Robert Schrier was a giant in nephrology. I met him a couple of times at Kidney Week but he was well past his prime and it was hard to make out the lion that he must have been. I didn’t know Dr. Schrier but I do know someone who knew how quite well.
Ever since I left fellowship I have worked at Saint Clair Specialty Physicians. It was originally a multi-specialty practice with internists, surgeons, hematologists and nephrologists. But things change and we are now a couple dozen nephrologist and one vascular surgeon. The practice is one of the oldest nephrology practices in Michigan. It was started by Joe Beals in the 70’s.
Joe was a Hoosier and went to DePauw where he was roommates and fraternity brothers with Robert Schrier. When you think of how small the field of nephrology was in the 60’s, it’s incredible to imagine that college roommates would both independently navigate to the same field. Here is Joe in his own words after I told him that Schrier had passed.
Thanks Joel, no I hadn’t heard. So sad! One of the smartest guys I ever knew. Was a fraternity brother, Sigma Nu, at DePauw University in Greencastle, IN. He was on the DePauw basketball team and baseball team. Worked his way through college working in the kitchen at a sorority house. He sold Fuller Brushes with me one summer in Indianapolis. Has 5 kids, all names starting with “D.” Most if not all also attended DePauw. Wife was a Theta at DePauw. A Fulbright Scholar. Will be missed.
Joseph Beals
Joe is a great doctor and has been a good friend. Strange to realize that I’m the youngest partner at St Clair that worked with the founder.