Vale Clinical Professor Bill Musk (1943 -2021)

Research Interests: Epidemiology of respiratory disease, Pulmonary physiology, Occupational lung disease

It is with much sorrow that the BPMRI acknowledges the passing of Professor Bill Musk on 03 November 2021. Bill had an enduring passion for the Busselton Health Study program – a passion born when he volunteered on the very first survey in 1966 as a young medical student. Since that time he has dedicated his life to championing the importance of the Busselton surveys and continue Kevin Cullen’s legacy and vision to the broader international medical research community. He was a much respected clinician, researcher, mentor, leader and good friend to many and will be deeply missed by us all. 

Professor Musk was former Chairperson of the Busselton Population Medical Research Foundation, Chairperson of WA Mesothelioma Registry, Past President of the Australian Council Smoking and Health and a Member of the Pneumoconiosis Medical Panel in WA. In 1992 Dr Musk was awarded Member of the Order of Australia for services to medicine in the area of asbestos-related diseases and smoking control. Professor Musk was a respiratory physician at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital since 1978, Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Western Australia since 1992 and Clinical Professor of the School of Population Health at the University of Western Australia since 1998. He authored over 200 peer-reviewed articles, numerous reviews and book chapters in the scientific literature. His research focused on the epidemiology of respiratory diseases and cancer, particularly related to Wittenoom blue asbestos workers, Kalgoorlie goldminers and the Busselton population. His academic activities focused on the investigation of causes, prevention and treatment of occupational and environmental lung diseases and his clinical activities focused on the investigation and treatment of occupational lung disease and evaluation of disability.

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The BPMRI has established a memorial fund in Bill’s memory towards respiratory research. To make a contribution follow the link below.

In memoriam contribution