In Memoriam
Robert (Bob) Dickens: MBBS 1962
1938-2020
The Royal Children’s Hospital is mourning the loss of one of its finest leaders, Dr Robert (Bob) Dickens. A passionate advocate, a strong financial and lobbying supporter, a guru for the toughest medical, medico-legal and political issues, Bob shared a genuine bond with and love of his patients and a profound respect and admiration for their parents.
Ian Reay Mackay: MBBS 1945, MD 1953
1922-2020
Professor Ian Mackay AM (MBBS 1945, MD 1953) was a pioneer of research into autoimmune diseases – conditions in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own organs and tissues. His research led to a new era of ‘immunosuppressive’ treatments for autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune hepatitis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren’s syndrome, therapies that diminish the immune response to reduce disease symptoms.
Peter Salama: MBBS 1993
1968 – 2020
Melbourne Medical School alum, Dr Peter Salama died suddenly at the age of 51 on 23 January.
The Australian-born medical epidemiologist was known as an eloquent global health advocate, who dedicated his career to combating the world’s most difficult and dangerous diseases and strengthening fragile health systems in states weakened by war and civil unrest.
Abe Dorevitch: MBBS 1952, MD 1958
1929-2019
Doctor Abraham Phillip Dorevitch, founder and head of Dorevitch Pathology, died recently five weeks short of his 90th birthday.
Abe was born in 1929, the eldest child of Rebecca and Morris Dorevitch. Growing up with his three siblings in Carlton during the Depression, Abe experienced first-hand the poverty and hardship of the times, which he always felt was responsible for his lifelong empathy and support for the underprivileged and for those battling economic difficulties.
