It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dr Douglas Bridge on 15 December 2024.
Dr Bridge was a pioneer in palliative medicine, playing a key role in establishing it as a specialty in Australia. He served as the Emeritus Consultant at Royal Perth Hospital and Clinical Professor at the School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia.
Beyond his remarkable contributions at home, Dr Bridge’s commitment to global health was truly inspiring. From 1977-79, he worked tirelessly on a rural health project in Khulna District, Bangladesh, and carried with him a lifelong hope of returning to the region.
From 2013-2018, Dr Bridge was a trainer for the Lien Collaborative in Bangladesh, our inaugural programme to strengthen palliative care capacity and leadership in the country. His efforts helped transform the palliative care landscape, increasing the availability of morphine and advancing the inclusion of palliative medicine in local medical colleges.
Dr Bridge’s vision and dedication leave an enduring legacy that continues to impact countless lives. We are profoundly grateful for his contributions and will always remember his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the care of those in need.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Dr Bridge’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.