Last Update: 30/01/2013 17:48
Otolaryngologist Head and Neck surgeon
5 October 1967-16 October 2010
The Australian Ear Neck and Throat (ENT) community was deeply
saddened by the passing of Dr Samuel Hugh Robinson on 16 October
2010, following a long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his
family and friends, and he passed away peacefully at the age of
43.
Sam was raised on a farm in the South East of South Australia
before completing his education at St Peters College, Adelaide. He
went on to attend Adelaide University Medical School where he
developed his passion for surgery.
His interest in the surgical management of snoring and sleep
apnoea began early in his training in ENT, with a strong belief
that people with sleep apnoea deserved options for the treatment of
their condition other than continuous positive airway pressure
(CPAP), which many did not tolerate. He travelled to Stanford
University to further develop this interest when this surgery was
just beginning to achieve recognition in the United States.
It was in the middle of his advanced training years that he was
diagnosed with myeloma, the condition that would ultimately claim
his life. When considering his options at that point he no doubt
considered the added burden of being a pioneer in any field of
surgery and the scrutiny that is focused on anyone who introduces a
procedure. It did not deter him and in the following years he
pushed the boundaries of modern sleep surgery to become a world
recognised leader in this field.
Sam was also passionate about the good things in life and, like
most South Australians, had a love of good food and wine. He also
loved his football and his team, the Adelaide Crows. So much so,
that his funeral, which overflowed with friends and loved ones, was
held at the Crows Shed. It was a testament to Sam and his selfless
nature that many who attended the funeral had not even known that
he was unwell, including those who worked beside him on a daily
basis.
At his funeral it was joked that it was hard to know if Sam was
more passionate about his work, the Crows or his family, but no one
really doubts that his wife, Jane, and children, Matthew and
Joanna, were the centre of his universe. He loved them very
deeply.
Sam's life was far too short, yet he achieved so much in the
time he had. He was a wonderful man, a good friend and colleague, a
patient and committed teacher, a loving and much loved husband,
father, son and brother. He will be deeply missed by all who had
the privilege of knowing him.
Dr Sonia Latzel FRACS
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page of In memoriam