About the Program · About Dr. Paul Beeson

This distinguished leader in medicine, who recently passed away at the age of 97, exemplified the word "physician" — accomplished in the art of healing and the treatment of disease. His contributions as a scientist, clinician, and teacher have greatly expanded knowledge and understanding of the human condition, and in pursuing his work, he never lost focus on the importance of care in serving people. Dr. Beeson was Chairman of Medicine at Emory and Yale Medical Schools, Nuffield Professor at Oxford University and Professor and distinguished VA Physician at the University of Washington. He chaired the first Institute of Medicine study on "Aging and Medical Education" in 1978. His leadership as an editor of the Cecil Textbook of Medicine greatly influenced medical education. From his research and patient care base, he grew increasingly interested in the process of aging. This interest led to a commitment that included his editorship of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. He profoundly influenced the career paths of many young physicians, several of whom now form the core leadership in geriatric medicine. Dr. Beeson was, in short, a physician who exemplified the William Osler tradition of excellence.

To read more about Dr. Beeson's life and work, click here.