In Memoriam: Buna Joe (B.J.) Wilder

We have learned of the recent passing of Professor Buna Joe (B.J.) Wilder on 21 November 2023 at the age of 94. Dr. Wilder was an early pioneer in improving pharmacotherapy for epilepsy and was one of the first to measure anticonvulsant drug levels regularly. He established a laboratory for the determination of these levels, and it served as a national resource for some  years. Believing that physicians needed specialized training in epilepsy, B.J. established epilepsy fellowships that he supported out of his own funds. Through his efforts he trained many future leaders in the field, and the practice of epilepsy greatly benefitted from his efforts. He was raised in Gainesville, Florida, USA, but then traveled around the country for his education and training. Ultimately he returned home and was on the faculty of the University of Florida where he spent the rest of his life.

To read more about this remarkable man and his many contributions please see remembrances by those who knew him best:

Buna Joe "BJ" Wilder, MD (1929-2023), Kalamangalam GP, Ramsay RE, Okun MS, Neurology (2024)

Dr. B.J. Wilder, giant in epilepsy field who changed treatment of seizure disorders, dies at 94, Jaffee M, University of Florida Health (2023)