🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Federico Gilberto Hawkins Carranza embarked on a remarkable academic journey in the field of medicine, earning his General Physician degree from the University of Salamanca in 1969. This was followed by his pursuit of higher education, where he completed a Ph.D. thesis titled “Mechanism of Action of Gastrointestinal Hormones upon Pancreas” under the mentorship of Prof. Dr. Manuel Serrano Ríos at the University Autónoma of Madrid in 1978.
During this period, Dr. Hawkins also obtained a Diploma in Psychology from the Pontifical University of Salamanca (1969) and completed his Internship and Residency at Fundación Jiménez Díaz (1969–1972), specializing in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology in 1973. His thirst for knowledge led him to prestigious institutions worldwide through scholarships, including the Endocrine Unit at Hammersmith Hospital in London (1977) and the Transplant Unit at Minnesota University (1980).
💼 Professional Endeavors
Dr. Hawkins began his illustrious career as a physician in the Service of Endocrinology at University Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, in 1973. By 1979, he rose to the position of Chief of Service of Endocrinology, a role he held until 2016. His contributions to clinical endocrinology were instrumental in shaping the department into a hub of innovation and excellence.
Parallel to his clinical work, Dr. Hawkins was an active academician. In 1978, he was appointed Professor of Medicine at Complutense University of Madrid and eventually became the Chairman of Medicine in 2000. Post-retirement, he continued to serve as a Consultant at the Research Institute i+12 at University Hospital 12 de Octubre.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Hawkins made pioneering contributions to endocrinology, focusing on diabetes, thyroid diseases, and postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Diabetes Mellitus:
- Developed and implemented Radioimmunoassays (RIA) for insulin and glucagon in Spain.
- Conducted studies on insulin secretion in chromosomal disorders, including Klinefelter’s and Down syndromes.
- Demonstrated the hypoglycemic effects of fig tree decoctions in animals and humans.
Thyroid Diseases:
- Advanced the understanding of thyrocalcitonin fractions in neoplasia and thyroid cancer.
- Investigated the relationship between TSH suppression and bone mass.
Postmenopausal Osteoporosis:
- Played a key role in clinical trials for drugs such as Alendronate, Risedronate, Teriparatide, and Strontium Ranelate.
- Actively participated in drafting the Spanish Guide for Osteoporosis, contributing to patient care protocols.
🏆 Accolades and Recognition
Dr. Hawkins’ expertise and leadership were widely acknowledged:
- He was appointed as an Academician Correspondent at the Royal Academy of Medicine in 2017.
- Received honorary titles such as Extraordinary Professor at the Faculty of Medicine in Panama (2016).
- Served as the Director of the Revista Española de Enfermedades Metabólicas and a reviewer for prestigious journals, including Current Medical Research & Opinion.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Dr. Hawkins significantly influenced the global medical community through his research and teaching. His studies on bone mass in diabetics and early markers of bone loss have been foundational in advancing treatment strategies. As an academician, he nurtured generations of physicians and researchers, promoting excellence in clinical endocrinology.
🏛️ Legacy and Future Contributions
Even in retirement, Dr. Hawkins remains a towering figure in endocrinology. His dedication to patient care, innovative research, and teaching has left a lasting legacy. His work on endocrine disorders, especially diabetes and osteoporosis, continues to shape clinical practices worldwide. Dr. Hawkins also actively contributes to medical guidelines and collaborates with researchers globally, ensuring his insights continue to benefit humanity.