2016 Volume 80 Issue 4 Pages 782-
(From the Monash Website)
Agreat mind, prolific researcher, and beloved colleague, Henry Krum passed away in Melbourne on November 28 at age 57. Pancreatic neuroendocrine cancer cut short a career that had already benefitted many patients with cardiovascular disease and promised to benefit many more. His research spanned a wide range including diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Krum was an associate editor of the Circulation Journal since 2010.
Krum was best known for his clinical outcome trials, particularly in heart failure therapy. The COPERNICUS study he led challenged prevailing belief that β-blockers had safety issues and limited effect when given soon after severe heart failure. The study opened the door to wider use of the drugs and longer lives for patients. “His work on beta-blockers in heart failure has changed the way the condition is managed around the world,” says Christopher Reid, director of Monash University’s Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education, which Krum co-founded.
Jerzy Sadowski of the Jagiellonian University in Poland remembers Krum him for his pioneering research in percutaneous renal denervation in patients with resistant hypertension. Krum was the first author of the first clinical trial showing that the minimally invasive technique could reduce blood pressure. “I was very happy to be involved with Dr Krum’s research ideas,” says Sadowski. “The work we did together was changing the way everyone was thinking in medicine.”
Krum headed the clinical pharmacology unit at the Alfred Hospital of Monash University, where he had been since 1996. He conducted some 150 clinical trials and co-authored over 500 publications. He was the university’s most cited research over the past five years.
Reid says during their 12 years of working together, Krum was “always thinking of new and exciting things to do.” Krum “loved the ‘thrill of the chase’ in terms of getting grants funded, papers published and students to completion.” Despite his success, Krum “never let it affect his understated style,” says Reid. “There was never a day when we didn’t have a laugh or joke about something going on.”
“Australia has lost a major force in clinical research,” says Reid. “He will be missed but importantly his work will continue through the Centre he established.”
Proud of his family and a fan of the Liverpool football club, Krum was fond of kicking the soccer ball with his children. Jazz music flowed from the office, as he multitasked with phone, email, and the tube. He inspired loyalty from his staff, most of whom worked with him for many years.
“Henry was always an open ear, a very good person to work with, keen to collaborate, and practical while adhering to highest ethical standards,” says University of Western Australia’s Markus Schlaich. “It is a very big loss. He was an outstanding researcher and clinician with high impact on many areas and a very nice colleague who will be missed by anyone who knew him.”