By Lawrence R. Schiller, MD, MACG, Dallas, TX
John S. Fordtran, MD was the most consequential gastroenterologist of the 20th century.
His studies of the physiology of water and electrolyte transport in the human gut using innovative methods that he invented provided the scientific basis for oral rehydration therapy, a life-saving therapy for severe diarrhea which has been responsible for the survival of millions of children and adults.
These physiology studies also resulted in the development of oral colon preparation solutions for colonoscopy, such as Golytely® and SuPrep®, which made colonoscopy screening for colon cancer more effective, and Miralax®, which is widely used for treatment of constipation. His research studies of gastric acid secretion proved the importance of acid inhibition in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease and were instrumental in the development of histamine-2 receptor antagonists, such as cimetidine and ranitidine, and proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole. These drugs still are used by millions every day for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease and ulcers.
He was a keen clinician and identified microscopic colitis syndrome as a common cause of chronic diarrhea, and chronic idiopathic secretory diarrhea as a self-limited illness. He viewed every patient as an opportunity to learn more about how the body works and to develop ways to treat others.
These brilliant scientific accomplishments tell only part of the story. Dr. Fordtran was a humble man who did not allow fame to go to his head. He was scrupulously ethical in all that he did. He was a curious man who was not only interested in the causes of illness but also in people afflicted with the ailment. His interest in people led to a raft of stories about colleagues, and his expertise as a storyteller made his recollections special. He was always willing to help others and to try to find solutions for problems, whether they be clinical, scientific, or administrative. This same altruism extended to teaching medical students, residents, and fellows. Many of his trainees went on to be respected teachers, investigators, and physicians; all heavily influenced by his example.
Dr. Fordtran was a fastidious writer, editor, and teacher. He crafted his manuscripts and lecture slides with great care to provide exactly the meaning that he wanted to convey. He would go through dozens of drafts to perfect the order of ideas and the ideas themselves. New concepts that emerged during writing might result in more experiments; in a sense, writing was an extension of his scientific method. He would listen to criticism, assess its validity, and incorporate it as appropriate without taking it personally. In his work as an editor, he would give constructive criticism and suggestions that invariably optimized the author’s writing.
Dr. Fordtran was a great role model. He cared about people; he cared about accuracy; he cared about doing the right things the right way. He was a hard worker willing to put in the time to achieve the best results possible. In an era when academicians traveled widely to make their reputations, Dr. Fordtran took as his motto, “Travel is the road to nothingness.” He stayed at home and worked diligently. I think that is why he achieved so much in life; he focused on what was important and pursued it.
His legacy lives on in his writings and in the hearts and minds of his trainees and colleagues. The world is a better place for his hard work and love. He will be long remembered.
— Lawrence R. Schiller, MD, MACG, Dallas, TX
