It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Professor Marc Decramer.
Professor Decramer served on the GOLD Committee for many years and chaired the committee until May 2016. Throughout his career, he assumed numerous leadership roles within the respiratory community, including serving as President of both the Belgian Respiratory Society and the European Respiratory Society. He was Head of the Respiratory Division at University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium and later became Chief Executive Officer of this hospital until 2018 when he “retired”.
Marc will be remembered not only as an outstanding leader and creative scientist and innovator, but also as a warm and inclusive colleague and manager. He played a pivotal role in advancing respiratory medicine through his leadership of major clinical trials and was among the pioneers of pulmonary rehabilitation in Belgium and across Europe. He made important contributions to several influential statements and initiatives in COPD management before moving into hospital leadership.
Professor Decramer passed away far too soon at the age of 72. His vision, dedication, and commitment to improving the lives of patients with respiratory disease have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.
On behalf of the GOLD community, we extend our deepest sympathies to his wife, his sons and family, friends and colleagues.