Maurice Gerald Nelson
BMJ 2006; 332 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.332.7534.182-c (Published 19 January 2006) Cite this as: BMJ 2006;332:182Data supplement
Maurice Gerald Nelson
Former consultant clinical pathologist and professor of haematology Belfast (b 19 June 1914; q Belfast 1937), d 4 November 2005.Gerald Nelson had a brilliant undergraduate career and graduated with honours from Queen’s University. After his house officer year he joined the university department of pathology. In 1940 he achieved membership of the Royal College of Physicians, London. In 1947, after five years’ service in the Royal Air Force as specialist medical officer, he took up the post of consultant clinical pathologist at the Royal Victoria Hospital, but within a few years haematology became his designated specialty. A pioneer in the automation of laboratory procedures he was a member of the Department of Health Laboratory Advisory Group and chairman of the haematology subgroup for eight years. Clinically he developed a haematology inpatient unit and one of the first outpatient and day treatment facilities. He was responsible for the establishment of the Northern Ireland Haemophilia Centre and a founder member of the MRC’s working party on adult leukaemia.
When the BMA visited in Belfast in 1952, he was the meeting scientific secretary. In 1969 he became both president of the Association of Clinical Pathologists and the British Society for Haematology. A founder member of the College of Pathologists, he served on their council for three terms. In 1971 Queen’s University appointed him to a personal chair.
A caring physician, very supportive of his patients and their families, he was largely responsible for the Northern Ireland Leukaemia Research Fund, a local charity, which has raised over £6m for local research.
A dedicated golfer, he was immensely proud of having been captain of Royal County Down.
He is survived by Hazel, his wife of 64 years, son, daughter, and grandchildren, but predeceased by his eldest son. [J M Bridges, E E Mayne]
See more
- Introductory AddressProv Med Surg J October 03, 1840, s1-1 (1) 1-4; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.s1-1.1.1
- Report of the Meeting of the Eastern Branch of the Provincial Association at Bury St. Edmond'sProv Med Surg J October 03, 1840, s1-1 (1) 10-13; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.s1-1.1.10
- Mr. Warburton's Bill for the Regulation of the Medical ProfessionProv Med Surg J October 03, 1840, s1-1 (1) 13-15; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.s1-1.1.13
- An Atlas of Plates, illustrative of the Principles and Practice of Obstetric Medicine and Surgery, with descriptive LetterpressProv Med Surg J October 03, 1840, s1-1 (1) 4; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.s1-1.1.4
- A Practical Treatise on the Diseases peculiar to Women, illustrated by Cases, &cProv Med Surg J October 03, 1840, s1-1 (1) 4-5; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.s1-1.1.4-a