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We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Robert “Rob” Sidbury, MD, MPH, beloved faculty member, division leader, and international authority in pediatric dermatology. Rob died unexpectedly at age 61 on July 11 while attending a dermatology meeting in Chicago.
Rob’s passing is a devastating loss to the Seattle pediatric and dermatology communities, his colleagues around the world, and the many patients and families whose lives he touched. A vital and vibrant member of the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s communities since 2000, Rob led with wisdom, warmth, and humility. He elevated the field of dermatology through clinical care, national leadership, and mentorship.
As head of the UW Pediatrics Division of Dermatology, Chief of Pediatric Dermatology at Seattle Children’s, and a Clinical Adjunct Professor in the UW Department of Dermatology, Rob combined clinical expertise with a collaborative spirit that unified and strengthened his teams. He contributed significantly to national guideline development, health policy, and clinical research in dermatology. He led the Society for Pediatric Dermatology as its President and was named one of Seattle Magazine's Top Doctors for many years, including in 2025.
Rob had a rare gift for mentorship. He believed in creating space where colleagues could grow and be authentic, supporting careers with kindness, clarity, and quiet confidence. His legacy as a mentor lives on in the values and culture he cultivated among his teams.
He was deeply valued by the patients and families he cared for, as this recent patient testimonial speaks to:
“There are not enough words to describe how grateful we are for Dr. Sidbury. He is, without a doubt, the best doctor my children have ever had. Beyond being incredibly knowledgeable and skilled in his field, what truly sets him apart is his heart. He treats my kids with such kindness, respect, and genuine care, and he has done so for years … He’s a rare and extraordinary kind of doctor and human being.”
Rob’s sudden passing leaves a void in our hearts and in the field. His influence, however, will endure through every patient, trainee, and colleague whose life he touched.
Our thoughts are with his family at this incredibly difficult time. We stand with them and with our wider community in mourning and gratitude.
Rob’s passing is a devastating loss to the Seattle pediatric and dermatology communities, his colleagues around the world, and the many patients and families whose lives he touched. A vital and vibrant member of the University of Washington and Seattle Children’s communities since 2000, Rob led with wisdom, warmth, and humility. He elevated the field of dermatology through clinical care, national leadership, and mentorship.
As head of the UW Pediatrics Division of Dermatology, Chief of Pediatric Dermatology at Seattle Children’s, and a Clinical Adjunct Professor in the UW Department of Dermatology, Rob combined clinical expertise with a collaborative spirit that unified and strengthened his teams. He contributed significantly to national guideline development, health policy, and clinical research in dermatology. He led the Society for Pediatric Dermatology as its President and was named one of Seattle Magazine's Top Doctors for many years, including in 2025.
Rob had a rare gift for mentorship. He believed in creating space where colleagues could grow and be authentic, supporting careers with kindness, clarity, and quiet confidence. His legacy as a mentor lives on in the values and culture he cultivated among his teams.
He was deeply valued by the patients and families he cared for, as this recent patient testimonial speaks to:
“There are not enough words to describe how grateful we are for Dr. Sidbury. He is, without a doubt, the best doctor my children have ever had. Beyond being incredibly knowledgeable and skilled in his field, what truly sets him apart is his heart. He treats my kids with such kindness, respect, and genuine care, and he has done so for years … He’s a rare and extraordinary kind of doctor and human being.”
Rob’s sudden passing leaves a void in our hearts and in the field. His influence, however, will endure through every patient, trainee, and colleague whose life he touched.
Our thoughts are with his family at this incredibly difficult time. We stand with them and with our wider community in mourning and gratitude.
Visit the UW Department of Dermatology website to read more about Rob's life and distinguished career.