Professor Bernadette Modell (born 1 August 1935 in London) is a British

geneticist A geneticist is a biologist or physician who studies genetics, the science of genes, heredity, and variation of organisms. A geneticist can be employed as a scientist or a lecturer. Geneticists may perform general research on genetic processe ...

, specialising in the study of

thalassaemia Thalassemias are inherited blood disorders characterized by decreased hemoglobin production. Symptoms depend on the type and can vary from none to severe. Often there is mild to severe anemia (low red blood cells or hemoglobin). Anemia can result ...

. Modell attended a convent school, and then graduated in zoology, with genetics and embryology from the

University of Oxford , mottoeng = The Lord is my light , established = , endowment = £6.1 billion (including colleges) (2019) , budget = £2.145 billion (2019–20) , chancellor ...

, in 1955. She then undertook a doctorate in developmental biology at

Cambridge University , mottoeng = Literal: From here, light and sacred draughts. Non literal: From this place, we gain enlightenment and precious knowledge. , established = , other_name = The Chancellor, Masters and Schola ...

, qualifying in 1959. She next studied medicine at Cambridge and at

University College Hospital University College Hospital (UCH) is a teaching hospital in the Fitzrovia area of the London Borough of Camden, England. The hospital, which was founded as the North London Hospital in 1834, is closely associated with University College London ...

, qualifying in 1964. She spent the remainder of her career at

University College London , mottoeng = Let all come who by merit deserve the most reward , established = , type = Public research university , endowment = £143 million (2020) , budget = ...

and at

University College London Hospitals University College Hospital (UCH) is a teaching hospital in the Fitzrovia area of the London Borough of Camden, England. The hospital, which was founded as the North London Hospital in 1834, is closely associated with University College London ...

, mainly working on the treatment and prevention of thalassaemia major and retiring in 2000, after which she became Emeritus Professor of Community Genetics at UCL's Centre for Health Informatics and Multiprofessional Education. She also served as Director of the

World Health Organization The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The WHO Constitution states its main objective as "the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of h ...

's Collaborating Centre for Community Control of Hereditary Disorders. She is both a

Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians The Royal College of Physicians (RCP) is a British professional membership body dedicated to improving the practice of medicine, chiefly through the accreditation of physicians by examination. Founded by royal charter from King Henry VIII in 1 ...

(FRCP) and a

Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) is a professional body, professional association based in London, United Kingdom. Its members, including people with and without medical degrees, work in the field of obstetrics and g ...

(FRCOG).

Selected papers

* Modell B, Khan M, Darlison M (2000). "Survival in β-thalassaemia major in the UK: data from the UK Thalassaemia Register." ''Lancet'';355(9220): 2051–2. * Modell B, Darlison M (2008). "Global epidemiology of haemoglobin disorders and derived service indicators." ''Bulletin of the World Health Organization'';86:480–7. * Modell B, Darlison MW, Lawn JE (2018). "Historical overview of development in methods to estimate burden of disease due to congenital disorders." ''Journal of Community Genetics'';9(4):341–5.

References

External links

* * 1935 births Living people British geneticists Alumni of the University of Oxford Alumni of the University of Cambridge Academics of University College London World Health Organization officials Fellows of the Royal College of Physicians Fellows of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists British officials of the United Nations {{UK-med-bio-stub