OR

source:findagrave.com
06 Dec, 1928
20 Nov, 1996
Cancer
Trinidadian, British
Pathologist
67
Bert Geoffrey Achong was born on December 6, 1928, in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Achong grew up in a culturally diverse surroundings that could later affect his worldwide perspective in the medical network. At a young age, Bert Achong displayed exceptional academic potential, excelling in his studies and developing a keen interest in technology.
In 1946, at the age of 18, Achong’s academic brilliance became noticed whilst he came top in the island’s scholarship examinations. This great success earned him the celebrated Jerningham Gold Medal and the Colonial Scholarship, offering him the possibility to pursue higher schooling in Europe.
Achong’s journey in medicine begun at St Mary’s College at Dublin University College in Ireland. In 1953, at the age of 25, he completed his clinical research, laying the foundation for his future career in pathology. Following his graduation, Achong moved to London in 1955, where he secured a position in Clinical Pathology at Lambeth Hospital. This role allowed him to expand his understanding of pathology and microscopy skills that might prove important to his later discoveries.
In 1963, Achong’s career took a turn when he joined Sir Michael Anthony Epstein’s research team at the Bland Sutton Institute at Middlesex Hospital. This series of developments resulted in his involvement in a major virology discovery.
In 1964, Bert Achong played an important role in the discovery of the Epstein-Barr virus. The research team, with Epstein, Yvonne Barr, and Achong, examined Burkitt’s lymphoma cells sent from Uganda. Achong’s knowledge in electron microscopy was instrumental in identifying the virus in the cultured cells.
The Epstein-Barr virus was renamed human herpesvirus 4 after this groundbreaking discovery, marking it as the first human tumor virus identified. It has been established that the virus is the main culprit behind infectious mononucleosis and has connections to several cancer types and neurological conditions.
In 1968, Achong followed Epstein to the University of Bristol, joining the Department of Pathology. At Bristol, he become a senior lecturer in mobile pathology, contributing substantially to the schooling of future pathologists. Throughout his career, he continued to make valuable contributions to the field of virology.
Even with his work responsibilities, Bert Achong kept a residence in London to enjoy his passion for art, theater, literature, and opera. Balancing his scientific studies and cultural activities illustrated him as a person with a varied life that extended beyond his work in the lab.
Bert Geoffrey Achong passed away on November 28, 1996, in Hampstead, Middlesex, England, just before of his 68th birthday. His contributions to the field of virology and pathology have had a long-lasting impact. The discovery of the Epstein-Barr virus opened new avenues in most cancers research and our information on viral oncology.
Today, researchers continue to build on Achong’s work. They are tryingto develop an Epstein-Barr virus vaccine that could potentially prevent thousands of cancer cases annually. Achong’s legacy continues through the impact on lives affected by Epstein-Barr virus-related diseases.
Bert Achong
Bert Achong
Male
Cancer
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
United Kingdom
Architect: Imaginative and strategic thinkers, with a plan for everything. Known for his focus on research, innovation, and analytical skills, Achong’s had a vision for scientific discovery and structured approach to complex problems in pathology.
Achong’s work was central to proving viruses could be linked to cancer
He used electron microscopy extensively, a cutting-edge tool at the time
His contributions helped establish the field of tumor virology
The Epstein–Barr virus was named in part after his colleague, Yvonne Barr
Co-discovered the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in 1964, the first human virus linked to cancer
Contributed significantly to cancer research and viral pathology Recognized in virology and pathology for advancements in electron microscopy
Published extensively on virology, especially using electron microscopy