Posted on April 12: A founding father of McMaster medical school dies at age 78

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Campbell_Moran_opt.jpg” caption=”Moran Campbell”]Moran Campbell, one of the founding fathers of McMaster University's Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, died this morning.

Campbell, an officer of the Order of Canada and a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, was 78.

He was known internationally as a respirology physiologist, responsible for the invention of the Venturi oxygen mask currently in use today, but also as a witty speaker who saw his research as a hobby and education as his main occupation.

Born the son of a Yorkshire family physician and trained in England, he came to Canada as the founding chair of medicine for the new medical school in 1968. His first area of responsibility was to have the revolutionary school accepted by the local medical community, and he is known for setting up the excellent and close relationship now shared by McMaster and its affiliated hospitals Hamilton Health Sciences and St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton. He became a professor emeritus in 1991.

Campbell was one of the architects of medicine at McMaster, said Peter George, president and vice-chancellor of McMaster University.

“His reputation as a clinical scientist drew some of the very best physician researchers and educators to start up what is now the renowned Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine. He made extraordinary contributions to the science of respirology and to the education of physicians. He was a stimulating colleague and friend, and will be greatly missed.”

John Kelton, dean and vice-president of the Faculty of Health Sciences, said Campbell was both an intellectual genius and a character of immense stature.

“Dr. Campbell could dwarf others by his presence, wit and his understanding of respirology physiology. He never suffered fools gladly; he was acerbic, which made him one of the best educators. His legacy is not just setting up the department of medicine into one of the top departments in Canada, but also his insights into lung function which are still being studied today.”

Paul O'Byrne, current chair of the department of medicine and holder of the Moran Campbell Chair in Respiratory Medicine, said he was a passionate clinical scientist.

“He has had an enormous impact on patient care because of his insights into controlled oxygen therapy; he set the foundation for the treatment of chronic respiratory failure,” said O'Byrne. “But he was also a terrific mentor, and I know he was proud of the hundreds he mentored in respiratory medicine.”

Norman Jones started working with Campbell in 1961, and came to Canada with him to take the position as the first head of the respiratory division for the medical school.

“When I met Moran, he had already gained a rather awesome reputation as a brilliant clinical scientist and medical thinker.

“But he was a true mentor. He talked to everyone, knew their work intimately and he cared about how they were doing.

“He didn't just leap into Hamilton and say this is what we're going to do. He developed the department with the people who were already here. He diffused a town and gown conflict, he got everyone onside.”

John Bienenstock, a former dean and vice-president of the Faculty, said Campbell was well respected for his clinical and scientific accomplishments, as well as his colourful character.

Campbell, a Dundas resident, leaves his wife Diana and their four children Fiona, Sue, Robert and Jessica. The family is planning a private funeral service.