Pediatric scholar Forbes dies at 87

he internationally recognized scholar of pediatric care and Medical Center legend Gilbert Burnett Forbes '40M (MD) died June 26 at Strong Memorial Hospital after a short illness. He was 87.

"Dr. Forbes is well known to our medical school as well as to generations of pediatricians worldwide whom he trained," says Elizabeth McAnarney, pediatrician-in-chief at Golisano Children's Hospital. "He remained actively involved in teaching our residents and fellows until his final illness."

After graduating from the School of Medicine and Dentistry, Forbes completed his residency training at the St. Louis Children's Hospital. In 1953, he returned to Rochester and joined the pediatrics department after having served as the first chair of pediatrics at the Southwestern Medical School at the University of Texas at Dallas.

Throughout his career, Forbes achieved many honors and distinctions. He was named the J. Lowell Orbison Alumni Distinguished Service Professor in 1981 and served as president of the Society for Pediatric Research. He held a Research Career Development Award from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development from 1962 to 2003.

Forbes also received the Borden Award of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the John Howland Award of the American Pediatric Society. In 1997, the University honored Forbes with the Arthur Kornberg Research Award.

Author of Human Body Composition: Growth, Aging, Nutrition, and Activity--a work that McAnarney says has remained an important resource in teaching and in practice since its publication in 1987--Forbes gained international recognition as a lecturer on body composition and nutrition and fitness.

Although Forbes officially retired in 1981, he remained an active figure at the Medical Center until only months before his death.

In addition to the mezzanine in the Kornberg Research Building and a prize in pediatric research that currently bear his name, the University will honor Forbes's legacy with the Gilbert B. Forbes Room in the new Pediatric Intensive Care Unit/Cardiac Intensive Care Unit scheduled to open in the fall of 2004.

Forbes is survived by daughters Connie Forbes Citro and Susan Forbes Martin and four grandsons. A memorial service was held June 29 at First Baptist Church of Rochester. Forbes was interred at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Maintained by University Public Relations
Please send your comments and suggestions to:
Public Relations.