Robert Sidbury, MD, MPH, Leaves a Lasting Legacy in Pediatric Care

Dermatology Times, like many in the community, is shocked and saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Robert Sidbury, MD, MPH, last Friday, July 11, at the age of 61. Sidbury was the chief of dermatology at Seattle Children’s Hospital, and a professor in the University of Washington's department of pediatrics. He was a proud member of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology (SPD), the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), and Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance (PeDRA), as well as a leader to many in the field.

“Dr. Sidbury was a visionary leader in pediatric dermatology whose career was defined by clinical excellence, groundbreaking research, and tireless advocacy,” said a joint release from SPD and PeDRA earlier this week. “He played a transformative role in shaping the field, particularly through his leadership in developing national treatment guidelines for atopic dermatitis. A prolific scholar, Dr. Sidbury authored numerous peer-reviewed articles on topics ranging from atopic dermatitis to pediatric skin infections and care of immunocompromised patients. His thoughtful approach to medicine, along with his generosity of spirit, made him a treasured mentor to many.”

In honor of Sidbury’s life, SPD will hold a special tribute at their upcoming meeting on Friday, July 25, titled “The Society for Pediatric Dermatology at 50: A View of our Specialty Through the Life and Work of Dr. Robert Sidbury.”

In a memorial posted to the UW Department of Dermatology website, Paul Nghiem, MD, PhD, chair of the UW department of dermatology said this about Sidbury: “Rob had a rare ability to blend humor, clarity, and warmth in a way that captivated audiences and inspired trust. He was a gifted speaker—engaging, insightful, and able to zero in on what truly mattered. It’s no surprise he was a sought-after advisor and voice in pediatric dermatology worldwide. More importantly, Rob cared deeply about every member of his team—students, residents, faculty—and worked tirelessly to ensure they had what they needed to succeed. His vision and leadership built a world-class pediatric dermatology program in Seattle—one that will continue to thrive, even as it grieves this loss.”

Sidbury connected with many within the broader field of dermatology, some of whom have chosen to share a few words on his impact, mentorship, and friendship. If you would like to share your thoughts, please email us at DTEditor@mmhgroup.com.

A Tribute to Robert Sidbury, MD, MPH

Nanette Silverberg, MD

“Robert Sidbury and I were fellow fellows at Children’s Memorial Hospital of Northwestern University (now Lurie Children’s). He was always a true gentleman physician, very kind, polite, inclusive of many opinions, and generous with his time with friends, patients, and in public service. He was brilliant and humble, his conceptual work in the guidelines for atopic dermatitis created the scaffold for the adoption of new, cutting-edge therapeutics and improved the lives of countless children with atopic dermatitis. I am saddened by his loss. He will be deeply missed within our society and by his colleagues and friends. He is irreplaceable.”

Raj Chovatiya, MD, PhD, MSCI

“I had the privilege of first meeting Robert when I was a dermatology resident. I was lucky to work with him as my assigned faculty mentor as a part of the DermMentors Resident of Distinction award program, which was taking place in Seattle that year. I won the top prize that year with him on my side, and that little bit of serendipity connecting us blossomed into a long-term relationship. Robert was such a kind, caring, and accomplished individual, and I was blessed to call him a colleague and a friend. He will be missed by all of us in dermatology.”

Dawn Eichenfield, MD, PhD

“I feel like I did not know Dr. Sidbury very well, but I do remember first meeting him when I was at the Residents of Distinction event in Seattle. Although he was not my assigned “mentor” for the event, he was so kind and welcoming, and the experience left such a memorable impression that it helped confirm my decision to become a pediatric dermatologist.

Amy Paller, MD, MS

"Rob Sidbury trained in pediatric dermatology fellowship with us at the Children's Hospital in Chicago after completing his residency at Oregon Health Sciences University. Twenty-five years ago he moved from Chicago to Seattle to begin his career as a faculty member and has been a great contributor to our field ever since. He was a pleasure to be with -- funny, a great listener, and with great common sense. He was always curious and had a great love of learning, taking a few years to earn a Master's degree in Public Health and investigating the relationship between vitamin D levels and atopic dermatitis. He became a champion in teaching about the management and triggers of atopic dermatitis, co-Chairing the American Academy of Dermatology's Guidelines committee twice - in 2014 and currently. Above all he was incredibly giving - to his trainees, his colleagues, and his patients. We are all shocked and saddened by this sudden loss of our dear friend and colleague - and offer our heartfelt sympathy to his wife, daughter, and all who knew and loved him."

Peter Lio, MD

"Rob and I got to be part of a group of dermatologists last summer who were able to bring patients with severe, refractory atopic dermatitis to a magical hydrotherapy center in the south of France. While it was a business trip and we were working to learn about the treatments while trying to help and support our patients, Rob's warmth, inquisitiveness, and incredibly sharp sense of humor made it so much more than that. We had such a wonderful experience getting to know our patients better, getting to know the other dermatologists in the group, and truly enjoying the journey. Rob Sidbury was the kind of person who could make a gray Monday morning in an office feel like hanging out on a weekend. His kindness, compassion, and genuine love and interest in the world at large made everything a little bit brighter, more interesting, and more fun. He was someone with tremendous charisma and his light will be greatly missed."