In memoriam: Dr. John C. Morrison

Dr. John C. Morrison, professor emeritus of obstetrics and gynecology, died Sept. 1. He was 75.

Morrison joined the Medical Center faculty in 1979 as a professor of obstetrics and gynecology and director of the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine. He served as department chair from 1995-2002.

Named an F.A.P. Barnard Distinguished Professor and a Billy S. Guyton Distinguished Professor at UMMC, Morrison pioneered new methods for the safe delivery of infants born to mothers with diabetes, preterm birth, sickle cell disease and hypertension. He continued to conduct research well after his retirement from the Medical Center.

Morrison received many awards for his scientific and clinical accomplishments, including the Individual Contribution to Maternal/Child Health Award from the National Perinatal Association and the William Beaumont Award from the American Medical Association.

He served on the board of directors of several professional organizations and as president of five of those organizations, and was an examiner for the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Along with his mentor, Dr. Winfred L. Wiser, Morrison helped bring the Winfred L. Wiser Hospital for Women and Infants to fruition.

Visitation is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13, in Fowler Hall at St. James’ Episcopal Church of Jackson, with a Requiem Eucharist service to follow at 11 a.m. Memorials may be made to support UMMC perinatal research at www.umc.edu/givenow by selecting category “Other” and specifying the area of support as “Ob-Gyn Unrestricted Fund” or to the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi at www.msdiabetes.org.