We acknowledge with regret that news of Emeritus Professor Peter Beighton’s passing on June 14th 2023 may not have reached all members of the many communities (including the Royal Society) with whom he had interacted over the course of his long and productive life. It is indeed with heavy hearts that we reflect on the loss of a truly remarkable leader and mentor who significantly shaped the field of Human Genetics in South Africa (SA).
Professor Beighton’s academic journey commenced with his medical education at St Mary’s Hospital/University of London, followed by specialisation in internal medicine at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. These formative years laid the groundwork for his exceptional career. He furthered his studies in the USA under the guidance of Dr. Victor McKusick at Johns Hopkins Hospital/University of Baltimore, an experience that deepened his understanding of medical genetics and ignited a lifelong passion for exploration and discovery. Driven by an insatiable curiosity and a lifelong passion for the great outdoors, Prof. Beighton embarked on groundbreaking research expeditions to remote corners of the globe, including the Sahara Desert, Easter Island, Tristan da Cunha, and St Helena. His work expanded the boundaries of scientific inquiry, unravelling the mysteries of genetics in diverse populations.
In 1970, Prof. Beighton brought his pioneering spirit to SA, joining the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of the Witwatersrand. His aim was to conduct large-scale epidemiological studies of indigenous populations, resulting in a PhD and the development of the ‘Beighton Scale’ for clinical assessment of joint movements. Subsequently, in 1972, he assumed the role of the first Professor of Human Genetics at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Groote Schuur Hospital, under the guidance of Prof. Stuart Saunders. Here, he established the Department of Human Genetics, shaping the landscape of medical research in this field in SA.
Prof. Beighton leaves behind an unparalleled legacy of scholarly achievements. His extensive body of work, comprising over 430 peer-reviewed publications, 34 book chapters, and 20 monographs, continues to influence our understanding of inherited disorders of the skeleton and connective tissues. His contributions have laid the foundation for future generations of researchers, inspiring collaboration and intellectual curiosity.
Throughout his distinguished career, Prof. Beighton received numerous accolades, including the Gold Medal of the British Orthopaedic Association, the President’s Medallion of the SA Orthopaedic Association, and the South African Order of Mapungubwe – bronze -awarded to him by past President Thabo Mbeki. In 2016, the Division of Human Genetics at the University of Cape Town honoured Prof Beighton, publishing a festschrift as a full issue of the South African Medical Journal (vol16, No 6). His impact extended beyond the realm of academia.
In addition to his professional endeavours, Prof. Beighton shared a passion for the history of Medical Genetics with his late wife, Greta. Together, they published two volumes of biographies honouring individuals for whom genetic syndromes were named. Their shared interests extended to the sport of orienteering, where they achieved notable success. Later in his life Prof Beighton took to cycling. Greta’s passing away in 2017 was a major blow to Prof Beighton, who nonetheless persevered and even came into the university regularly, up until the arrival of Covid-19 which kept us all indoors for an extended period of time. Peter is survived by his three children Charles, Victoria and Robert, and grandchildren.
Prof. Beighton's profound influence transcends the boundaries of our institution, leaving an indelible mark on the scientific community and the lives of those he touched. May his unwavering commitment to knowledge and discovery continue to inspire us as we strive to honour his memory and advance the frontiers of science pertinent to human health. May his soul rest in peace.