MB BS Lond 1934; FRCS 1936; FRCP 1951.
Kellgren, sometimes known as Jonkie, was born on 11 September 1911, the son of Dr Harry Kellgren. After studying at University College London, Kellgren held junior appointments at University College Hospital before serving in the RAMC from 1942-1946 as surgical and orthopaedic specialist. Kellgren then joined the scientific staff of the MRC, working first at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Oxford. In 1947 Kellgren was appointed clinical director of the University of Manchester Rheumatism Research Centre, and physician to MRI and Devonshire Royal Hospital, Buxton. In 1953 he was appointed to the first chair of rheumatology at the University of Manchester, the first chair of rheumatology in the United Kingdom. In this position Kellgren was involved in important work on the welfare of miners and established the University of Manchester as a world famous centre for rheumatism research. In 1953 Kellgren was president of the Heberden Society. From 1961 to 1964 Kellgren was dean of postgraduate medical studies and established postgraduate medical centres in district hospitals in the Manchester Region. He continued his work with the hospitals becoming a member of the Manchester Regional Hospital Board in 1965. From 1968 to 1973 Kellgren was dean of the Manchester Medical School and during the same period was also pro-vice chancellor of the University. When he retired in 1976 Kellgren was made emeritus professor, and he also continued to work for the University as advisor of medical studies. In 1996 Kellgren was honoured by the University of Manchester when new research facilities in musculoskeletal science were named the J.H. Kellgren Laboratories. Kellgren was a member of the Arthritis and Rheumatism Council from 1947. He was also a member of the Flowers Working Party to review medical education in London in 1984. Kellgren died on 22 February 2002.