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Aubrey R. Morrison, MBBS, HS ’78

Aubrey R. Morrison, MBBS, professor of medicine and of developmental biology, is a pioneer in studying triggers and mechanisms involved in inflammatory processes in the body.

A kidney disease specialist who has been on the faculty of Washington University School of Medicine for more than 40 years, Morrison has focused his research on chronic kidney disease and how cytokine proteins, important in cell signaling, and hormone-like substances called prostaglandins interact to control the body’s response to inflammation, injury or illness. His research led to the groundbreaking discovery of the role that a specific enzyme called COX-2 plays in the body’s response inflammation. That discovery proved to be the foundation for development of drugs such as Celebrex, a medication now commonly prescribed for arthritis and cancer. Morrison’s studies on prostaglandins and their role in obstructive kidney disease also led to clinical warnings being issued about the risk of taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, for patients with severe renal injury or illness.

For his work, Morrison was recognized with the Award of Excellence from the National Kidney Foundation of Missouri. In 2011 he was named a Master of the American College of Physicians (ACP) and was the first physician from Washington University to receive the ACP’s Award for Outstanding Work in Science as Related to Medicine. Ever vigilant about the quality of research, he has served as chair of the School of Medicine’s Committee on Research Integrity since 2006.

Morrison is also passionate about patient care and education. He is known as a physician with incredible clinical skill and empathy, and, for more than a decade, he has been listed among Best Doctors in America. He is credited with mentoring many fellows and physician-scientists and served as director of the Renal Fellowship Training Program from 2008-2011.

For his distinguished service at Washington University School of Medicine and for his outstanding contributions to advance the understanding and treatment of renal disease, the Washington University Medical Center Alumni Association is pleased to present its Faculty Achievement Award to Dr. Morrison.

Published: 03/05/2017