Dr. Blackburn (1936-2017) had a direct and major impact across multiple disciplines as a surgeon, clinician, teacher/mentor, researcher, author, and colleague. An innovator and visionary, Dr. Blackburn made countless contributions in the fields nutrition medicine, hyperalimentation, weight loss, and obesity surgery. A revered figure in the worlds of weight loss surgery, scientific research, medical education and mentorship, and clinical practice, Dr. Blackburn’s research led to advances in treatment and patient care. His many academic leadership roles included: the S. Daniel Abraham Chair, Professor of Nutrition Medicine and Associate Director of the Division of Nutrition at Harvard Medical School, the Scientific Director and founder of the Center for the Study of Nutrition Medicine (CSNM) in the Department of Surgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), and Associate Director of the Boston Nutrition Obesity Research Center (BNORC), an NIH-funded research organization that conducts clinical trials in the areas of obesity and nutrition. Over the course of his prolific research career, Dr. Blackburn received eight major grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He was recognized and honored by numerous medical associations, colleges and universities for his life’s work as an author, dedicated teacher and mentor, and tireless public health advocate.

Dr. Blackburn published over 400 original articles. He was on the editorial board of and a reviewer for numerous journals including, the Journal of the American Medical Association, New England Journal of Medicine, Annals of Internal Medicine, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, Obesity and Bariatric Times.