In Memory of Robert Sidbury, MD, MPH

Robert Sidbury, MD, MPH, a prominent figure in pediatric dermatology, died unexpectedly on Friday, July 11, 2025. Dr Sidbury, 61, was the chief of dermatology at Seattle Children’s Hospital and a professor in the University of Washington’s Department of Pediatrics. His death has deeply saddened the dermatology community, including those in the Society for Pediatric Dermatology (SPD), the American Academy of Dermatology, and the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance, where he was a proud member and leader.

The SPD held a special tribute to honor Dr Sidbury’s life and contributions at its 2025 annual meeting in July, titled “The Society for Pediatric Dermatology at 50: A View of Our Specialty Through the Life and Work of Dr Robert Sidbury.” Speakers at the event highlighted his profound impact as a clinician, researcher, mentor, and friend.

Dr Sidbury’s colleagues and friends remember him for his exceptional qualities. Peter Lio, MD, recalled a trip to a hydrotherapy center in the south of France with Dr Sidbury and other clinicians, where they brought patients with severe atopic dermatitis. At the SPD hosted tribute, Lio remarked, “Although 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 a wonderful experience getting to know our patients better, getting to know the other dermatologists in the group, and truly enjoying the journey.” He added, “Rob 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.”

Nanette Silverberg, MD, who was a fellow with Dr Sidbury at Children’s Memorial Hospital of Northwestern University (now the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago), described him as “always a true gentleman physician, very kind, polite, inclusive of many opinions, and generous with his time with friends, patients, and in public service.” She lauded his brilliance and humility, noting, “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.” Silverberg concluded, “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, shared his connection: “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 by 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, echoed similar sentiments, recalling her first encounter with Dr Sidbury at the Resident 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, recounted Dr Sidbury’s fellowship at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago and his move to Seattle 25 years ago to begin his faculty career. She remembered him as “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.” Paller emphasized Dr Sidbury’s role as “a champion in teaching about the management and triggers of atopic dermatitis, cochairing the American Academy of Dermatology’s guidelines committee twice.” She concluded, “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 we offer our heartfelt sympathy to his wife, daughter, and all who knew and loved him.”

Dr Sidbury’s impact extended beyond his professional achievements. He was known for his dedication to his daughter, Claire, and his love for his wife, Sheila. He built the Division of Pediatric Dermatology at Seattle Children’s Hospital into a strong, tight-knit, vibrant team. He fostered an environment where everyone felt valued and supported, creating “brave spaces” where colleagues could be their authentic selves. His ability to connect with people, his dry humor, and his unwavering kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.