Professor James Shepherd FRSE 1944-2022

We are saddened by the recent death of Professor James Shepherd who amongst his many contributions was a key driver in the foundation of The Asian Pacific Society of Atherosclerosis and Vascular Diseases (APSAVD) in 1995 and an important presence long term but especially during its early activities. He was awarded Honorary Membership of the Society in 1996.

Jim Shepherd was a world pioneer in the investigation of the causes, prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease. His interest in science was evident early in his life when he dissected animals in the kitchen, performed chemistry experiments at home and injured himself making a rocket in the family garage. He attended the University of Glasgow graduating BSc in 1965 and MBChB with honours in 1968 winning the Brunton Prize awarded to the most distinguished graduate of the year. He gained his PhD in 1972.

Continuing his long association with the University of Glasgow he was lecturer in Biochemistry from 1969-72 and senior lecturer from 1972-88 when he was appointed Professor and Head of the Department of Vascular Biochemistry. He was also lead consultant at the NHS Greater Glasgow Department of Clinical Chemistry.

In the 1970s at a time when there was still much debate about whether cholesterol had any role in atherosclerosis he commenced research into the metabolism of lipoproteins using radioactively labelled lipoproteins. During a sabbatical in Houston Texas in the laboratory of Dr Tony Gotto he participated in the Lipid Research Clinics Primary Prevention Trial stimulating his interest in primary prevention. This led to his instigation of The West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study (WOSCOPS) showing that primary prevention with Pravastatin was effective. The 20-year follow up study of this trial helped to establish the long-term safety and efficacy of statins.

In the subsequent Prospective Study of Pravastatin in the Elderly at Risk (PROSPER) he showed that statins were also effective in preventing cardiovascular disease after age 70 years.

Author of over 600 scientific articles he served as Editor in Chief of Atherosclerosis, was a former Chairman of the European Atherosclerosis Society and a founder member of both the British Hyperlipidaemia Association and APSAVD.

He travelled widely learning all about the places and people he visited, lecturing and supporting colleagues worldwide and engaging them with his wonderful singing voice, ever present smile, good humour, encouragement and sincerity.

Vale Jim. You will be greatly missed by your family friends and colleagues