John Anthony Parsons - Medicine

The British reasearcher Doctor John Anthony Parsons has made major contributions in the field of endocrine physiology and the pharmacology of hormones. His work on the regulation of phospho-calcium metabolism by calcitonin and parathormone, as well as their impact on normal and pathological bone tissue, particularly in osteoporosis, has garnered him a global reputation.

Speach given in honour of Dr. John A Parsons on October 2, 1980

"Dr John Anthony PARSONS was born in Great Britain in 1928 and is an Oxford University graduate. After training in London and Harlow in England,then in Frederiksborg in Denmark, Dr PARSONS has held laboratory positions in London, Oxford and Boston.

He is currently Head of the Department of Endocrine Physiology and Pharmacology at the National Institute for Medical Research in London, a member of the Scientific Committee of the National Council for Medical Research in Great Britain, and a Consultant Physician in Clinical Endocrinology at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Dr John Anthony Parsons is a member of numerous learned societies in both England and the United States, notably the Chemical Society and Physiological Society of London and the American Endocrine Society. He also sits on the editorial boards of major international journals, including Calcified Tissue
International.

Dr John Anthony PARSONS is a highly esteemed researcher who has published extensively on endocrine physiology and the pharmacology of hormones. His work on the regulation of phospho-calcium metabolism by calcitonin and parathormone, as well as their impact on normal and pathological bone tissue, particularly in osteoporosis, has garnered him a global reputation. He is in high demand as a speaker at international conferences on these topics. He was entrusted with writing the chapter on parathyroid and skeletal physiology in the renowned book Biochemistry and Physiology of Bone, known as the essential resource for those studying phospho-calcium metabolism and bone. Additionally, He is currently serving as the editor of a significant publication on the endocrinology of calcium metabolism. Overall, his immense contribution to the field of endocrinology is greatly appreciated.

Dr John Anthony Parsons, who is fluent in French, has a strong connection with France and has been spending his holidays there for many years. In 1973, he met Dr Michel BERNAT, an assistant head of clinic, and they became friends. This marked the beginning of Dr Parsons' relationship with the Rheumatology Department, specifically with Prof. Renier. Their collaboration focused on studying the role of parathyroid hormone in treating osteoporosis.

Unfortunately, the partnership was briefly disrupted by the illness and untimely death of Dr Michel BERNAT. However, the cooperation between Dr Parsons and the department continued, much to their satisfaction.

As their collaboration grew, Dr Parsons expanded his connections with the Faculty of Medicine to include the bone tissue research laboratory, which is led by Prof. REBEL. Dr Parsons also facilitated a successful partnership between the Angevin laboratory and the laboratories of the National Institute of Health Research in London, thanks to his influence and connections.

He has developed a strong relationship with the Faculty of Medicine, particularly with the bone tissue research laboratory headed by Prof. Rebel. This collaboration has also extended to the National Institute for Medical Research in London. The Angevin laboratory is honoured and grateful for the trust and friendship bestowed by Dr. Parsons, who is now an Honorary Doctor of our university. Dr. Parsons' presence as an Honorary Doctor adds credibility to the work conducted at the Faculty of Medicine."

The University of Angers awarded Professor John Anthony Parsons the Doctor Honoris Causa title on October 2, 1980