J. David Curb dedicated much of his life to exploring the mysteries of human longevity and garnering resources for the investigation of women’s health. Along the way, he proved an willing mentor to dozens of young scientists.
Curb died Jan. 8 at age 66.
Through long associations with the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine’s Department of Geriatric Medicine, Kuakini Medical Center and the Pacific Health Research Institute, Curb was instrumental in bringing numerous research projects to Hawaii, none more significant than the national Women’s Health Initiative, a long-term study of women’s health.
In 2008 Curb was part of a team of researchers, headed by his protégé Dr. J. Bradley Wilcox, that linked the FOX03A gene with longevity. The research was based on data culled from the Kuakini Honolulu Heart Program, which has tracked the incidence of coronary heart disease and stroke in Japanese-American men.
"Dr. Curb was an internationally renowned investigator in aging, with special emphasis on the epidemiology of cardiovascular disease and women’s health," said UH physician Patricia Blanchette. "He was also an excellent teacher and mentor for new researchers and was thrilled to see them succeed in their own careers."
Curb grew up in Albuquerque, N.M. He earned a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Colorado, a medical degree from the University of New Mexico and a Master of Public Science in public health from the University of Texas.
He was the author of more than 400 articles in medical journals. His research at the Kuakini HHP contributed to the U.S. government’s recommended dietary guidelines, in the development of smoke-free programs for primary and secondary schools, and in the development of rehabilitation programs for heart attack victims.
Curb also served as associate director of the National Institute on Aging.
Curb is survived by wife Beatriz Rodriguez, sons Jess and William, and daughters Maria and Isabel.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Curb residence.
Gifts in Curb’s honor are being accepted by the UH Foundation (P.O. Box 112379, Honolulu, HI 96828-0270) to benefit the J. David Curb, MD Memorial Fund at the Burns School of Medicine.
