Jacques Forestier (27 July 1890, Aix-les-Bains – 17 March 1978) was a French internist who was a pioneer in the field of rheumatology. Forestier studied medicine in Paris, later working at Hôpital Cochin, where he became interested in rheumatology and its treatment. In 1928 he took part in the founding of the French society of rheumatology. His father, Henri Forestier, was a director at the therapeutic spas in Aix-les-Bains. Forestier is remembered for his introduction of gold salts as a remedy for rheumatoid arthritis. Historically, injectable gold salts such as gold sodium thiomalate and aurothioglucose were considered by many to be the most effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis prior to the advent of targeted therapeutics. Forestier is also known for his work with polymyalgia rheumatica and diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis. With his instructor, Jean-Athanase Sicard (1872–1929), he demonstrated the use of Lipiodol for spinal X-ray examinations.

Olympics

Forestier competed in the 1920 Summer Olympics as rugby union player for France. As a member of the French team, he won the silver medal.

Associated eponyms

Selected writings