In Memoriam for Gary M. Brittenham

The following memorial article is sourced from Columbia University.

Gary was born on December 6, 1942, in Greensboro, N.C. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a B.A. degree, with honors, in Philosophy. He then received an M.D. degree from Case Western Reserve University, where he completed his medical training and became a Professor of Medicine, Professor of Anthropology and Professor of International Health. In 1998, he came to Columbia University, as Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine, where he served as Director of the NIH T32 Pediatric Research Hematology Training Program, Director of the St. Giles Comprehensive Sickle-Cell – Thalassemia Program, and Chief of the Division of Pediatric Hematology.  In 2007, he was named the James A. Wolff Professor of Pediatrics.

Gary was an internationally recognized leader in the field of Pediatric Hematology.  He conducted basic and clinical research in pediatric hematology, focusing on acquired and inherited disorders of iron metabolism, including both iron deficiency and iron overload, and of the red blood cell, including the pathogenesis of anemia, thalassemia, sickle cell disorders and other hemoglobinopathies.  He led development of non-invasive measurements of blood and tissue using low- (4°K) and high- (77°K) transition temperature superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetic susceptometry, quantitative susceptibility mapping using magnetic resonance imaging (QSM-MRI) for iron, and optical fluorescence of blood in the microcirculation for erythrocyte zinc protoporphyrin. He established methods for measurements of iron homeostasis using stable isotopes of iron. His research resulted in more than 250 published manuscripts and had a global impact.

Gary expertly led the Division of Pediatric Hematology at Columbia, and after stepping down from that position, remained an engaged and esteemed collaborator and educator within the combined Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation.  His scientific understanding of iron metabolism provided invaluable clinical insight to assessing iron homeostasis in complex critically ill children, seamlessly translating his work from bench to the bedside. He was a talented writer, speaker and editor, and his erudite expositions were unfailingly clear, logical and engaging.  He was the consummate mentor, eagerly sharing his deep knowledge about iron metabolism and utilization as well as his expertise in the design and conduct of pre-clinical and translational studies.

The Columbia community greatly benefited from Gary’s highly impactful scientific contributions, as well as his passion, energy, kindness and collaborative spirit.  He leaves behind a tremendous legacy and will be deeply missed.