It is with very great sadness to inform you that the wonderful Dr Brigitta Brandner passed on the 19th July 2023.
As an expert in Pain and Anaesthesiology, Brigitta was a key member of Drug Science’s Scientific Committee for many years. She contributed enthusiastically to expert groups on analgesics, such as contrasting the effects of cannabis/cannabinoids with opiates, and to T21 where roughly half of all patients had chronic pain as a primary condition. She co-wrote numerous papers with other DS experts.
For those who did not know her, Brigitta was a University College Hospital consultant anaesthetist with a special interest in pain medicine ranging from acute to chronic pain. Her clinical work was mainly in the inpatient setting and especially more latterly as part of the Complex Pain Team. She was very active in research and had numerous collaborations with researchers in the UK and internationally. She was also an impressive teacher, using innovative digital and other methods to promote medical education to a wide audience. She trained many research fellows who went on to become top consultants in pain.
As well as her excellent clinical skills as a doctor, she had boundless energy, infectious enthusiasm and the bubbliest personality. Brigitta also had a super-sharp intellect, natural creativity and a wonderful sense of humour. She was very compassionate and involved in many charitable activities, most recently raising money to send UCH doctors to help patients in Ukraine.
Our sincere condolences go to her husband, Dr Alex Dewhurst and her children, Hannah, Max and Ben.
Brigitta will be missed very greatly by us all.