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In his early years in Oxford, clinical outcomes for newborns were often devastating. In response, Prof. Chris Redman began using a fetal heart monitor that had been introduced to the Labour Ward for research purposes. Despite initial wariness from the clinical team, Chris recognised its potential value for patient care. He quickly realised that fetal heart rate interpretation was highly subjective. Given the life-and-death decisions based on these readings, he knew there had to be a better way. Collaborating with Professor Geoffrey Dawes, an expert in fetal physiology, Chris co-invented the Dawes-Redman system. It took 13 years to develop this research into a fully realised product, a testament to Chris's tenacity. Today, the Dawes-Redman system is acknowledged as the gold standard of acute fetal assessment, used in the NHS and over 130 countries worldwide.
Since 1970, Chris had investigated the pathogenesis, detection, prevention, and treatment of pre-eclampsia. He pioneered the concept of a systemic inflammatory response's role in both normal pregnancy and the clinical stages of pre-eclampsia. He led groundbreaking work on the role of extracellular vesicles in the pathogenesis of the disease. Most recently, he was engaged in a trial on selenium supplementation to help prevent pre-eclampsia.
Although not a ‘surgical’ obstetrician, Chris had a unique insight into and vast experience with the medical challenges common in pregnancy. In 1983, he established the dedicated maternal medicine unit in Oxford - the Silver Star Unit on Level 6 of the John Radcliffe Hospital - which continues to thrive today. This model of care has since been replicated worldwide. In 1988, a group of grateful parents established the Silver Star Society to raise funds for the unit and support his groundbreaking research, which provided deep insights into the pathology of pre-eclampsia.
Chris moved as a University Lecturer and Consultant in Obstetric Medicine to our department (what was the Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology) in 1976; and became a Clinical Professor in 1992.
In 2019, Chris Redman was awarded a plaque for being recognised as a “Giant in Obstetrics and Gynecology” from Dr Roberto Romero, Chief of the Perinatology Perinatal Research Branch of the US National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
His determination, innovative thinking, and willingness to challenge the status quo were instrumental in its success. Chris worked tirelessly, always available to offer advice, and he trained and mentored hundreds of doctors.
As an honorary member of the Centre for Trophoblast Research (CTR), Chris was part of the inaugural Scientific Advisory Board, where his guidance helped shape the Centre's early direction. His unwavering support and dedication to our mission continued throughout his life.
After his retirement, Chris maintained a fierce interest in research and continued to mentor DPhil students within the department as Emeritus Professor of Obstetric Medicine. He was patient, attentive and ever encouraging and many of these students have developed successful careers in academia and industry; their success in no small part because of his guidance.
The respect in which Chris was held, both nationally and internationally, cannot be underestimated and we are immensely proud to have known him and worked with him.
Tributes for prof. chris redman
Prof. Krina Zondervan, Head of the Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, said: “Chris’s contributions to maternal health have been truly groundbreaking. His development of the Dawes-Redman CTG monitoring system, which he continued to refine over decades, along with his scientific research into the biology of pre-eclampsia, have left an indelible mark on the field. Chris remained an active and highly valued Professor Emeritus in our department right up until his passing. We will miss him dearly.”
Professor of Reproductive Science, Prof. Ian Sargent said:“I first met Chris in 1978 when he interviewed me for a 3 year Postdoc position in the Department. Little did I know that I would still be working with him 37 years later! Chris’ reputation attracted young obstetricians from all over the world to study for their D.Phils under his supervision. Many of these have gone on to become Professors in their own countries. He was also involved in pre-eclampsia charities both at the local and national level. Between the ages of 50 and 60 he ran 10 consecutive London Marathons to raise funds for the Silver Star high risk pregnancy unit he established in Oxford.”
Prof. Manu Vatish, Professor of Obstetrics, Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, said: “I first met Chris when I started my DPhil, and then worked for him clinically on the Silver Star Unit. I was later offered the opportunity to work alongside Chris Redman and Ian Sargent in 2012 and jumped at the chance. Over the last decade, together we brought forward their concepts of extracellular vesicles as major drivers of preeclampsia pathogenesis and angiogenic biomarkers as tools for preeclampsia diagnosis. Chris was always hugely knowledgeable, incredibly patient and good humoured. I am immensely proud to have worked with him. Oxford is emptier without his presence.”
Prof Andrew Shennan OBE, Chairman of the Trustees of Action on Pre-eclampsia, said: “Chris Redman will be known to many of us as the as the grandfather of APEC. His contribution to our understanding of pre-eclampsia and the instigator of so many initiatives that improved the world cannot be overstated. And such a gracious and engaging character that will be sorely missed. But his legacy will live on.”
In Chris' own words
We leave you with the thoughts he shared on the human placenta in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
"I had not intended to be interested in the placenta; it was an unexpected line of investigation that became inevitable as the way to understand how preeclampsia developed. The more I learned about the placenta, the more perplexing it was and the more interesting it became. It is a remarkable tissue—half fetal, half maternal—not yet innervated, that produces many of the hormones that the rest of the body produces, and lots of other things that are very specific to its own functions. And it’s a throwaway organ. After nine months, its job is done and it goes. And with it goes the complete history of the pregnancy wrapped up inside it."
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.
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Some of Prof. Chris Redman's many accomplishments
- Awarded plaque by Perinatology Research Branch for being “Giant in Obstetrics and Gynecology”
- Fellow ad eundum of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
- Chesley Award of the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy (2000)
- The Barnes Award, of the International Society of Obstetric Medicine (2002),
- Ex-President of the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy (2006-2008)
- Founder and Trustee of the charity Action on Pre-eclampsia.
Links
book of condolences
Click here to sign the online book of condolences