Roger Smith was a pioneering physician and researcher whose groundbreaking work helped transform the treatment of Paget’s disease

Dr Roger Smith

1930 – 2026

A lifetime dedicated to medicine and research

We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dr Roger Smith, who passed away at home on 5 June 2026. A highly respected physician, researcher and former Chair of the Paget’s Association, Roger played a major part in advancing both knowledge and treatment of Paget’s disease.

Born in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Roger grew up alongside his identical twin brother, Sydney. Their father helped to inspire Roger’s early interest in science by teaching them chemistry. After completing National Service, Roger studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, achieving a First-Class degree in Biochemistry. He subsequently trained in medicine at University College Hospital, London.

His early research career took him to Jamaica, where he investigated severe childhood malnutrition. Later he undertook research in Los Angeles examining the physical effects of starvation in people with extreme obesity. These experiences helped establish the strong scientific foundation that he would later bring to the study of metabolic bone disease.

A pioneer in the treatment of Paget’s Disease

After holding several hospital and research posts in London, Roger moved to Oxford in 1969. It was not long afterwards, in 1971, that, together with our Honorary President Professor Graham Russell, he published a landmark paper in The Lancet, reporting the first active treatment for Paget’s disease using a bisphosphonate. This was a major breakthrough. Their work opened the way to the bisphosphonate treatments that have since transformed the care of people with Paget’s disease.

That same year, Roger received his PhD for research into hydroxyproline excretion in bone disease. He combined his specialist work in metabolic bone disorders with a continuing commitment to general medicine, serving as an NHS Consultant at the John Radcliffe Hospital while maintaining close links with the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre.

Roger’s work was wide-ranging and influential. Over the course of his career, he published more than 200 original papers, wrote four books and contributed specialist chapters to leading medical publications, including the Oxford Textbook of Medicine. His research interests also included osteogenesis imperfecta and other rare disorders affecting bone.

He held several senior professional positions and not only served as Chair of the Paget’s Association but also Chair of the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Society. Through these roles, he supported not only scientific progress but also the needs of patients and families living with bone conditions.

Roger valued academic life in Oxford. He was a Fellow of Nuffield College and later a Fellow and Emeritus Fellow of Green Templeton College.

In retirement, Roger continued to enjoy tennis, gardening and travelling, particularly to places where he could paint. He became an accomplished artist, working mainly in watercolours and acrylics, exhibiting his work during Oxfordshire Artweeks.

Reflecting on Dr Smith’s contribution

In 2021, our current Chair, Professor Stuart Ralston, interviewed Roger for Paget’s Awareness Day. Their conversation provided a fascinating insight into the early development of bisphosphonate treatment and Roger’s determination to find better ways of relieving the pain and complications caused by Paget’s disease.

The Paget’s Association will remember Roger with enormous gratitude and affection. His pioneering work changed the outlook for people with Paget’s disease and helped establish the foundations of modern treatment. His remarkable work will always hold an important place in the Association’s history and his legacy will live on through the many people who continue to benefit from the advances he helped make possible.

Interview with Dr Smith

You can watch an interview about his research into Paget’s disease, along with other treatment videos by following this link.