In 1955, Dr. Delbarre joined Professor Coste, and his work on connective tissue diseases and crystal arthropathies earned him a place in modern rheumatology. He introduced chemical synovectomy as a method of treatment for rheumatic diseases.
In 1956, he organized a specialty training program in rheumatology that resulted in the first generation of French board-certified rheumatologists in 1959. At Hospital Cochin in 1961, he became the Director of INSERM-Scientific Research Center for the study of metabolic and inflammatory rheumatic conditions and dysglobulinemias and, at the request of the World Health Organization, he established the criteria for the diagnosis of connective tissue diseases.
Professor Delbarre was the co-author of 17 textbooks, more than 800 scientific papers, and the sponsor of doctoral theses of many domestic and foreign students, physicians, and scientists. He was the secretary of the International League Against Rheumatism from 1961-1973, Dean of the Medical School Paris-Cochin from 1969-1979, and President of the University of Paris Rene-Descartes until his death. Many decorations and honorary doctorates were conferred on him, and he was an honorary member of the American Rheumatism Association.
He was a dynamic, straight-forward man, ready to assist in any way, and full of new ideas. An excellent teacher-clinician, he was happiest when working in the late evening hours in his laboratory, as he did in his youth.