It is with a heavy heart I write this obituary. 

Emeritus Professor Creswell Eastman AO, Endocrinologist, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday 17th May 2025. Prof has been the Head of the ATF Medical Advisory Board since early 2000 and has provided the organisation with educational material, support and a commitment to ensure the ATF provided the best possible information and services for our members. 

Prof has helped raise awareness on many occasions during ATF campaigns and has given presentations to Australian medical professionals to help improve patient outcomes.

Prof was awarded two Australians Order of Australia awards, an AM (Member of the Order of Australia) and an AO (Officer of the Order of Australia) for his life’s work and commitment to the prevention of iodine deficiency and thyroid disease in Australia.

Prof was a founding father of the Asia Oceania Thyroid Association (AOTA) and dedicated his life’s work to the global prevention of iodine deficiency.  He headed the National Iodine Nutrition Study (NINS) research in Australia in early 2000, which the ATF was part of. Following this study, the Food Standards of Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) recognised the importance of the outcome and made the decision for all commercial breadmaking and baked goods to include iodised salt. The National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) then made a recommendation for all pregnant women to include a daily supplement including at least 150mcgs of iodine.  It was his commitment and dedication to iodine deficiency and thyroid health that these changes were made. He was a world leader in iodine deficiency and thyroid disease.

Prof was a Medical Advisor to Thyroid Federation International, the global thyroid patient organisation, which the ATF is a member. 

Prof always showed support to the ATF Executive Committee and members of the ATF. He was always available to speak on our behalf, attend meetings, give in person and video presentations, provide interviews and connect with members who needed guidance through their thyroid journey.

Prof’s commitment and life’s work focused on improving iodine deficiency outcomes in the Asia Oceania Region, Pacific and in Australia.  Prof focused on the importance of iodine supplementation for women contemplating pregnancy, pregnant and breastfeeding. Knowing that iodine was paramount to ensuring  foetal brain development of future generations reached the IQ they were intended was Prof’s greatest mission and his passion.