"A caring and knowledgeable pathologist": marking the passing of Dr. James Cullen
Programs: Postgraduate, Alumni, Inclusive community
We are sad to note the passing of LMP Professor Emeritus, Dr. James Cullen this month.
Dr. Cullen was a distinguished member of the pathology community, as well as that in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology (LMP).
Dr. Avrum Gotlieb, Professor and founding chair of LMP noted, "Jim was a member of the original department of Pathology at the University of Toronto and had an excellent reputation as a surgical pathologist.
He was well respected by his colleagues who often sought his opinion on difficult surgical pathology cases. He was an excellent teacher and was very popular with the residents as a caring and knowledgeable pathologist.
His calm demeanor and his fair and evenhanded dealing with his colleagues, staff and students was admired by all whose path he crossed. He was a dedicated mentor and many students, residents and junior faculty benefitted from his wise council.
He was a strong supporter of the merger of pathology with clinical chemistry and clinical microbiology when it happened in 1997. He was one of my colleagues that I turned to frequently as I merged the departments. His advice was well thought out and was very helpful in smoothing out some rough edges. One of his favorite comments when we came up against some difficult issues was 'the sun will rise tomorrow'. It was comforting to hear especially during the time he led UHN pathology through some tough times.
Jim leaves a legacy as an academic leader in pathology and as an outstanding diagnostician and educator".
Before Jim's death, at his request, a scholarship was set up for an indigenous medical student at University of Toronto. Please consider making a donation to this fund in Jim's name.