Dr Rodney Syme died in October 2021 after a 50-year career as a surgeon and physician. After treating a woman with incurable cancer in her spine, he began thinking about how to assist those with intolerable suffering. Rodney counselled more than 2000 patients, helping them deal with both physical and existential suffering, and providing them with control at the end of their life.

He also raised public awareness of the importance of advance care planning and provided guidance and support to other doctors.

Rodney was a passionate supporter of Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD). His tireless advocacy was instrumental in establishing Victoria’s Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation, the first VAD legislation to be passed by any Australian state.