Former UCLA professor,clinicla chemistry expert dies
James McBride
By Jessica Chung
DAILY BRUIN CONTRIBUTOR
jchung@media.ucla.edu
Former assistant head of clinical chemistry James McBride died from natural causes on March 31 at the age of 55.
During his 25-year career at UCLA as clinical chemistry supervisor, a professor of pathology, and a student, McBride gained a reputation as a nationally and internationally recognized expert in the diagnostic field of clinical chemistry.
“His innovations were critical for the expansion of the UCLA transplant program, toward its position as the leading national center for heart and liver transplantation,” said Jonathan Braun, chair of the pathology and laboratory medicine department.
These innovations included developing strategies to aid in the care of patients after organ transplantation.
The American Society of Clinical Pathology and the American Association of Clinical Chemistry also recognized McBride and his work.
A member of seven international scientific committees and a prolific writer, McBride wrote 56 publications and over 40 abstracts.
He was also a dedicated teacher and mentor to medical students and clinical interns in the medical field, Braun said.
After an 18-year career in science and medicine, McBride began teaching at UCLA as a professor in pathology.
“He loved to teach. He was extremely friendly, very warm, with a great sense of humor,” said Student Affairs officer Jo Hamaday.
Aside from his accomplishments in the fields of medicine and science, McBride also had several musical and theatrical accomplishments. As a drummer, he had been a studio musician for Van Morrison and Suzanne Vega in addition to working as a dialect coach and consultant for several movies and actors.
“He had a great sense of humor. He was even described as an Irish leprechaun,” said clinical lab technician May Ota.
Born in Ireland, McBride received his bachelor of art’s degree at The Open University in 1975, his master’s in biochemistry from Queen’s University in Belfast, Ireland in 1976 and his doctorate in experimental pathology from UCLA in 1982.
After he had been arrested and tortured by the British for giving medical attention to suspected and known Irish Republican Army fighters, McBride moved to America with his family in 1976.
“Jim hated to see anyone or anything hurt. He took care of everyone and everything and he had a way of making people feel so loved,” said McBride’s fiance Sharon Masgay.
McBride is survived by his fiance, ex-wife, three children, and grandson.
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