Professor Rolf-Christian Gaillard – Champion of endocrinology in Europe

I have the difficult task of informing our membership that Professor Rolf-Christian Gaillard, one of our Executive Committee members, passed away last week.

Rolf was the Chairman of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, as well as Professor of Medicine, at the Faculty of Medicine, and University Hospital, in Lausanne, Switzerland. He was very active in neuroscience and was President of the Executive Board of the European Neuroendocrine Association.

He was a superb scientist involved in several aspect of endocrine physiology: pituitary tumours, neuroendocrine control of obesity, endocrinology of stress, adrenal pathology. His contribution includes more than 200 publications in prestigious journals.

Rolf was a passionate supporter of European endocrinology, especially within our Executive Committee, where he stood as the President of the Section and Board of Endocrinology of the European Union of Medical Specialists.

On a more personal note I had interacted with Rolf for a very long time, especially when I was the President of the French Endocrine Society. He was always keen to participate in any new adventure and a strong supporter of European endocrinology.

Rolf was everything we expect from a great endocrinologist: he had passion, competence and above all he was a gentleman. We will not forget him, and the Society will pay a special tribute to Rolf in Florence at our next European Congress. The Society conveys our condolences to his wife Francine and his family.