Rheumatologists from around the world have paid tribute to Associate Professor Philip Robinson, a leading expert in axial spondyloarthritis, gout and in COVID-19 and rheumatic disease.
Family members said he died in Brisbane last Monday, having presented to hospital two weeks earlier with stroke-like symptoms. Aged 43, he was survived by his wife and two young sons.
ARA president Dr Claire Barrett said the news had come as shock and would be felt by the entire rheumatology community.
“He was such an amazing person and his impact on rheumatology both in Australia and overseas was huge,” she said.
“We’ll remember him as an amazing rheumatologist and great friend, but also a fantastic family man, wonderful father and beautiful husband.”
“Those of us who knew him in Queensland are obviously hurting a lot, but none more than his beautiful family.”
Trained in New Zealand, Associate Professor Robinson moved to Australia in 2010 to complete a PhD in human genetics at the University of Queensland Diamantina Institute. He then undertook a post-doctoral fellowship at the Queensland Brain Institute at the University of Queensland.
With research and clinical interests in ankylosing spondylitis and axial spondyloarthritis and gout, he published over 170 academic articles in journals including Nature Genetics, Nature Communications, PNAS, Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, Arthritis and Rheumatism and Lancet Rheumatology. These had attracted over 6000 citations since 2018, according to Google Scholar.
More recently, Associate Professor Robinson developed a major interest in COVID-19 and rheumatic diseases, co-founding the COVID–19 Global Rheumatology Alliance soon after the pandemic began in March 2020.
Having qualified as a fellow of the RACP in 2010, he was also a senior staff specialist at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and was Associate Professor at the University of Queensland. He started private practice in 2016.
His wife Dr Helen Tanner said he’d always had a dream of establishing a big practice with multiple rheumatologists. This he finally realised just eight weeks ago, when he opened a new clinic in Brisbane with Dr Hanish Bagga.
She said her late husband had been a dedicated colleague, with a passion for medicine and rheumatology and a determination to do the best for his patients.
“He was also very sociable and loved to spend time with friends,” she told the limbic. “ He enjoyed laughing with friends and telling funny stories.”
“He was a devoted father, extremely proud of his children. He played with them all the time: built lego boats and helicopters, did puzzles, read to them every night. He cancelled his clinics to go to Father’s day events at the school.”
“He loved family holidays, all of them. He loved to see the children laugh. The thing that most upset Phil was if one of the children were sick – he couldn’t bear to see it.”
Associate Professor Robinson had also been a loving and supportive husband: “He always encouraged me to do things and supported me with everything I chose to do,” Dr Tanner said.
“We had so much fun together and always laughed. We loved making fun of each other too. We were best friends.”
This side of Associate Professor Robinson would also be remembered by his colleagues at the ARA, said Dr Barrett, pointing to his introduction of a conference volleyball competition called the “Golden Jandal” – a Kiwi term for thong.
“He was front and centre of it all, organising it, and it was one of the most enjoyable parts of our conference,” she recalled.
“Phil will be sorely missed and we will be making sure that the Golden Jandal remembers him.”
She added that given the extent of Associate Professor Robinson’s contributions to the ARA over the years, the association was also considering a more formal commemoration.
Doctors and institutions from around the world offered their condolences on social media.
Absolutely devastated by the loss of @philipcrobinson
So privileged to be able to call him a colleague and friend. Invaluable contributor to global rheumatology. Heartfelt thoughts to his wife Helen and sons, Tommy & Eddie. Vale Phil @AusRheum @rheum_covid pic.twitter.com/VeNtROzE8C— Catherine Hill (@CatherineL_Hill) January 3, 2023
During the early part of the pandemic, my son had his birthday party canceled, so @philipcrobinson made my son a video. 😭😭 https://t.co/ebYPCf7Bdg pic.twitter.com/FiQeflo1K4
— Paul Sufka, MD (@psufka) January 4, 2023
I am in shock. So sudden, and such a loss to us all, but of course most of all to his family. Truly a gentleman and a scholar. Vale, Philip @philipcrobinson https://t.co/LHiPJuyEGU
— Eric Morand 🇺🇦 (@EricFMorand) January 4, 2023
My friend, my mentor, I miss you so much already. In my mind I can hear you saying these words, characteristic wit, cheeky grin, brilliant ideas.
Gone too soon, the world is a poorer place without you @philipcrobinson https://t.co/FkqvlVVceP
— David Liew (@drdavidliew) January 6, 2023
Work by @philipcrobinson in Arthritis & Rheumatology:
Genetic Dissection of Acute Anterior Uveitis Reveals Similarities and Differences in Associations Observed With Ankylosing Spondylitishttps://t.co/x21uZVEeQg
— ACR_Journals (@ACR_Journals) January 6, 2023
What a devastating loss. I’m grateful to have known and worked with Phil. A visionary who led when the rheumatology community needed it the most, kind and genuine, an inspiration to all of us. @philipcrobinson https://t.co/PGvgr2Jmku
— Max Konig (@MaxKonigMD) January 4, 2023
A ceremony celebrating Associate Professor Robinson’s life will be held next week, with all welcome to attend.
When: January 18 at 2pm QLD time (3pm AEDT)
Where: Hillstone St Lucia, Carawa Street, St Lucia, QLD
Livestream link: https://vimeo.com/event/2763345
Donations to the ARA Research fund are requested in lieu of flowers, and attendees are encouraged to wear bright clothes at the ceremony.