In Memory of Professor Bill Fraser

All of us at ROS are deeply saddened by the news of Professor Bill Fraser’s recent passing.

Professor Fraser, born and educated in Glasgow, was known for his contributions to the diagnosis and treatment of metabolic bone disease, including osteoporosis.

Following a career spanning 20 years at Royal Liverpool University Hospital, he later moved to Norwich Medical School at the University of East Anglia where he held many senior leadership roles, including Dean of the Medical School.

ROS Chair, Professor Neil Gittoes, shares his personal reflections on the sad news:

“Bill Fraser dedicated decades of his professional life to advancing the field of bone and mineral disorders and bone health. Bill's perspectives as a clinical biochemist always offered highly knowledgeable insight and he was renowned internationally for his pioneering work in developing assays to help in the management of patients with common and rare bone and mineral disorders.

“Bill provided national laboratory services to the NHS that many clinical centres have used over the decades. Furthermore, he contributed to many high-profile international studies that formulated the basis of modern-day care of patients with osteoporosis and other bone related conditions. 

“Bill was charismatic, straight talking, and always had patients at the centre of his thoughts. He stood visibly to champion the cause of hypoparathyroidism, a rare calcium problem, in the UK and beyond, and was one of the founder members, alongside Liz Glenister, in establishing Parathyroid UK (formerly Hypoparathyroidism UK). 

“Bill was a great colleague and friend and someone who I would make an effort to sit near during social gatherings as an evening of laughter and enjoyment was guaranteed. Bill was a larger-than-life character full of charisma, ambition and delivery, but above all with patients at the centre of all he achieved over so many decades. Bill will be sorely missed.”

We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Professor Fraser’s family and to all those who knew him.