In memoriam: Philip Sambrook

Professor Sambrook was the inaugural Medical Director of Osteoporosis Australia and helped build the organisation from its very inception. He made an immense contribution to research and public awareness about bone health and osteoporosis in Australia,  regionally and internationally. As a rheumatologist, Philip was a highly respected clinical researcher in the areas of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, post-transplantation osteoporosis, vitamin D metabolism and the genetics of osteoporosis. He was also keenly interested in translation of research findings into clinical practice.

Professor Sambrook was a long-standing member of the Committee of Scientific Advisors and a great contributor to IOF Asia-Pacific initiatives, having been elected to the Asia-Pacific Regional Advisory Council in 2010 . He was also a Past-president of the Australian & New Zealand Bone & Mineral Society (ANZBMS), and was instrumental in the establishment of the Osteoporosis Australia/ANZBMS Research Fund. As well he was a member of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research and served on the editorial boards of the Journal Bone and Mineral Research and Osteoporosis International. He was a highly cited author, having published work in many prestigious scientific journals, including New England Journal of Medicine and Nature. He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for his services to Osteoporosis Australia and osteoporosis research. The benefits from his immense commitment and passion for improving bone health in Australia will be felt for years to come.

The IOF wishes to gratefully acknowledge Philip as a colleague and as a leader in the bone field. He will be remembered fondly and is greatly missed.

Osteoporosis Australia and ANZBMS are establishing a Professor Philip Sambrook Memorial Research Award to honour his great contribution to bone research.  For more information go to http://www.osteoporosis.org.au/donate/make-a-donation/appeal-for-the-professor-philip-sambrook-award/