Don H. Nelson, a retired professor of medicine at the University of Utah who gained international acclaim for his work in biochemistry and endocrinology, died Jan. 11, 2010. He was 84.
Nelson, a former chairman of the U.'s Department of Endocrinology, had previously taught at both Harvard University and the University of Southern California. While he gained renown as a biochemist, a clinician and as a professor of endocrinology — he wrote material still used in texts today in medical schools worldwide — he also secured a little piece of medical history. Nelson syndrome, a condition in which a tumor in the pituitary gland produces too much of a hormone which in turns creates excessive pigment, bears his name.
Nelson, who graduated from medical school at age 21, had also served as chief of medicine at LDS Hospital.
Much of his research centered on cortisol, the main hormone produced by the adrenal gland. His work in separating the hormone in blood has helped diagnose conditions such as Addison's disease and Cushing's syndrome.
Over the course of his career, he was honored by the National Academy of Sciences, NASA and the Endocrine Society.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Jan. 15, at 11 a.m. in the Arlington Hills-Federal Heights Ward, 1300 Fairfax Road. Friends may call Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary (2000 E. 1300 South) and Friday an hour before the service. He will be buried in the Millville City Cemetery, in Cache Valley.