In Memoriam: Philip Neil Sambrook

The osteoporosis research community has lost an outstanding member and friend: Philip Neil Sambrook. He died peacefully at his much-loved Kangaroo Valley retreat, in the company of his family; his beloved wife, Brenda, and children, Andrew and Kate. Philip fought hard against an ocular melanoma diagnosed 4 years ago. When it eventually overcame him on March 31, 2012, he was just fifty-nine.

Philip was a masterful clinician, whose kind and compassionate nature was highly valued by his patients. He was also remarkably productive as clinical scientific researcher. He brought the same tireless energy and critical insight to patient care and his research. Osteoporosis was the major focus of his life as an investigator, teacher and practitioner.

He made major contributions through his pioneering work on glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, including the first randomized controlled trial of prevention of corticosteroid-related osteoporosis, and subsequent work on post-transplant osteoporosis. Philip played a key role in the Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study on the interaction between muscle, bone and fracture and the epidemiology of osteoporosis in both men and women. He continued this translational work on causes and prevention of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. Philip also played a key role in the first studies of genetics of osteoporosis and identification of the first gene associated with osteoporosis. This work continued with studies in older twins and Philip continued to play an important role in the major international consortia seeking genetic loci associated with osteoporosis and fractures. He authored over 300 peer-reviewed publications and contributed to the last papers as recently as the end of 2011.

Philip’s distinguished career and outstanding contributions to osteoporosis research led to the award of the triennial Parr Prize from the Australian Rheumatology Association in 1988 and the Distinguished Service award from the Institute of Bone and Joint Research in 2011. In recognition of his important contributions and service to the profession and community, Philip was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2008.

Apart from his contributions to science, Philip will be remembered for his many other contributions to the field of osteoporosis nationally and internationally. He was the President of the Australia and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society (2007-2009), and a co-founder and president of the Asia Pacific Osteoporosis Foundation. He was a Board Member and the first Medical Director of Osteoporosis Australia (the Australian Osteoporosis Patient society), member of the Board of Directors of The International Bone and Mineral Society, as well as a member of the Committee of Scientific Advisors of the International Osteoporosis Foundation.

To commemorate his many contributions, Osteoporosis Australia and the Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society are establishing a prestigious new annual research award in his honor.  It is aimed at research excellence by a young investigator to ensure his passion for osteoporosis research continues to be recognized. It is intended to enable the researcher to attend and present their work at a significant overseas conference, such as ASBMR, as well as at a plenary session of the ANZBMS Annual Scientific Meeting. 
You and your organization and staff members, who were colleagues or friends of Phil’s, are invited to join us all in creating this ongoing memorial. Donations can be made through the Osteoporosis Australia website at < >

We, who had the privilege to work with Philip will remember his extraordinary commitment, his precision of organization and focus to complete a task, coupled with his humility, wit and humor. He influenced the careers of many colleagues and left an indelible mark on the lives of many others, including his patients, with his compassion, loyalty, teaching, writings, and scientific ethos.

 

John A Eisman

Tuan V. Nguyen

Jacqueline R Center

Nicholas A Pocock

Graeme Jones

Lynn March

Roderick Clifton-Bligh

Vasi Naganathan

Markus J Seibel