The UBC Department of Medicine is proud to recognize and celebrate the remarkable career of Dr. Jeremy Road, who officially retired on July 1, 2023, after decades of dedicated service in the Division of Respiratory Medicine at Vancouver General Hospital. Dr. Road’s career has been defined by discovery, collaboration, mentorship, and a deep commitment to improving lives through innovation in respiratory medicine.
Born and raised in London, England, Dr. Road eventually made his way to Canada, where a series of unexpected turns led him to the field of medicine. As he shares in his reflections below, his journey into medicine was not pre-planned — but deeply meaningful.
A Conversation with Dr. Jeremy Road
“A lot of little things triggered my interest in medicine… I didn’t wake up one day wanting to be a brain surgeon. It was a series of events.”
After a brief stint studying math and a year of travel, a chance encounter with a nervous medical school applicant at the University of Regina planted the seed. As a junior intern at the new Plains Hospital in Regina, he found himself unexpectedly responsible for evaluating patients on the internal medicine ward — one of whom had a seizure during rounds. The diagnosis was cerebral tuberculosis, and it ignited in him a fascination with diagnostic complexity that led to a career in internal medicine, and eventually, respiratory medicine.
One formative moment came early in his exposure to sleep medicine — a field that barely existed at the time. He recalls a patient who fell asleep at the wheel and whose loud snoring disrupted his life. At the time, diagnosis relied on creativity — like placing a tape recorder under the patient’s pillow and playing the sound during respiratory rounds, much to the amazement of his colleagues.
Later, at UBC, Dr. Road helped pioneer the Provincial Respiratory Outreach Program, which supports patients with restrictive lung disease — especially those with weakened respiratory muscles. This community-based initiative now supports up to 800 patients across British Columbia using Bluetooth-enabled ventilators, allowing patients to be monitored and treated at home.
“Helping those patients — seeing their strength, their families’ support — was something I really appreciated.”
From the outset, collaboration was a cornerstone of Dr. Road’s approach. He worked with various departments at UBC, including Physiology ,Kinesiology ,Rehabilitation Sciences and Zoology, on initiatives like the Diagnostic Accreditation Program, which standardized diagnostic lung function testing across the province. A memorable collaboration involved the study of hibernating squirrels and their periodic breathing patterns — work that intersected animal physiology and human respiratory research.
“The best model for sleep apnea? The British bulldog.”
Throughout his career, Dr. Road has remained committed to mentorship and lifelong learning. He encourages young physicians to recognize the exceptional opportunities available in Canada and to value gradual, thoughtful transitions throughout their professional journey.
“We have a very good opportunity in Canada to pursue our careers…”
He recommends a staged approach to retirement, encouraging colleagues to listen to their bodies, plan ahead, and embrace the phases of slowing down with intention and care.
“Be in touch with yourself and gradually cut down. UBC talks about the go-go years, the slow-go years, and the no-go years.”
One of the most fulfilling parts of his career was teaching — especially witnessing the curiosity and energy of medical students. The evolution of problem-based learning became one of the most rewarding experiences of his time at UBC.
Now living in White Rock, Dr. Road enjoys a full family life with his wife Terri, five children, and ten grandchildren. Their frequent gatherings keep him active and joyful.
Though he once didn’t consider it a real sport, golf has become one of Dr. Road’s favourite activities in retirement. He also enjoys gardening, birdwatching, and encouraging his grandchildren to spend more time in nature.
Final Reflections
“If you’ve been accepted into medicine, you’ve worked hard and earned it — but the work is just beginning.”
For Dr. Road, the essence of medicine lies in curiosity, dedication, and a sense of adventure — especially through discovery research. He underscores the importance of asking questions, following evidence, and resisting misinformation.
“Keep asking questions. Keep exploring. Things will move forward. As one of my previous colleagues used to say: Onwards and upwards.”
Research and Legacy
Dr. Road’s research interests span:
- Respiratory neuromuscular disorders
- Home mechanical ventilation
- COPD
- Diaphragmatic pacing
His work on respiratory muscle function and control of breathing has significantly influenced both academic and clinical approaches in respiratory medicine in Canada and beyond.
He encourages investigators to continue to explore and to ask questions that help bit by bit to build our view of life and our planet.
The UBC Department of Medicine thanks Dr. Jeremy Road for his many contributions and lasting legacy. We wish him a happy and fulfilling retirement — filled with family, fresh air, and, hopefully, a few perfect rounds of golf.
You can read the full transcript of Dr. Road’s retirement interview by downloading the PDF here.