John Nicholas Whitaker (November 13, 1940 – August 29, 2001) was an American neurologist and immunologist dedicated to multiple sclerosis research. He was a pioneer in the field of neuroimmunology and contributed with the identification of myelin basic protein production in urine.[2]
John N. Whitaker | |
|---|---|
| Born | John Nicholas Whitaker November 13, 1940[1] |
| Died | August 29, 2001 (aged 60) |
| Alma mater | Hendrix College, University of Tennessee College of Medicine |
| Spouse | Elaine |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | neurology, immunology |
| Institutions | University of Alabama, Birmingham |
Biography
Whitaker was born in Memphis, Tennessee. He graduated from Hendrix College, after which he earned his medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine.[3] From 1985 until his death in 2001, he served as chairman of the neurology department at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.[3]
Research
Whitaker published more than 200 papers pertaining to multiple sclerosis.[4]
Service
From 1995 to 1997, Whitaker was president of the American Neurological Association.[5] He was also chair of the medical advisory board of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society from 1994 to 1997.[5] At the time of his death, Whitaker was also on the editorial boards of fourteen academic journals, and an associate editor of four others.[2]
Awards
Whitaker was a member of Alpha Omega Alpha. He also received a Javits Neuroscience Investigator Award, as well as the Outstanding Alumnus of the Year Award from the University of Tennessee College of Medical Alumni Association.[5]