Robert M. Winslow, UCSD professor of medicine and founder of San Diego biotech company Sangart Inc. passed away at his home last month from brain cancer. He was 67.
An expert in blood-substitutes products and high-altitude physiology, Winslow led research expeditions to Peru, Chile, Nepal and Mount Everest to study life near the extremes of the earth’s oxygen atmosphere. From 1985 to 1991, he served as chief of the U.S. Army’s blood research division and acting deputy commander at the Letterman Army Institute of Research in Presidio of San Francisco.
‘Robert Winslow was my friend and colleague for over 20 years, and from the very beginning there was a very strong meeting of the minds,’ said UCSD professor of bioengineering and applied mechanics Marcos Intaglietta. ‘Bob was not shy about expressing his ideas and was very much appreciated for his outspoken commentary on important matters, but he had a great sense of humor and style.’
A native of New Ulm, Minn., Winslow graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1960 and earned his M.D. from Johns Hopkins University in 1966. He consulted for many government agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration, the World Health Organization, the Federal Aviation Administration and the Pan-American Health Organization. He is the author of over 200 scientific papers and several books on oxygen-transport physiology.
Winslow is survived by his wife, six children and six grandchildren.