The Seattle medical community and beyond are mourning the unexpected and heartbreaking loss of Dr. Robert Sidbury, a beloved physician, scholar, mentor, and friend. A renowned dermatologist with a passion for children’s health, Dr. Sidbury passed away suddenly, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, compassion, and service that profoundly impacted thousands of lives.
Dr. Sidbury served as Chief of the Division of Dermatology at Seattle Children’s Hospital and held a faculty appointment as Professor of Dermatology at the University of Washington School of Medicine. He was a tireless advocate for children suffering from complex skin disorders, and his work set a gold standard in pediatric dermatologic care both nationally and internationally.
Known for his extraordinary kindness, warm bedside manner, and brilliant clinical insight, Dr. Sidbury built his career around a simple but powerful philosophy: every child deserves dignity, understanding, and access to the highest quality of care. Whether treating a young patient with a rare genetic skin disorder or training medical students with patience and precision, he always led with humility and heart.
Dr. Sidbury was a graduate of Brown University and Duke University School of Medicine and completed his dermatology residency and pediatric dermatology fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco. Over the years, he became one of the most respected voices in the field, publishing extensively in peer-reviewed journals, authoring book chapters, and speaking at global conferences. He was especially known for his work in atopic dermatitis, where his clinical expertise and advocacy brought comfort and hope to families navigating complex diagnoses.
Beyond his titles and accolades, Dr. Sidbury will be remembered for the quiet, everyday ways he made a difference. Families recall how he sat on the floor with young patients to make them feel at ease. Colleagues speak of a man who never sought the spotlight but always lifted others into it. His students remember his willingness to teach not just the science of dermatology but the art of empathy and care.
His loss leaves a painful void at Seattle Children’s Hospital, the University of Washington, and within the broader dermatology community. Tributes have poured in from patients, fellow physicians, and medical organizations across the country, each sharing stories of how Dr. Sidbury’s wisdom, laughter, and love for people changed their lives.
He is survived by his loving family, whose privacy and healing we deeply respect during this time of unimaginable grief. He is also survived by an extended family of grateful patients, peers, trainees, and advocates who will carry forward his mission of kindness-driven medicine.
In honoring Dr. Robert Sidbury, we remember not only a brilliant doctor, but a gentle soul whose legacy will live on in every life he touched. His impact reaches far beyond the exam room—it lives in healthier children, better-prepared doctors, and a more compassionate medical world.
Rest in peace, Dr. Sidbury. Your hands healed, your heart guided, and your spirit will forever remain a light in our community.
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