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Vital Signs
Investigator Insight
In this section, we highlight the human side of biomedical investigation, putting a few questions to a researcher at DMS-DHMC.
William Rigby, M.D.
Professor of Medicine and of Microbiology and Immunology
Rigby studies the regulation of the immune response at the molecular level and runs rheumatology clinical trials; he also cares for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. He joined the faculty in 1987.
How did you decide to go into medical research?
I come from a family of physicians. My father
would describe his operations at the dinner
table. I considered almost every discipline in
medicine, yet always knew research had a special
attraction. However, few are prepared for the
frequent failure
that is innate to
basic scientific research.
I certainly
wasn't and failed
multiple times before
and during
medical school.
After working fulltime
as an emergency
room physician,
I decided to
give research one more chance. I still remember
the feeling of using amicroscope on a cold, rainy
April Friday in 1983 and realizing that there was
something interesting going on down there.
What advice would you offer to someone contemplating
going into your field?
Be sure that you love what you do and that you
find happy people to work with. After that, it's
a piece of cake.
What activities do you enjoy outside your work?
Hiking, biking, skiing, cooking, gardening.
What historical event would you most like to have been at?
I'd probably pick the Battle of Britain during
World War II, in order to witness

the courage of a society inspired by great leadership.
What was your first paying job?
My first job was in high school in
Los Angeles—working at A&B
Chevy on Westgate and Wilshire. I became
familiar with an impact wrench, a grease gun,
and some truly memorable people.
What about you might surprise people?
There are so many things. How about that I
worked on a kibbutz as a plumber's helper and
considered emigrating to Israel?
Where do you do your best thinking?
I wish I knew. I'd go there more often.
What is the greatest frustration in your work?
The ever-growing intrusion of regulatory bodies
into nearly every aspect of medicine and medical
education. Who regulates the regulators?
And the greatest joy?
Realizing that you have made a difference,
whether it's uncovering a scientific puzzle, taking
care of a person, consoling a family member,
or teaching a student or resident. And the greatest
personal joy is family.
What is the accomplishment of which you're proudest?
Raising two great kids.
Finish this sentence: If I had more time I would . . .
Hurry less and enjoy the moment more.
What's your favorite movie? Favorite poem?
My favorite movie is Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
And my favorite poem is "Forgetfulness" by the
American poet Billy Collins.
Who was your scientific mentor?
Michael Fanger, Ph.D., who came to DMS in
the early 1980s and catalyzed the growth of a
great immunology program. He has played so
many roles in my career, including teacher, editor,
advocate, and friend.
What do you admire most in other people?
Personal warmth, a happy outlook on life, and
an ability to elicit the same from others.
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