Harry S. Margolius, M.D., Ph.D., Professor Emeritus and former chairman of the Department of Pharmacology, died June 17 after a long illness. He was 74.

A researcher, inventor and author, Margolius worked at MUSC for more than 30 years and conducted a variety of pharmacology research. More specifically, he contributed to discoveries in understanding high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease in humans and animals, which led to a patent for his work.

College of Graduate Studies Dean and pharmacology professor Perry V. Halushka, M.D., Ph.D., was a friend and worked alongside Margolius for decades. He saw the major role Margolius played in the growth of the department and subsequent rise as chairman.

Dr. Harry Margolius died June 17. Donations may be made to: National Organization for Rare Disorders, 55 Kenosia Ave., Danbury, CT, 06810. Indicate an acknowledgement for restricted research in Pick's disease in memory of Dr. Harry. S. Margolius.

"Harry was a good friend and colleague for 40 years, starting when we were both in the same branch of the National Institutes of Health. His scholarly approach to both his research and leadership was always greatly appreciated and recognized. He will be missed for both his leadership and friendship."

Fellow researcher Dan Knapp, Ph.D., Distinguished University Professor and MUSC Proteomics Center director, also praised Margolius for his vision as a leader, educator and scientist.

"Harry Margolius was one of a group recruited in the early 1970s by then chairman Tom Gaffney. This group developed the Pharmacology Department into the top research department at MUSC, and Harry continued the legacy when he subsequently became chairman. Gaffney also established a strong commitment to teaching, and Harry continued maintaining the department's reputation as the leader in basic sciences teaching."

Associate provost for research Stephen M. Lanier, Ph.D., remembers being recruited by Margolius in 1991 following the completion of his postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. It was around that same time that Margolius, as chair, was building a strong and nationally recognized pharmacology department.

"Dr. Margolius was always a great judge of high quality science and a committed educator who made many contributions to MUSC and the broader professional community over the years. I will always appreciate his support and encouragement."

Layton McCurdy, M.D., College of Medicine Dean Emeritus and Distinguished University Professor, remembered Margolius for his commitment and enjoyable personality.

"Harry Margolius was a successful chair at a difficult time. His leadership made an important difference in the progress of the College of Medicine. Also, he was fun to work with."

An upstate New York native, Margolius earned his undergraduate degree in pharmacy from Albany College of Pharmacy 1959 and a doctoral degree in pharmacology in 1963 from Albany Medical College of Union University. In 1968, he received his medical degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Margolius completed his residency in internal medicine with Harvard Medical Services of the Boston City Hospital and later, worked as a senior clinical investigator at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

In addition, Margolius served on advisory committees for the NIH, National Science Foundation, Veteran's Administration and other agencies and as a consultant working in private industry. He was the recipient of several state and national awards, including the South Carolina Governor's Award for Excellence in Science, the Burroughs Wellcome Scholar Award in Clinical Pharmacology and other honors. He was a member of several national professional organizations and authored several books, journal articles and chapters.

Margolius is survived by his wife, Francine R. Margolius, Ed.D., and their children.