Remembering Dr. Robert Sidbury

The dermatology community was shaken last month by the sudden passing of Robert Sidbury, MD, MPH, at 61. Dr. Sidbury was Chief of Dermatology at Seattle Children’s Hospital, Professor in the University of Washington Department of Pediatrics, and a former President of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology.

“Rob led with wisdom, warmth, and humility,” the University of Washington said in a tribute on its website. “He elevated the field through clinical care, national leadership, and mentorship.”

Dr. Sidbury was a frequent contributor to Practical Dermatology, always eager to share his knowledge with colleagues.

“He was so intelligent and interested in the world,” said Practical Dermatology Editorial Board member Peter A. Lio, MD, FAAD, a close friend who shared an office with Dr. Sidbury at Boston Children’s Hospital earlier in their careers. “He was also incredibly funny. He had the best sense of humor. He was the kind of colleague who made even a boring Monday in the office, when you were faced with a bunch of patients and you were behind … he made it fun. It would be exciting and interesting. His patients adored him. He cared so much about them. And his colleagues adored him. He was the best guy to work with. If you asked him for a favor, he was a mench; he would do it for you. ‘No problem. I’ve got this. What do you need? Coverage on that date? No problem.’ Just wonderful.”

Practical Dermatology Associate Medical Editor Elizabeth (Lisa) Swanson, MD, FAAD, recalled when she first introduced herself to Dr. Sidbury and asked that he be a mentor to her as she practiced in nearby Idaho.

“He was so wonderful, so gracious, and so helpful,” Dr. Swanson said. “Every time I ran into him at conferences, I ran cases by him. … He was always so kind, so helpful, and willing to be there for me. And so funny—so lighthearted, so caring. I really was impressed by him as a person as I got to know him better. What a devastating loss to the world of dermatology.”

Dr. Sidbury is survived by his wife, Sheila, and his daughter, Claire.

“It’s just a reminder to live every day to the fullest, be good to each other, and hug your family and friends,” Practical Dermatology Chief Medical Editor Neal Bhatia, MD, FAAD, said. “We are going to miss Rob very much.”