A friend, colleague, and mentor to many
This morning (Thursday 27thNumber) We were woken up to the unpleasant news that a very dear friend and lifelong colleague to many of us, Professor Emeritus Stephen P. Myers, had passed away at Lismore Base Hospital.
It’s far too soon for a man with so much compassion and vision for the future.
I met Stephen in the mid-80s when we were both teaching at the New South Wales College of Naturopathic Medicine. We didn’t have any contact with each other in those early years and shared a passion for the environmental movement. However, it wasn’t long before Stephen changed direction to study medicine in a progressive, highly selective, evidence-based program at the University of Newcastle. He actively grew through his medical education, imparting a related naturopathic benefit or two to his lecturers. He then completed his PhD in Clinical Pharmacology (Cardiovascular Health) under the supervision of the renowned Professor Tony Smith.
His combination of naturopathy (always his strong foundation), clinical medicine and a PhD in pharmacology made him a natural intellectual leader in the field, and he has nurtured this knowledge base and blessed it with a genuine and forthright kindness that has made him one of the most thoughtful, compassionate, articulate and knowledgeable voices in the field.
I had the privilege of working with a young Stephen in the mid-90s when we were jointly commissioned by our state’s health department to study the Chinese medicine profession to determine whether the practice of Chinese medicine should be regulated. We worked closely together throughout those years and I benefited from, and remain grateful for, his expertise.
Over the course of two decades, our friendship grew and our humour faded as we served together on various government committees and contributed as much as we could in guiding and shaping strong policies in the health sector, but the best part was the debates, teasing our colleagues and laughing together, which continued through the many wonderful years that our friendship lasted.
Stephen was Dean of the School of Natural and Complementary Medicine at Southern Cross University from 1995 to 2001 where he led the development and delivery of the Bachelor of Naturopathic Medicine course which produced 500 graduates. He also established Australia’s first Naturopathic and Complementary Medicine Research Centre at Southern Cross. Stephen is also active in the NICM Health Research Institute where he sits on its research committee as an adjunct professor and researcher.
Stephen is an internationally recognised expert and consultant to industry, government and the tertiary industry in the areas of herbal medicines, nutraceuticals, therapeutic foods and public health complementary medicine. His publications and presentations are extensive. In 2004 he received the prestigious Lady Cilento Award from the Complementary Medicine Council in recognition of his significant and continuing contribution to the field of complementary medicine.
We build lifelong friends based on their openness, compassion and affection, and are drawn to their liveliness, intellect and humor. Stephen was always hospitable; the whole family spoke of it when he joined us for dinner during long Chinese Medicine Review evenings. His intellect and clarity were witnessed by all in his lectures, impromptu dinner conversations and, above all, the erudite discussions he had in challenging advisory committee meetings. Anyone who has worked with Stephen knows that he always had opinions worthy of a second thought.
Stephen was blessed with a long partnership with his beautiful, intelligent and charming wife, Lily. They had a deep love and respect for each other which must have been a great comfort to Stephen in his final days.
As difficult as it is to say goodbye, I am forever grateful for the time I spent with Stephen and all that he taught me, as will the many of us who were fortunate enough to share part of his life, and for all Americans who benefited from Stephen’s decades of research, teaching, and practice.
Rest in peace dear friend.
Alain Bensussan
