A Personal Reflection on Berndt Urlesberger
I am deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of my dear mentor and good friend, Berndt. His loss is profoundly felt across the neonatal community, but his legacy will continue to guide and inspire advancements in neonatal research and care.
Berndt had an exceptional ability to inspire and nurture me throughout my career. He was a mentor in the truest sense - guiding me with patience, wisdom, and unwavering support. His influence extended far beyond the hospital walls, shaping my career and fostering a sense of curiosity and dedication. It was a privilege to work alongside him.
I first met Berndt in 1999 as a medical student just beginning my neonatal research career. From the very beginning, he saw potential in me that I had yet to recognize in myself. He played a pivotal role in starting my clinical career at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London and later supported my pediatric and neonatal training in Graz. In 2007, he was instrumental in facilitating my PhD studies in Melbourne under the guidance of Colin Morley, Peter Davis, and Stuart Hooper. Berndt never hesitated to open doors for me, always encouraging me to take the next step, ask the difficult questions, and challenge existing paradigms in neonatal care.
I have so many wonderful memories of our time together. When Berndt visited Melbourne, we worked on research projects but also made time to explore the city, go surfing - one of his passions - and embark on sightseeing adventures. One particularly memorable experience was our trip to Philip Island, where we even ended up with a speeding ticket along the way. These shared experiences made our relationship more than just professional - it was a friendship built on mutual respect, laughter, and a shared sense of adventure.
Together, we collaborated on over 50 publications, including randomized trials in near-infrared spectroscopy, acupuncture, and simulation, as well as ILCOR and Cochrane reviews. Our shared passion for neonatal research led us to co-supervise several students, helping them grow in both clinical practice and academia. Working with Berndt was more than a professional collaboration; it was a journey filled with intellectual curiosity, mutual respect, and an unwavering commitment to improving neonatal care.
On a personal level, Berndt was more than a mentor - he was a true friend. His thoughtful guidance, warmth, and humor made him a cherished colleague. His distinctive fashion sense - often the subject of friendly banter - was just one of the many things that made him uniquely Berndt. He had an infectious enthusiasm for life, a deep appreciation for good coffee, and an uncanny ability to bring people together. Conversations with him were always engaging, often filled with laughter, and invariably left me feeling more inspired.
I will deeply miss him but will never forget him.
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