The Centre has lost a good friend with the death of J. Mark FitzGerald

Dr. J. Mark FitzGerald was the Director of the Centre for Clinical Epidemiology & Evaluation (C2E2) from 2001 to 2010.  He was instrumental in the early development of the Centre and the research careers of its members.

"As a youngish and under-confident clinician researcher who suffered from 'imposter syndrome', Mark was consistently supportive, friendly, and inclusive.  He grew C2E2 into a place where everyone felt welcome", recalls Dr. Margaret McGregor (Clinical Associate Professor, UBC Department of Family Practice).

Dr. Riyad Abu-Laban (Professor, UBC Department of Emergency Medicine) remembers the unwavering support that Mark provided at the early stages of the VGH Emergency Medicine Research Program. "This made a huge positive impact, both to my academic career and to those EM researchers who followed. I will fondly remember Mark’s warmth, kindness, and quest for excellence."

Mark was an early advocate of multidisciplinary research, something reflected in the diversity of the researchers he recruited to the Centre.   He was also ahead of the curve with his own research program. "Long before diversity and cultural appropriateness became fashionable, Mark recognized the importance of health literacy and socio-cultural determinants of health", said McGregor.

In addition to being a valued mentor and colleague, Mark made an impact on peoples' lives.  Dr. Stirling Bryan who was recruited by Mark to be Associate Director of the Centre said, "I got to know Mark very well as we worked together in the Centre leadership roles together. It is no exaggeration to say that Mark changed my life, and changed it in such a positive way: he gave me the opportunity to build life and career in Vancouver and I remain truly indebted to this wonderful man. I'm sure I speak for so many, I will miss Mark's strong collegiality and warm friendship."

"He was a delightful man to work for, with a witty Irish sense of humour and friendly manner", recalls Mimi Doyle-Waters who joined the Centre soon after Dr. Fitzgerald became the Director. 

"He was involved in numerous academic and clinical activities through VCH and UBC which most people would find daunting, yet he always had time for a meeting or to stop by my office to say hi".

"The last time I saw Mark was at the airport, when he was already unwell", recalls Dr. Boris Sobolev (Professor, UBC School of Population & Public Health). "Nevertheless, he was his usual self. He told me about half a dozen articles that he thought could be the basis for several projects we were about to start. He lived life effervescently."

Follow this link for more information about Dr. FitzGerald's clinical and research career.

Memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 1 p.m. Virtual attendance is available via Zoom (Meeting ID: 850 7958 4327 Passcode: 933105).

Click here for more information and to write condolence to the family.