Science & Medicine
HENRY N. CLAMAN, M.D.
An international leader in the fields of microbiology and immunology, Dr. Claman is best known for his 1966 discovery that the human immune system must have two lymphocytes, T-cells from the thymus and B-cells from the bone marrow, in order to form the antibodies that give us immunity from infectious diseases. The cooperation of these two cells became the leading thought in immunology, and opened the field to research in immunogenetics, cellular immunology and vaccine development. Claman’s research also led the development of techniques to reduce the symptoms of allergies and prevent T-cells from being infected by HIV.
A national author on the relationship between art and medicine, Claman serves as Director of the University of Colorado’s Medical Humanities Program. This program enriches students’ knowledge by weaving literature and art into the medical curriculum. He believes this program enhances their ability to observe and empathize with their patients.
Dr. Claman is the consummate academician and role model, distinguished in every area of teaching, patient care and research. He served as Head of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center for 25 years and was named a Distinguished Professor of the University of Colorado. He has received many honors throughout his career, including international awards such as the Faculty Scholar Award of the Josiah Macy Foundation at University College in London and the Besredka Prize of Immunology of the Fondation Franco-Allemande. He was also a resident scholar of the Rockefeller Foundation in Bellagio, Italy.
He is a man of diverse interests and a favorite speaker on topics ranging from basic science to modern art. His biography lists over 200 scientific publications and he has received numerous academic prizes and fellowships. He recently endowed the Given Biomedical Institute in Aspen where the library is named for his parents. He is also the author of a scholarly book on medieval art, Jewish Images in the Christian Church.
The son of two New York City physicians, Dr. Claman was educated at Harvard College and New York University School of Medicine. He completed his medical internship at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis and his residency at Massachusetts General Hospital.
He is married to Janet Stewart Claman, M.D., a pediatric clinical geneticist at the University of Colorado and has two children, David and Ruth.