The medical community and countless families across the country are mourning the sudden and unexpected loss of Dr. Robert Sidbury, MD, MPH, a beloved physician, educator, and leader in pediatric dermatology. Dr. Sidbury passed away suddenly, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, scientific curiosity, and exceptional care. His passing has sent shockwaves through Seattle and far beyond, where his work profoundly impacted the lives of patients, colleagues, and students alike.
Dr. Robert Sidbury served as the Chief of the Division of Dermatology at Seattle Children’s Hospital and was a respected professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine. He dedicated his life to the care of children, particularly those affected by skin conditions, and was widely recognized as a national leader in the field of pediatric dermatology.
Dr. Sidbury’s clinical and research interests were as wide-ranging as they were impactful. He focused on atopic dermatitis (eczema), vascular tumors of infancy, vitamin D, and pediatric health services. His passion for his work and unwavering commitment to advancing dermatologic care set him apart as both a physician and a scholar. For many families facing complex and sometimes frightening diagnoses, Dr. Sidbury provided not only expert care but a sense of hope and humanity.
His educational background reflected his drive for excellence and compassion. Dr. Sidbury earned his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine in 1993, following his undergraduate degree from Duke in 1985. He completed his dermatology residency at Oregon Health Sciences University in 1998 and later earned a Master of Public Health from the Harvard School of Public Health in 2008. This combination of clinical training and public health insight allowed him to approach dermatology with a holistic and thoughtful perspective.
Among his many honors and achievements, Dr. Sidbury was named a “Top Doc” by Seattle Magazine several times (2013–2015, 2018, 2019, and 2022). He also received the John E. Olerud Resident Teaching Award from the University of Washington Department of Dermatology in 2014 and a Presidential Citation from the American Academy of Dermatology in 2011, underscoring his excellence in both teaching and service.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Robert Sidbury was deeply respected for his warmth, humility, and commitment to mentorship. Generations of medical students and residents benefited from his guidance and example, and he was widely known for his ability to explain complex topics with clarity and kindness.
The sudden loss of Dr. Sidbury is an immeasurable tragedy to those who knew him personally and professionally. He leaves behind not only a long list of achievements but a legacy of caring, compassion, and integrity that will continue to inspire.
He is survived by his family, friends, colleagues, patients, and all those whose lives he touched with his healing hands and generous heart. In honoring his life, the medical community recommits to the values Dr. Sidbury exemplified every day: excellence in care, love for learning, and compassion above all.
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