John Allen Clements

American physician (1923–2024)

John Allen Clements (March 16, 1923 – September 3, 2024) was an American physician and physiologist known for his role in the discovery of pulmonary surfactant, a crucial factor in the development of life-saving treatments for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). His research revolutionized the care of premature infants, greatly reducing infant mortality.

Early life and education

Clements was born on March 16, 1923, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He developed an early interest in medicine, completing his undergraduate studies at Princeton University. He graduated from Weill Cornell Medical College in 1947.^[1]

Career

Clements began his career as a physiologist focused on cardiovascular research but later shifted to pulmonary medicine. In 1957, while working at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), he made his seminal discovery of pulmonary surfactant, a lipid-protein mixture that reduces surface tension in the lungs and prevents the collapse of alveoli during exhalation. This discovery was pivotal in understanding the causes of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, a common condition in premature infants.

Pulmonary surfactant discovery

Clements' research demonstrated that the absence or deficiency of surfactant was a major cause of RDS in premature infants. His findings spurred the development of synthetic surfactants, which are now routinely used in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) worldwide to treat preterm infants. This breakthrough dramatically reduced infant mortality and has saved countless lives.^[2]

Later life and legacy

Clements continued to contribute to pulmonary biology and neonatal care throughout his career at UCSF, mentoring young scientists and furthering research into adult lung diseases. His contributions to medicine extended beyond his scientific discoveries, influencing generations of researchers and clinicians.

Clements died on September 3, 2024, at the age of 101.^[3]^[4]

Awards

1983 Gairdner Foundation International Award
1994 Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award^[5]
2008 Pollin Prize for Pediatric Research

References

^ "Commencement Exercises Confer Degrees, Honors at Carnegie Hall" on News From Weill Cornell.
^ "How A Scientist's Slick Discovery Helped Save Preemies' Lives". NPR.org. Retrieved November 8, 2020.
^ "John Allen Clements". Neptune Society. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
^ Kurtzman, Laura. "John Clements, Whose Science Transformed Newborn Care, Dies at 101". University of California, San Francisco. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
^ "The Lasker Foundation Awards' official site". Archived from the original on May 23, 2015. Retrieved November 26, 2014.