Our well-known and well-loved colleague, Associate Professor Amanda Jane McBride passed away on 13 July 2016 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
Born in Sydney on 7 August 1955, Amanda lived on a farm at Manildra with two younger sisters, Wendy and Penny. She completed her secondary schooling in Parkes where she was the school captain.
During her time studying medicine at the University of Sydney (1979), she was known as the girl with the long blonde hair, the big smile and boundless energy.
Her enthusiasm for medical politics was sparked early in her career. She was a member of the AMA NSW Council 1987-2001 and member of the AMA Federal Council 1987-1993. Always supporting her profession, she was a member of the Australian Doctors Fund since 1990, and an executive member 2008-2014. The Medical Services Committee recently honoured her with an award for ‘over 30 years of voluntary service to the Committee for patients, medical practitioners and public health.’
General practice was Amanda’s chosen path — combining her passion for clinical medicine and caring for people. Immediately after her residency year, Amanda opened her General Practice in Miller St, North Sydney. She worked in the area with associates from 1981-2008 and then moved part-time to Woollahra General Practice.
In 1986 she married her beloved husband Peter and the couple remained devoted to each other until her death.
Despite life’s challenges, her enthusiasm never waned and she never stopped giving. The many causes that Amanda advanced and supported included breast cancer advocacy, the Shepherd Foundation, Glaucoma Australia and numerous professional committees.
As a brilliant communicator and advocate she appeared intermittently as Dr Amanda, the radio doctor on the 2GB program, Your Health, from 2000-2012. She also wrote extensively for both the Medical Observer and the Australian Doctor news-papers.
Amanda was one of the founding academics of the School of Medicine, Sydney from its inception in 2005. Her commitment to students and passion for clinical medicine helped shape the medical program with a strong focus on developing clinically excellent, caring and ethical doctors. As Head of General Practice she attracted and developed an impressive network of GP tutors and teachers, who form the foundation of the medical program.
As a tribute to her life and work the Amanda McBride Memorial Fund has been established at The University of Notre Dame Australia to support students from the School of Medicine, Sydney, in the fields of general practice, primary health care, preventive medicine and primary care policy.
A perpetual prize – the Amanda McBride Award for Excellence in Primary Care and Prevention will be offered by the School of Medicine, Sydney, won by a graduating MD student with best research project in these areas.
Amanda will be remembered as a gifted clinician, committed academic, courageous advocate and compassionate friend to all.
Eulogy for Dr Amanda McBride by Professor Christine Bennett , from the Requiem Mass, 12pm, 22/7/2016, Sacred Heart Church, Darlinghurst
