Gordon D. McLaren, MD, professor emeritus at UC Irvine Medical Center, is a specialist in the field of hematology and oncology, where he is known for his pivotal work on iron metabolism disorders. McLaren’s decades-long career has led to medical discoveries fueled by his love for medicine, a relentless curiosity, and a desire to help patients.
An Unexpected Pursuit of Medicine
Inspired by his father, a PhD chemist, McLaren set out to pursue a degree in chemistry at the University of Missouri. However, right before his senior year, he had an epiphany that would redirect his path. Following a newfound passion for medicine, he attended Stanford University, where he earned a medical degree in 1970, followed by an internship at Bassett Medical Center.
McLaren’s early career saw him rise through the ranks in academic medicine. Before joining the University of California, Irvine, he had been a member of the faculty at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and later became chief of the division of hematology and oncology at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Additionally, he acquired an Ohio state medical license in 1977, a California state medical license in 1998, and certification in hematology from the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Breaking New Ground in Iron Metabolism
Among McLaren’s notable achievements is his research into hemochromatosis. This inherited disorder is characterized by excessive iron accumulation and can lead to life-threatening illnesses, such as diabetes, heart problems, and liver disease.
The complexity of the disorder and its genetic underpinnings have been a consistent focus of McLaren’s career. His work has helped advance an understanding of how intestinal iron absorption is regulated, and his groundbreaking research has resulted in the successful acquisition of research grants.
“In recent years, there have been discoveries around the world of modifier genes that can affect the severity of the disease in people who have inherited the main risk factors,” McLaren explains.
Two Keys to Success
Throughout his career, McLaren has been an active member of organizations such as the American Society of Hematology and the International BioIron Society. His research has been published in numerous scientific publications.
McLaren has also earned such accolades as the Distinguished Emeritus Member title from the American Society of Hematology in 2021. He emphasizes curiosity and collaboration as keys to his success. “It’s about discovering things that may help patients in the future,” he says.
Early in his career, McLaren approached medical research as a solo endeavor. However, he later discovered a better approach to his work. During his hematology-oncology training, he realized working with other talented individuals was necessary to explore different aspects of the field.
A Life’s Work for the Greater Good
Although McLaren has officially retired, he remains active in research at UC Irvine and as a research investigator at the affiliated Long Beach Veterans Affairs Medical Center, as well as continuing his research collaborations with colleagues nationally and internationally.
McLaren’s work in a field as complex as hematology and oncology exemplifies how curiosity, science, and empathy can intersect to create a lasting impact. Through his research, teaching, and patient care, he has given the medical community a better understanding of iron metabolism disorders while inspiring physicians, scientists, and researchers to continue pursuing knowledge for the greater good.
