Dr Nicholas Murphy died last month, leaving a lasting legacy for patients, family and friends and the wider haematology community.
Tributes are flowing for highly regarded Tasmanian haematologist Dr Nicholas Murphy, who died on 30 July from recurrent brain cancer. He was 46.
A clinical and laboratory haematologist at the Royal Hobart Hospital since 2013, Dr Murphy was widely respected for his expertise, warmth and dedication to patients, colleagues and clinical research.
A graduate of the University of Melbourne in 2002, Dr Murphy trained at the Austin & Repatriation Medical Centre Clinical School, completing his elective term in Swaziland and taking time to travel before gaining his combined physician and pathology fellowships in 2011.
He spent his early consultant years at Northern and Western Health in Melbourne, where he also worked as a laboratory haematologist for Dorevitch Pathology and lectured at the University of Melbourne.
In Hobart, Dr Murphy combined laboratory and clinical practice with private work and played a pivotal role in advancing clinical trials through the Australasian Leukaemia & Lymphoma Group (ALLG). He was principal investigator on several national studies and a committed member of the Myeloma Scientific Working Party.
From 2019 to 2023 he served as Tasmanian councillor for the Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand, stepping down only when his health declined.
In a statement, the ALLG said it would remember Dr Murphy fondly for his contributions, and had been pleased to award him his 10-year membership in 2023.
“He was a greatly respected haematologist as well as a generous and wise friend,” the group said in its statement.
“Nick was married to Myf and they have two teenage daughters, Genevieve and Maggie. Nick’s illness first manifested in 2015. In spite of the major impact this had on his life he returned to work and contributed whole-heartedly until 2023, never allowing his illness to diminish his contributions and never seeking sympathy for his adversity.
“His legacy will live on with his family, in the many registrars he mentored as well as in the influence he had on his colleagues.”
Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand president Associate Professor Hui-Peng Lee and council member Dr Pru Smith issued a joint statement paying tribute to Dr Murphy.
“Respected widely for his clinical acumen, Nick was also beloved for his dry wit, warm presence, and an enviable repertoire of dad jokes,” they said.
“A spirited conversationalist, he brought energy and insight to every discussion. Among Council colleagues, he was affectionately known as the resident sommelier – carefully selecting fine wines for HSANZ events and celebrations.
“Nick was more than a talented haematologist – he was a mentor, role model, and friend. Many current haematologists and trainees recall his encouragement and guidance as pivotal in shaping their careers.
“Patients and peers alike held him in the highest regard for his thoughtful counsel, deep compassion, and unwavering commitment to care.”
Dr Murphy had “faced his illness with quiet courage”, they said.
“Despite its profound impact, he returned to work and continued contributing meaningfully until 2023. His dedication, grace, and enduring love for life, people, and family remained undiminished throughout.
“We will miss him deeply. May he rest in peace.”
