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SC’s first nephrologist, educator dies Sept. 2 by Cindy Abole Public Relations Newton C. Brackett Jr., M.D., Professor Emeritus of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, died at a local hospital Sept. 2. The funeral service was held Sept. 5, in First Scots Presbyterian Church, with burial at Edisto Island Presbyterian Churchyard.   Dr. Newton Brackett Brackett was born July 24, 1928, in Greenville. The son of the late Dr. and Mrs. Newton C. Brackett of Pickens, Brackett was an Eagle Scout and joined the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War in Japan. In 1949, he attended Clemson College and then completed his medical degree from the Medical College of South Carolina (now MUSC)  in 1959. He completed his residency at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, before conducting a nephrology fellowship in Boston. He joined MUSC’s Division of Nephrology in 1969.   Brackett was a fellow of the Medical College of Physicians and held the distinction as being the first qualified nephrologist practicing in South Carolina. Aside from his patient care, he held an active clinical research interest in pathophysiology and treatment of hypertension and acid-base disorders.   “One of our longest serving and most astute clinicians, Dr. Brackett was highly respected by his peers and patients alike,” said John Feussner, M.D., professor and chairman, Department of Medicine.   “All of us in Nephrology at MUSC will miss him immensely in many ways,” said David Ploth, M.D., Arthur V. Williams Jr. Professor of Medicine and director, Division of Nephrology. “I will remember him for his loyalty. Dr. Brackett was one of my strongest supporters at the time of my arrival at MUSC, now many years ago. He continued to support the division through immense change in all of its missions to the present time. He continued to participate actively in conference discussions, frequently offering incredible historical or clinical experience insight to clinical and research problems for our trainees and our junior faculty. His meticulous and thorough care of patients continued at an enviable high level.”   In addition, Brackett helped edit papers and review manuscripts submitted to the American Journal of the Medical Sciences. He authored and co-wrote several important research papers regarding acute and chronic acidoses and alkaloses. These papers are considered classics of clinical investigation, according to Ploth. They continue to be referenced at a high rate, even 40 years after publication. The regression equations for adaptation to chronic acidoses and alkaloses derived by Brackett and his colleagues contribute to every acid-based nomogram in use today, Ploth said.   Brackett's most recent service as a medical educator included participation in the Doctoring Curriculum and Physician Diagnosis for the fall semester, currently on-going. He also actively participated as a faculty interviewer for the admissions committee throughout his service with MUSC.      “Dr. Brackett was the consummate physician and educator,” said Perry V. Halushka, M.D., Ph.D., Dean, College of Graduate Studies. “He was a role model for medical students and faculty.  He was compassionate, erudite and practical in his approach to the care of his patients. I always enjoyed my discussions with him, which were focused on how to improve the care of his patients. He will be sorely missed by me.” In 2006, Brackett was nominated for the hospital's Monthly Magnet MD Award by a former patient. The nomination, in part, read: “Dr. Newton C. Brackett exemplifies the kind of doctor that anyone would want to be treated by for an illness. His specialty is nephrology and he does an efficient job at it. You must know that it's not just a job or profession, but he shows an impeccable interest, care and dedication for others along with respect.”   A member of First Scots Presbyterian Church, Bracket is survived by wife, Ann Bailey Brackett; five children; Dr. Craig Brackett and wife, Amy, of Pawleys Island; Richard Brackett and Scott Brackett, both of Charleston; Robbin Brackett of Greenville; and Elizabeth Brackett of Charleston; and grandchildren and other family.   Memorials may be made to Brackett-Williams Nephrology Research Fellowship Fund, Nephrology Division, 171 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, S.C., 29402.     Friday, Sept. 14, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.