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Jack H. Ladenson, PhD

Jack H. Ladenson, PhD

Jack H. Ladenson, PhD, the Oree M. Carroll and Lillian B. Ladenson Professor in Clinical Chemistry, a nationally renowned expert in laboratory medicine, is being recognized for his important contributions to development of laboratory medicine services in several developing nations.

Ladenson, a pioneering investigator, is world renowned for developing tests for the blood proteins CK-MB and troponin-I. These tests are now standard methods for diagnosing heart attacks. But for many years, Ladenson has extended his clinical impact further through his work in developing nations.

Since 1996, Ladenson has worked with the not-for-profit organization Pathologists Overseas to establish nationwide laboratory medicine services in the East African nation of Eritrea. He arranged for free clinical equipment and supplies, established training programs for medical professionals, and developed a quality-assurance program now used as a model by other developing nations. He also arranged to have Barnes-Jewish Hospital serve as the reference laboratory for all of Eritrea. He now is working on similar efforts in the Southeast Asian country of Bhutan.

“The project has significantly increased the availability of services to the people of Eritrea,” says Melles Seyoum, director of the Eritrean National Health Laboratory. Ladenson also helped develop a successful diabetes management program in Eritrea and played an important advisory role in establishing its first medical school.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1964 and his doctoral degree in 1971 from the University of Maryland. He joined the Washington University faculty in 1972 and in 1980 was named director of the clinical chemistry section. He has received many national and international awards. Ladenson has helped establish three endowed professorships: the Oree M. Carroll and Lillian B. Ladenson Professorship in Clinical Chemistry, the Conan Professorship in Laboratory Medicine, and the Ladenson Professorship of Pathology.

Published: 01/23/2010