Walter H Moran, Jr., M.D., 94, of Swanton, Md., passed away Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Garrett Regional Medical Center.
Walter was born November 16, 1930, and raised in Grand Forks, N.D., where he received a degree in chemistry from the University of North Dakota. He then went on to get a Doctoral degree in Medicine from Harvard Medical School (1955). He did a 5-year Residency at the University of Minnesota and was a First Lieutenant in the Army Reserve.
Walter Harrison Moran, Jr., M.D. came to West Virginia from the University of Minnesota as a junior resident to become the very first chief resident in the WVU department of surgery that saw the very first patient admitted to the newly-open hospital. He went on to become a faculty member, establishing himself as a scientist and academician with a strong research laboratory, holding dual appointments in surgery and the department of physiology and biophysics.
During his career, Dr. Moran published 21 papers, eight book chapters, multiple reviews and editorials, and nine published abstracts. His clinical interests included the care of burn patients, along with endocrine and trauma surgery. Personal reports from his former pupils and all available records indicate that he was a successful teacher of students and residents at all levels. Additionally, Dr. Moran performed a study for NASA on the effects of Changing Gravity and Weightlessness of the Vasopressin Control System.
The establishment of the emergency department, development of EMS, paramedic and trauma systems at WVU and throughout the state is attributed almost solely to Dr. Moran and his perseverance. He personally established emergency care standards at West Virginia University Hospital and worked with the state to establish its emergency medical system and communications network in the early 1970s. It is rumored that he personally helped place a communications tower on top of Chestnut Ridge, a local mountaintop, which provided the possibility for distant radio communications.
Dr. Moran’s primary contribution to surgical science research began when he developed a technique to measure antidiuretic hormone through an automatic assay using an IBM computer. Using this assay, he discovered primary secretion of antidiuretic hormone without other causes, an important breakthrough nationally.
Dr. Moran was a member and leader of multiple prestigious regional and national societies, including being a founding member of the American Trauma Society, in January of 1975.
Walter was predeceased by his wife, Joan Oty Moran; and son, Christopher Moran.
He is survived by his daughter, Caroline (Eric) Robison; his daughter-in- law, Cheri Nottingham- Moran; grandchildren, Eric (Misha) Robison, Brodie (Bobbie) Robison, and BreAnn Robison; and a great-grandchild, Vitani.
Following Walters wishes, he will be cremated and buried beside Joan Oty Moran in the family plot in Grand Forks.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Oakland Md.
