Oliver Holmes
BMJ 2004; 329 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.329.7468.745-a (Published 23 September 2004) Cite this as: BMJ 2004;329:745
Data supplement
Oliver Holmes
Physiologist. Formerly senior lecturer Institute of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow (b Cambridge 1933; q UCL 1958; DSc, MSc, BA (hons)), died from colorectal cancer on 13 June 2004.Oliver’s commitment to neuroscience began during his intercalating BSc course, followed by an MSc, at University College London. After preregistration posts, he returned to physiology. At the Institute of Psychiatry as an MRC fellow he entered the field of epilepsy research. Appointments followed at Leicester University, at the Royal Postgraduate Medical School, and finally in 1975 at the (then) Institute of Physiology in Glasgow.
His studies of the neural circuitry responsible for epilepsy contributed significantly to basic epileptology, involving sophisticated analysis of the electrical activity in the different layers of the cerebral cortex of anaesthetised rats with chemically induced epileptiform foci. With computing already one of his many strengths, in his 50s he further advanced his analytical skills by taking a BA (hons) in mathematics with the Open University. Successive PhD and BSc (hons) students were privileged to have their names on many of his publications, and as well as collaborators from other disciplines, including clinical pharmacology, psychology, and anatomy.
Oliver was conscientiously committed to scientific medical education. Favouring a structured approach, he provided exercises and problem sets (long before "PBL"!) "to give the students opportunities to use their physiological knowledge rather than merely to regurgitate it," and promoted learning objectives and well designed "multiple choice" questions as a test of logical thinking. Well able to assist understanding in any aspect of physiology, he published a student text on Human Acid-Base Physiology as well as Human Neurophysiology.
Oliver was a devoted family man, and an accomplished musician; for many of us a valued friend and a staunch colleague. Erstwhile postgraduates especially recall his kindness, generosity, and inspiring influence.
He leaves his Czech cellist wife, Marie, and four children, of whom two are in computing and two are medical students: a proper inheritance. [Sheila Jennett]