Remembering Dr. J. Mark FitzGerald, MD, MB, FCCP, FRCPI, FRCPC

It is with great sadness, but also incredible admiration and respect, that we recognize the life and death of Dr. Mark FitzGerald. Mark passed peacefully with his loved ones present on January 18, 2022.

Dr. FitzGerald earned his diploma in Medicine in 1978 at the University College, Dublin, and he blessed Canada (Hamilton and then Vancouver) from 1984 onwards, but for a brief mid-90s return to his native Ireland. A full professor at UBC since 2002, he earned renown for the breadth of his academic achievements, reflected not only in his hundreds of publications but moreover for their span from an early focus on TB to later emphasis on asthma, health economics and respiratory outcomes. Having published in every major medical journal, he also turned to health literacy and ‘humanomics’ in a plea to make such volumes of research more accessible and impactful to the patients who adored him and so many others who benefited indirectly from his work. Across the years, he was repeatedly awarded by major societies for his contributions and led dozens of committees and initiatives that collectively had a major impact on the respiratory medicine community locally, nationally, and internationally.

The UBC and VGH Divisions of Respiratory Medicine – both of which he led for more than 10 years – benefited from him immeasurably by his epitomizing a rare and consummate constellation of excellence in patient care, education, research, and service.

Indefatigable as we have known him to be, Mark’s energy will live on in the countless patients, doctors, allied staff and trainees that he touched daily over the years with his positive attitude and vision. Mark’s impact is beyond words, and his memory will only be positive given his generosity of spirit, intelligence and wit.

Our hearts go out to all those saddened by the passing of such a monumental colleague and friend, and we offer a warm communal embrace as we slowly come to reconcile this profound loss.

At this time, we ask that you keep Mark, Celine, and their family in your thoughts.

 

Dr. Chris Carlsten (Head, UBC Respiratory Medicine)
Dr. James Johnston (Head, VGH Respiratory Medicine)​


Messages to Dr. FitzGerald’s family can be shared at: https://www.mckenziefuneralservice.com/memorials/john-fitzgerald/4826182/obituary.php

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. FitzGerald’s name can be made to any of the following charities: