Dr. Avrum Gotlieb retires after more than 45 years of service to U of T

Dr. Avrum Gotlieb is retiring from the University of Toronto after a long and accomplished career as a researcher, educator, and academic leader. Since joining the Faculty of Medicine in 1978, Dr. Gotlieb has made significant contributions to the fields of pathology and cardiovascular research, and has helped shape medical and graduate education at U of T for more than four decades.

Dr. Gotlieb is widely recognized for his research on cardiovascular disease, particularly the mechanisms of atherosclerosis. His work has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, and he served as editor of Cardiovascular Pathology, a widely used textbook in the field. He was elected a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and has held leadership roles in several professional organizations, including serving as President of the Canadian Society of Atherosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, the Society for Cardiovascular Pathology, and the American Society for Investigative Pathology.

In 1997, Dr. Gotlieb became the founding Chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology (LMP), after leading the merger of the departments of Pathology, Clinical Biochemistry, and Clinical Microbiology. He led the department through this transition and remained Chair until 2008. Under his leadership, the department expanded its education programs, research output, and integration across clinical and academic areas.

Dr. Gotlieb co-founded the undergraduate Specialist Program in Pathobiology, which remains one of the most competitive life science programs at U of T. He was also instrumental in the creation of the MHSc in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology and contributed to the Translational Research Program. These initiatives have broadened opportunities for students pursuing careers in research, medicine, and health policy.

Throughout his career, Dr. Gotlieb has been actively involved in university and faculty governance. He served as Senior Academic Advisor to the Dean and as Interim Vice-Dean of Graduate and Life Sciences Education at Temerty Faculty of Medicine among many other roles. He contributed to numerous committees and helped guide the development of graduate training programs in the health sciences.

Within the department, Dr. Gotlieb is especially known for his commitment to mentorship and support for learners at all levels. Many students and trainees credit him with providing meaningful guidance that shaped their academic and professional paths. His focus on learner success has been a consistent theme of his academic work.

“Avrum has always been committed to education and mentorship,” said Dr. Rita Kandel, Chair of the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology. “He played a key role in building our department and has supported countless students and faculty over the years. His leadership has had a lasting effect on both the department and the university. We are grateful for his many years of service.”

Over the course of his career, Dr. Gotlieb helped position the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology as a leader in interdisciplinary research and training. His efforts have contributed to a more integrated approach to laboratory science and medicine at U of T.

Dr. Gotlieb’s retirement was marked this year at the LMP Annual Celebration of Excellence, including tributes recognizing his service. His very first graduate student, Dr. Michael Wong and Undergraduate Specialist Program alumna and Gotlieb’s former graduate student, Dr. Amber Liu both recorded a video shown at the event. “Your lessons on leadership, on personal conduct and your mentorship over the years really has shaped my own career. These lessons ripple through my own trainees and through the organizations which I have the privilege of leading. Thank you Avrum, for all you've done for me”, said Dr. Wong. Dr. Liu added, “Dr Gotlieb is my first mentor. I am so forever grateful for everything he taught me. I would say he is the first person that started to form me into a professional”.

As he enters retirement, Dr. Gotlieb leaves behind a record of contributions to research, education, and academic leadership that has helped shape the direction of pathology and biomedical education at the University of Toronto.

See below for some photos from the Annual Celebration of Excellence. View more photos and find out more about the event in Celebrating excellence: LMP marks year-end with awards, achievements, and farewells.