionals worldwide.

Related pages

• Hepatology
• Liver disease
• Royal Free Hospital
• Royal College of Physicians