Alan Joel Garber, MD., PhD

Alan was born on February 27, 1943 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Maurice and Lillian Garber. He attended Central High School, Temple University, Temple University School of Medicine, and the Fels Research Institute where he received his Doctorate of Philosophy degree. Following a fellowship in Diabetes and Metabolism at Washington University School of Medicine/Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, he moved with his family to Houston, Texas. Alan joined the faculty at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, initially as assistant professor and investigator for the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. From 1982-present he was professor, Departments of Medicine, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Molecular and Cellular Biology. From 1993-2004, he served as Chief of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at The Methodist Hospital. Throughout his career, Alan was President and board member of national professional organizations and an editor or editorial board member of many medical and scientific publications. Since 2002, he chaired the committee of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists/American College of Endocrinology that developed and updated the Consensus Statement on Outpatient Guidelines for Glycemic Control, a document used nationally and internationally. He authored 350 peer-reviewed publications as well as book chapters and monographs on diabetes and its complications. Among his many contributions to the field of endocrinology was as principal investigator for several pivotal clinical trials that led to innovative treatments for type 2 diabetes. As a physician, he was a generous and engaged mentor for junior faculty. As a leader in his field, Alan excelled in his ability to create a consensus amidst dissent, respecting those with conflicting opinions, all while establishing lifelong friendships with colleagues. He truly exemplified the virtues of one who selflessly dedicated his life to the practice of medicine: compassion, understanding, empathy, honesty, competence, commitment and humanity. Alan was a true Renaissance man. His brilliant mind absorbed so many things: science, medicine, history, culture, music, and politics. Alan distinguished himself in so many ways, but none more than as a husband and father. His love and devotion enabled his sons, Jason and Stuart, to achieve success in their own professions, building on the qualities that had been instilled in them: strength, intelligence, hard work, devotion, loyalty, and love, the core values of his life. Through 54 years of marriage, Alan inspired, encouraged, and supported Susan’s professional aspirations as well. Alan Joel Garber is survived by his wife, Susan (nee Lipton), sons Jason (Cheryl) and Stuart (Jennifer), and grandchildren Madeline, Benjamin, Melanie, Charles, and Jacob Garber. He also is survived by his brother-in-law Bruce Lipton (Elaine Stern), nephews Jeffrey (Phuong Nyguen) and Daniel (Marla Becker) Lipton and niece Shira (Scott) Yacker. He will be remembered as a passionate doctor, accomplished scientist and author, scholarly teacher, respected mentor, decisive leader, esteemed colleague, dear friend, and most importantly, as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. The funeral was conducted by Rabbi Felipe Goodman in Las Vegas. Contributions may be made to charity of choice. King David Memorial Chapel handled the arrangements.