Professor Sir Abraham Goldberg Kt, MB, ChB, MD (Edinburgh), DSc (Glasgow), FRCPGlas, FRCPE, FRCP, FFPM (Edinburgh 1923 – Edinburgh 2007) was born to a Lithuanian father – a travelling salesman and a Ukrainian mother – a fine seamstress. From these humble beginnings, he became a world authority on porphyria and an expert on lead poisoning, the latter influencing the implementation of a safe water supply for Glasgow.
Goldberg studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh before conscription into the Royal Army Medical Corps took him to Egypt.
In 1956 Goldberg was awarded the gold medal for his MD thesis on porphyria by the University of Edinburgh and in 1957 he began his career in medicine at Glasgow University where he remained until retirement.
Publishing more than 250 papers, Goldberg’s sustained academic output was rewarded with his appointment to the Regius Chair of the Practice of Medicine, Glasgow University in 1978. He was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, was chairman of the Committee on Safety of Medicines (CSM) in London and of the Biomedical Research Committee of the Chief Scientists Office (Scottish Home and Health Department). In 1983 he received a knighthood for his many services to medicine. Goldberg also spent a considerable amount of time teaching, inspiring further generations of doctors and researchers.
Abe, as he was known to family, friends and colleagues, gave generously of his time in charitable works, including as a member of the Council of Christians and Jews.
(Image courtesy of Professor Richard Goldberg)
Edinburgh Jewish Studies Network 