Born in Scotland, Dr. Bremner graduated from the University of Glasgow with degrees in
arts, science and medicine. He immigrated to the U .S. in 1978, after being appointed a
member, and later a fellow, of the Royal College of Physicians and received a doctorate of
philosophy from the university. Dr. Bremner was a widely respected physician with a passion
for learning. He received numerous awards and honors and held positions at several
hospitals and universities in Scotland and the U.S. "He treated his physician
partners and the office staff with kindness and respect," said his colleague, Dr.
Ivan Pacold. "We learned to appreciate new words such as lads, lasses and wee bit. He
had an amazing ability to joke around when the rest of us were ready to pull our hair
out."
During his training, Dr. Bremner
developed an intense interest in the prevention of cardiac disease. "Without
attention to prevention, everything else is a finger in the dike," was his oft-spoken
sentiment. He studied disorders of cholesterol metabolism, both in the research and
clinical practice fields, and was a pioneer in the field.
After arriving in the States, Dr.
Bremner practiced at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood for 11 years, where he
helped develop a very successful preventive cardiology clinic. For the last several years,
he was a member of the Cardiology Group of MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn, a division of Heart
Care Centers of Illinois.
To many of his patients Dr. Bremner
was a true friend, said his nurse for the last six years, Pat Madigan. To patients with
the greatest need of attention, he typically gave his home phone and pager numbers,
Madigan said. On occasion he also gave financial assistance when a patient was in a
difficult situation. “He was a brilliant physician, who despite all his many
accomplishments and achievements, was the kindest, most thoughtful and unassuming man you
could ever hope to meet," Madigan said.
Dr. Bremner was also a dedicated
family man who colleagues said enjoyed his time away from the office. Despite his failing
health, he continued his practice until six weeks ago. "He was a wonderful physician,
with a lovely family that brought joy into his life everyday;" Madigan said. "He
was so proud of his children, his eyes just lit up whenever he spoke of them."
Survivors include his wife, Dr. Jane
Third, three daughters, Jillian, Gail and Valerie, and a sister, Marylyn Herron. |
