Emeritus Professor Malcolm West AM
The Prince Charles Hospital and Community has lost one of its legends.
Emeritus Professor Malcolm West was a great teacher and mentor, master clinician, and well-respected researcher and academic who achieved a stellar national and international profile. He was a compassionate and caring individual who made a large impact – not only on those of us who knew and had the unique honour to work with him, but on the thousands of patients he cared for, the students he taught, and through the extensive international research he undertook.
Malcolm West and his family (Jenny and his three daughters) moved from Adelaide to Brisbane in 1989 to take up the role of Mayne Professor with The University of Queensland at The Prince Charles Hospital. He combined his clinical work as a cardiologist with his University Medical School responsibilities while continuing his research. Professor West was integral to the LIPID trial that helped lead the way for use of statin therapy in our community. He played a major role in the development of the Graduate Medical Course at The University of Queensland and set up the University Research Labs here at the hospital.
One of his legacies at TPCH was his work on aortic disease and Marfan Syndrome: setting up a clinic, conducting research and with Jenny’s assistance, helping the Marfan Association group.
Malcolm was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia in 2012.
He was the Foundation Professor National Heart Foundation Chair of Cardiovascular Research and was a member of numerous strategic committees. His career included being the academic supervisor for numerous PhD and Masters students, many who have gone on to stellar careers themselves.
Between all his commitments, he still found time to indulge in his passion for music, theatre and gardening.
He was a humble and selfless person who considered the welfare of others above himself. Malcolm touched the lives of many. The lives of all who knew him have been enriched by the experience of knowing him, working with him and being cared for by him. Our deepest sympathy goes to his wife Jenny, daughters Pip, Meg and Pen and their families.