Scientist, Leader, Mentor, Friend to the Philippine Society of Hypertension and Philippine Heart Association

By Rafael R. Castillo, MD

The passing of Professor Trefor Morgan is a profound loss to the global hypertension community, the Asia–Pacific region, and to the many clinicians, researchers, and students who were shaped by his wisdom and inspired by his example. His life’s work did more than advance the scientific understanding of blood pressure regulation—it helped build an entire generation of hypertension specialists across continents and created the collaborative structures that continue to guide the field today.

Professor Morgan was a pioneering figure in cardiovascular physiology. His early and continuing contributions to the understanding of renal mechanisms of hypertension, sodium regulation, sympathetic activation, and the pathophysiology of high blood pressure laid the groundwork for much of what we know today. His research was characterized by scientific rigor, intellectual curiosity, and a relentless commitment to evidence. Colleagues across the world admired him not only for the breadth of his work but for the clarity with which he communicated complex concepts. He possessed the rare ability to make difficult science accessible, engaging, and clinically relevant.

Yet beyond his laboratory achievements, Professor Morgan’s greatest legacy may well be the communities he helped build. He was a founding force behind both the Asian Pacific Society of Hypertension (APSH) and was actively involved in the International Society of Hypertension (ISH). Long before global collaboration became fashionable, Professor Morgan recognized that hypertension—now one of the world’s most pervasive health challenges—could be best confronted through networks of shared knowledge, region-specific strategies, and mentorship across borders.

His vision was clear: build a scientific home where clinicians and researchers from Asia and the Pacific could contribute meaningfully to global debates and guidelines, and cultivate rising leaders from within the region. The APSH became that home. Under his influence, it grew not only in membership but in relevance, producing landmark consensus papers, advancing research capacity, and elevating the voices of Asian experts in world hypertension forums. Professor Morgan was its moving spirit—always guiding, teaching, encouraging, and building bridges.

The International Society of Hypertension likewise benefitted from his active participation. As a long-time member and mentor within the ISH, he played a pivotal role in shaping its scientific programs, guidelines, and governance. His influence helped ensure that the ISH did not remain an exclusive Western organization but evolved into a truly global body with balanced representation, scientific integrity, and a commitment to the developing world.

For the Philippine Society of Hypertension (PSH) and the Philippine Heart Association (PHA), Professor Morgan was more than a global icon—he was a cherished friend. He visited the Philippines many times over the years, always eager to share new research, challenge our assumptions, and encourage local investigators. Filipino cardiologists and hypertension specialists remember with fondness his animated interactions with our very own Dr. Ramon Abarquez Jr., whose enthusiasm and intellectual rigor he greatly respected. His lectures were always packed, not only because of his reputation, but because of the warmth, clarity, and sincerity he brought to every engagement.

On a personal note, I will remain forever grateful for his kindness and belief in my work. It was Professor Morgan who endorsed me to become a member of the International Society of Hypertension, and later, who generously nominated me to the ISH Council elections. These were more than professional endorsements—they were affirmations that shaped my journey and allowed me to represent our country and region on a global stage. Such gestures were typical of him: quiet, thoughtful, and transformative.

In losing Professor Trefor Morgan, we lose a giant of hypertension research, a statesman of global cardiovascular science, and a mentor of uncommon generosity. But his legacy remains vibrantly alive—in the societies he helped build, the knowledge he generated, and the thousands of clinicians he trained, encouraged, and inspired.

On behalf of the Philippine Society of Hypertension, the Filipino cardiology community, and all whose careers he touched, we offer our deepest gratitude and prayers. May he rest in the eternal peace of the Lord, and may we honor him by carrying forward the mission he embodied: advancing science, strengthening collaboration, and serving our patients with compassion and excellence.

Rest in peace, Professor Morgan. Your light endures in all of us.