Malcolm Donaldson Obituary

Dr. Malcolm Donaldson, a distinguished paediatric endocrinologist, made a lasting impact on child health through his contributions to the field of endocrinology, particularly in conditions like Congenital Hypothyroidism, Turner syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome. Born in 1950, he pursued his medical degree at Bristol University, graduating in 1973. His interest in paediatric endocrinology was sparked during his early career, particularly by his time at Great Ormond Street, London under the mentorship of David Grant and by his time spent in Lyon with Maguelone Forest, eventually becoming a Senior Lecturer in Child Health at the University of Glasgow in 1989, succeeding William Hamilton, a founder member of ESPE. As a single-handed paediatric endocrinologist between 1989 and 2000, Malcolm played a pivotal role in developing the endocrine service in Glasgow and the West of Scotland and saw the value in developing a multidisciplinary team of allied health professionals, geneticists, biochemists and data managers who could deliver care and perform research in children with rare and common endocrine conditions. After his retirement in 2012, Malcolm continued to contribute to academia as an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow.

Many will remember Malcolm as the left-handed guitar player who would pull out his guitar whilst waiting for his bags to appear at the luggage belt at an airport. It was his guitar which led him to meet his wife Julia in Bristol in the 1960s and strengthened his affiliation to France and all things European when he spent summers busking with Julia. It was, therefore, no surprise that the relationship between Malcolm and ESPE was another match made in heaven. He immersed himself in several activities and to such an extent that ESPE recognised him in 2015 with the ESPE Outstanding Clinician Award. Even in retirement, his passion for improving the lives of children with endocrine conditions was evident through his ongoing involvement in research and teaching. ​

Malcolm sadly passed away in September 2024, leaving behind a legacy of medical innovation, compassionate care, and dedication to paediatric health. His contributions will continue to resonate in the field of paediatric endocrinology and child health in the UK, Europe and beyond for many years to come. His warmth, wisdom and gentle spirit will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all you knew him.