Richard
H. Gadsden, Ph.D., a professor emeritus of pathology and laboratory
medicine at MUSC, died Dec. 25. He was 72.
Dr. Gadsden’s affiliation with MUSC goes back nearly 50 years to his days as a graduate student. He has served on the university faculty continuously since 1951. In May 1997 the university conferred upon Dr. Gadsden its prestigious Distinguished Faculty Service Award. The award honored his exceptional and sustained service and contributions in teaching, research, health care and public service to the university and citizens of South Carolina.
Dr. Gadsden was acclaimed as an excellent and thoughtful teacher in the fields of biochemistry, laboratory medicine and pathology. He has made significant contributions to the College of Graduate Studies, mentoring students, serving as an adviser to the deans of graduate studies, and playing an active role in alumni efforts on behalf of the College of Graduate Studies.
“Dr. Richard Gadsden was a distinguished and honorable scientist and gentleman,” said MUSC President Dr. James B. Edwards. “He was the epitome of a superb faculty member and was a role model for an untold number of young people throughout his years at the Medical University. In addition to his exemplary teaching and research contributions, he exerted a tremendous positive influence on the policies of our university through his active participation and leadership in some 30 university committees. Dr. Gadsden was unwavering in his desire to be of service. “He was my personal friend since we were together as classmates at the College of Charleston in the 50s. My deepest sympathies are extended to his wife and family. The MUSC family has lost a compassionate, caring and dedicated member.”
Dr. Gadsden’s main interests were in clinical biochemistry and toxicology. He served as co-director of clinical chemistry and has been active in the development of that field. He has authored more than 200 articles in professional journals and served on numerous editorial boards.
Holding a national reputation in the field of clinical chemistry, Dr. Gadsden served on numerous national, professional organizations, including president of the Association of Clinical Scientists, member of the National Council and Board of Directors of the American Association for Clinical Chemistry, and chairman of the Southeast Section of the American Association of Clinical Chemistry. Active in civic and church activities, Dr. Gadsden served on the Board of Trustees and Board of Visitors of the College of Charleston. He served as president of the College of Charleston Alumni Association and the Medical University of South Carolina Alumni Association. Dr. Gadsden served as president of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra Association, and he served on the Permanent Vestry of Grace Episcopal Church since 1977. Dr. Gadsden was elected to the Society of Sigma Xi, the national research honor society and Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical honor society. He was named an Outstanding Educator of American and cited in Who’s Who in America. A recipient of an honorary Doctor of Letters from the College of Charleston, Dr. Gadsden was named Alumnus of the Year by the College.
A graduate of the College of Charleston, Dr. Gadsden received his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the Medical University of South Carolina. From 1943 to 1946, Dr. Gadsden served in the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps in the Pacific. While attached to the Marine Corps, he participated in the second wave on Iwo Jima.
Dr. Gadsden is survived by his wife of 44 years, Emily Mercer Gadsden of Charleston; children, Judith Grier G. Brown of Charleston, Richard H. Gadsden Jr. of Charleston, Frank McCaull Gadsden of Clover, S.C, Philip Edward Gadsden of Wilmington, N.C., Ellen Leah Anne Gadsden of Charleston, and Johnathan Christopher Mercer Gadsden of Charleston; sister, Susie Gadsden Wilson of Winston-Salem, N.C.; and nine grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Richard H. Gadsden Lecture, Health Sciences Foundation, Medical University of South Carolina, 171 Ashley Ave., Charleston, S.C. 29425; or The Gadsden Family Scholarship of the College of Charleston Foundation, 66 George St., Charleston, S.C. 29424.