JOHN LARAGH

1924 - 2015

LARAGH, John H. MD--Died on March 20, 2015. Born in Yonkers, NY; he graduated from Cornell University Medical College and then trained in medicine at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons where he became a world renowned clinician-scientist. By observing his patients, indentifying key medical questions, and applying scientific rigor, he showed that renin, a kidney hormone, can cause human hypertension, and that blocking it can control high blood pressure. This led to the development of two new hypertensive drug classes, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers. These drugs revolutionized the treatment of hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. His discoveries led to a cover story in Time magazine in 1975. John was founding President of the American Society of Hypertension. He crossed the traditional boundaries of medicine as Chief of Nephrology at Columbia P&S, then Chief of Cardiology at Weill Cornell Medical College. He was a generous mentor - warm hearted with boyish charm who liked to sing and whistle around these prestigious institutions. He inspired generations of clinician-scientists to become leaders world wide. His patients became his friends, and they supported his research and encouraged his passion for golf. This visionary, yet humble man brought the treatment of hypertension and cardiovascular disease into the 21st century, thereby improving innumerable lives. Dr. Laragh was 90 years old. He was predeceased by his mother Grace Coyne and father Henry Laragh. He is survived by his wife and collaborator Dr. Jean Sealey, his sons John and Robert, daughter-in-law Marci and granddaughter Eliana. Contributions in his name can be made to Doctors Without Borders and The Salvation Army.