Founder of FBR

The Foundation for Blood Research (FBR) is a non-profit medical research, clinical services, and education institute. Its location in Scarborough, Maine is adjacent to the state's major population center, Portland, thereby affording the opportunity for a variety of scientific and educational collaborations. FBR was established as an independent entity in 1973 by Dr. Robert F. Ritchie to serve Maine's need for a research setting in which immunology and immunochemistry could contribute to better patient care. Eventually, genetics and preventive medicine were pursued to develop new and important clinical applications.

Robert Ritchie, MD^*

In the early 1970s, Dr. Ritchie developed a laboratory method for measuring serum proteins that revolutionized one aspect of laboratory practice worldwide. The method, called immuno-nephelometry, allowed the major serum proteins to be measured more rapidly and reliably than with conventional methods and led to the expanded use of such measurements for clinical diagnostic purposes. Recognizing the need for standardizing the interpretation of the laboratory measurements, Dr. Ritchie became a pioneer in the use of computer-assisted management of laboratory results. More recently, he has assumed a leadership role along with a group of national and international authors, in producing a two volume syllabus on clinical and laboratory aspects of serum protein management, the first of its kind. For Dr. Ritchie, this work is an expression of his life's passion to identify and standardize knowledge of serum proteins and the role they play in clinical medicine.

Today, FBR is home to a group of scientists, clinicians, and educators recognized nationally and internationally for their contributions to improving health through medical science and education. As a small independent nonprofit organization, FBR is funded primarily by fees for clinical and consulting services, and by grants and private donations. For more information about FBR, feel free to leave your name and affiliation in our guest book.

^*Elected President Emeritus on February 19, 2007
Retired on October 31, 2007