Vale Julian Thomas “Bill” Parer

Julian Thomas "Bill" Parer

Renowned Professor of Obstetrics Julian Thomas “Bill” Parer died early this month in Marin, California.  

Born in Melbourne, Bill obtained a Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree from Melbourne University, a Master of Rural Science degree from University of New England, a PhD from Oregon State University, and an MD from the University of Washington in Seattle. After completing a Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center, he joined the Faculty at the University of California San Francisco in 1974.  He was a Professor of Obstetrics, and continued clinical care, teaching and research at that institution.

“Bill was a respected and valued member of the perinatal research community,” said Associate Professor Tim Moss, head of the Perinatal Inflammation Research Group at The Ritchie Centre, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University.

Professor Graham Jenkin from the Ritchie Centre knew Bill as “a close colleague of many of us in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and The Ritchie Centre. He was a frequent visitor. His challenging clinical workshops and lectures here always drew large crowds.”

Bill served as President (2002-4) and Scribe (2005-7) of the Fetal and Neonatal Physiological Society (FNPS). He was one of the longest-standing contributors to the FNPS conference. Associate Professor Moss said Bill was always in the front row (with abstract book in hand), by the bar (with glass in hand) or on the dance floor (with dancing partner in hand)—Bill was unmissable.

“This year’s 43rd annual meeting of the FNPS in Cambridge will be poorer for Bill’s absence,” said Associate Professor Moss.

Colleague and friend Associate Professor David Walker from the Ritchie Centre, who knew Bill for many years, said he was the most excellent of friends.