Prof. Om Prakash Sharma, 1936–2012

Abstract

A gentle giant of learning and inspiration peacefully passed away on August 19, 2012 at home in Los Angeles, at the age of 76 years. Om's academic accomplishments speak for themselves. But they don't convey the gleam that was always in his eye, nor his infectious smile. He only had positive things to say and was always encouraging. He was a great man, whose profound learning, humility and gentle approach to others will be a lifelong source of inspiration to those who knew him. The entire sarcoidosis community is mourning the passing of a true friend and academic teacher. For those of us lucky enough to know him, his passing is very sad news. For those of you who had not met him, you have missed a great opportunity. Om always spoke with a calm reassurance, yet he was very passionate about many things. Many of us have our favourite Om stories, but they mostly centre around how he encouraged us. Om Sharma was truly a great clinician and teacher, who not only added new knowledge to the mysteries of sarcoidosis, but kept news of this disease important for patients and physicians outside the field. His persona embodied the best qualities of a mentor, and of a wonderful and generous friend. Beside his professional merits we would like to stress Om Sharma's outstanding commitment towards his patients. Prof. Sharma was a well-known and internationally respected physician, clinical scientist, teacher, medical historian and humanist. He was born in India where he graduated from Victoria College and attended G.R. Medical College in Gwalior. Afterwards, he worked in India, Scotland, England and the USA. In 1969 Dr. Sharma was appointed Assistant Professor and in 1983 promoted to full Professor of Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles. …