In true appreciation of John (Jack) J. Sciarra

Jack Sciarra, throughout a long and distinguished professional life, made a memorable contribution to women’s health in many different ways. His role as Founding Editor-in-Chief of The Global Library of Women’s Medicine was certainly one of them.

I first met Jack in 1985 and worked with him on a range of different publishing projects in the years that followed – during which time he became a greatly admired and much appreciated personal friend. It was in discussions with him in 2006 that the concept of The Global Library was first initiated and subsequently he graciously agreed to be its first Editor-in-Chief. His extraordinary understanding of women’s medicine and his huge range of leading contacts in the field contributed enormously to the way in which The Global Library was launched and in due course developed. It would be hard to overstate the importance and the quality of his unique contribution.

Jack wisely guided the development of The Global Library for its first 6 years and when he finally retired as Editor-in-Chief in 2012, he told me that it was one of his lifetime undertakings of which he was the most proud. And his feelings seem to have been reflected by those of so many distinguished members of the profession who wrote to thank him for his memorable work. Over 120 leaders in the field, from many different countries, wrote to us to express their sincere thanks to him, including the World Health’s Organization’s Regional Director for Africa who expressed special thanks for the contribution The Global Library had made to women’s health in that continent.

Whilst it would be impractical to quote from all who wrote, the sentiment of one leading OBGYN Professor and Chairman of an important USA University perhaps well summarised the appreciative views they expressed:

“Jack, I want to thank you for your unwavering leadership and vision as Editor-in-Chief of The Global Library of Women’s Medicine from its inception to this time of maturity. You have provided as fine an example as I could ever imagine of scientific excellence, understanding, professionalism, drive and warm relationships with the entire impressive group that has contributed to The Global Library of Women’s Medicine. We all appreciate you as such a wonderful person which tops off your incredibly excellent work.”

And may I conclude on a final, personal note by simply saying “thank you so much, Jack, for your great friendship and your unmatchable help which I shall for ever remember”.

David G. T. Bloomer
Founder and First Publisher of GLOWM