Born in Geneva in 1900, he studied medicine in the Universities of Geneva and Strasbourg, and took in-service courses in Paris and Vienna. From 1927, for over nineteen years, he worked in the Geneva Medical Clinic as assistant, clinical instructor, head of laboratory, and senior assistant. From 1946 to 1970, he was Professor in charge of the Geneva University Policlinic, twice Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and, from 1960 to 1962, Rector of Geneva University. Since 1970 he has been an honorary professor of that University.