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In loving memory - Prof Laurie Catley

Thursday 22 October 2015

Associate Professor Laurie Catley was a senior and highly respected clinician and researcher at Mater Health Services. As an experienced haematologist, his special interest was in the care of patients with myeloma and thalassemia.

Laurie developed his research interests at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts, where he was privileged to be a part of some major breakthroughs in the development of new effective treatments for haematological malignancies. These new treatments are now having a significant impact on extending the life expectancy of many patients with malignant haematological disease.

In 2006, Laurie came to Brisbane as Director of Haematology at Mater and Research Associate at Mater Research. He was the recipient of numerous awards, including an International Myeloma Foundation Senior Research Award. He continued to investigate new treatments as a clinical haematologist at Mater Cancer Care Centre, and contributed to scientific research at Mater Research.

Laurie had several important and often unacknowledged roles at Mater. He served for many years on the Mater Research Scientific and Human Research Ethics committees and chaired the Drugs and Therapeutics committee. He ran the stem cell program through Mater Pathology and chaired medical grand rounds each week. He was a supervisor and trainer of both haematology and general medical trainees. 

An ardent Red Sox supporter when in Boston, Laurie transferred his sporting allegiance to the mighty Brisbane Lions following his move to Australia.

Laurie had a passion for kite and wind surfing and those who attended Mater reviews will acknowledge his musical and performing talents. In their obituary, his parents, Robert and Patricia, described Laurie as “doctor, sailor, musician—a wonderful mind and soul lost to the 21st century”.

Laurie passed away unexpectedly in his sleep while on holiday in Venice prior to attending a myeloma conference in Rome. His untimely death is a great loss to his patients, friends and colleagues at Mater.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.