Dr. Robert H. Williams in his laboratory in 1978

DR. ROBERT HARDIN WILLIAMS

Born September 27, 1909, in Savannah, Tennessee, Robert Williams was a 1929 graduate of Washington and Lee University and recieved his medical degree in 1934 from Johns Hopkins University. He received his training in internal medicine at Vanderbilt University Hospital, Johns Hopkins Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital.

Dr. Williams was recruited to the newly created University of Washington School of Medicine from Harvard University in 1948 to organize and become the first chairman of the Department of Medicine, a position he held until 1963. The department he created has achieved national acclaim.

Dr. Williams was professor of medicine from 1948 to 1975 and during the same years served as head of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism. In 1972 he became director and principal founder of the UW Diabetes Research Institute and was the first director of the UW Diabetes Research Center from 1974 to 1977.

He trained more than 100 physicians in the specialty of endocrinology, most of whom went to careers in teaching and research. He published more than 300 scientific papers and several books, his Textbook of Endocrinology is regarded as the standard in the field and has been translated into several foreign languages. Founder and president of numerous national professional societies, Dr. Williams was presented with awards for outstanding achievement by nine professional organizations.

Beyond his many accomplishments, Bob Williams was a man revered by all who knew him. Various descriptions include: indomitable, irrepressible, boundlessly enthusiastic, sensitive, responsive, concerned, encouraging, self-confident, courageous - a man of vision.

Dr. Robert H. Williams died en route to Philadelphia to see a patient on November 4, 1979. His legacy remains in an outstanding School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, and the Robert H. Williams Endowed Chair in Medicine.