Remembering Dr. Avrum Gotlieb, founding chair of LMP
The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology (LMP) at the University of Toronto is mourning the loss of Dr. Avrum Irving Gotlieb, founding Chair of the department, who died on January 25, 2026, just days after his 80th birthday.
Dr. Gotlieb was a physician-scientist, academic leader and mentor whose influence on LMP, the Temerty Faculty of Medicine and the broader academic pathology community in Canada and internationally cannot be overstated. Over more than four decades at the University of Toronto, he helped shape the intellectual, educational and institutional foundations of laboratory medicine and pathobiology, while leaving a profound personal impact on generations of students, trainees and colleagues.
Born in Montreal, Dr. Gotlieb earned his medical degree from McGill University in 1971. Having found his intellectual home in pathology, he completed specialist training in Canada and pursued further postdoctoral work at the University of California, San Diego, before returning home to build a career that combined research, teaching, leadership and service. He joined the University of Toronto in 1978, beginning what would become a lifelong commitment to academic medicine and to the institution he served for more than 45 years.
Dr. Gotlieb was internationally recognized for his research on cardiovascular disease, particularly the mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis. He authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and books, and served as editor of Cardiovascular Pathology, a widely used reference text in the field. His scientific leadership extended well beyond his own laboratory: he was elected a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and held senior leadership roles in multiple 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.
Within the University of Toronto, Dr. Gotlieb played a defining role in the creation and success of LMP. In 1997, he became the founding Departmental Chair, leading the complex merger of the former departments of Pathology, Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Microbiology. Through a commitment to consultation, transparency and respect for distinct academic cultures, he guided the department through a transformative period and laid the groundwork for the integrated, collaborative department that exists today. He served as Chair until 2008 and returned in an interim capacity in 2016.
Dr. Gotlieb also served the University of Toronto in numerous senior governance roles, including as a member of Governing Council, the Academic Board and in leadership positions within graduate and life sciences education at what is now the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. Across these roles, he was a consistent and principled advocate for academic integrity, rigorous scholarship and the central role of research in medicine.
During his tenure, Dr. Gotlieb championed education at every level. He co-founded the undergraduate Specialist Program in Pathobiology, which remains among the University of Toronto’s most highly sought after life science program, and more recently, was instrumental in establishing the MHSc in Laboratory Medicine. He also contributed to the development of the Translational Research Program, reflecting his belief in the power of basic science to improve human health.
Beyond formal titles and achievements, Dr. Gotlieb was widely admired for his generosity as a mentor and advisor. Colleagues recall his calm wisdom, intellectual rigor and unwavering commitment to the academic mission. He was known for being deeply engaged with learners, taking a genuine interest in their ideas, progress and aspirations. Many credit him with shaping their careers through thoughtful guidance and encouragement at pivotal moments.
“Despite his formidable experience and achievements, Avrum was always approachable,” wrote one colleague. “He inspired us to carry out our responsibilities with a sense of duty and respect for others.” Others described him as a statesman of academic medicine, whose leadership brought unity to the department and whose standards challenged those around him to strive higher.
Outside the university, Dr. Gotlieb was deeply committed to his family and community. He is remembered as a devoted husband to Linda, with whom he shared more than 57 years of marriage, a loving father and a proud grandfather. It comes as no surprise that he led the educational program at his synagogue.
Dr. Gotlieb retired in July 2025, and we had the opportunity to mark the occasion at LMP’s Annual Celebration of Excellence. That event offered a fitting moment for the community to express its gratitude for a life’s work dedicated to helping the development of others.
Dr. Avrum Gotlieb will be remembered for his intellect, leadership, humanity and enduring belief in the potential of people. His legacy lives on in the department he helped create, the programs he championed, and the many individuals whose lives and careers were shaped by his mentorship.
He will be greatly missed.
If you would like to make a donation that will help keep his name alive, we have set up an award in his honour.
View his obituary and leave a message of condolence.
Below are a sample of testimonials to Dr. Gotlieb from the community.
“For all of us, this is a great loss. He was the heart and soul of our department and his contributions to LMP and the University are legendary.” Dr. Rita Kandel
“I recall fondly going to see Avrum as Chair many years ago, requesting to be cross-appointed as an LMP faculty member. With his characteristic smile, gently exploring why an Obstetrician might want to join the prestigious pathology community, he became very intrigued to see that I was as obsessed with the placenta, as many pathologists are about various longer-living body organs! So, he enthusiastically connected me to Sandra Viero, then Sarah Keating, and so began a continuing happy connection with several city-wide pathologists; and our cross-appointed faculty numbers and connections have since grown including our joint MHSc program in Embryology. During my decade as ObGyn chair, I always admired the calm wisdom that Avrum provided in his various senior roles, most vividly when attending annual Decanal Promotions Committee Chair defense meetings! This statesman of Academic Medicine will be fondly missed as a great contributor to Temerty Medicine.” Dr. John Kingdom
“Avrum was instrumental in getting the MHSc in Laboratory Medicine program started and, as newbie program director and field director, I and Will (Pathologists’ Assistant Field Director) always knew we could count on him for his wise advice and encouragement. Despite his formidable experience, achievements and intellect, Avrum was always so approachable and receptive to suggestions. He was just as involved in the program and as excited about it, and our students’ achievements, as the rest of us.” Dr Fang-I Lu
“Beyond his extraordinary academic accomplishments and uncommon wisdom, I was truly fortunate to know Avrum as a deeply caring friend and mentor who gave his time and energy selflessly. He spoke often of the power of basic science to relieve human suffering and improve health. He held himself to the highest standards and inspired our community to keep striving higher. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.” Dr. Karim Mekhail
“Through his perseverance, unwavering commitment to the department’s success and well-being, Avrum inspired us to carry out our academic responsibilities with a sense of duty and respect for others. His leadership successfully brought unity to the department in the late 1990s, and he will always stand as an exceptional example of leadership for us.” Dr. Serge Jothy
“Avrum gave me much career advice, especially during my time as a pathology resident in LMP. He was a champion of LMP’s academic mission and for me, really put into context the importance of scientific research, both basic and clinical, in academic medicine. He was a great mentor, an incredible role model, and I will always remember our conversations. He will be sorely missed.” Dr Dan Winer
“He was a huge part of my early time at the University. His mentorship and support meant so much and set me on the right path. Whenever I met him, he was so interested in what I was up to and always seemed proud of what I’d achieved. Celebrating his retirement last year was a lovely way to let him know how many lives he impacted, and how appreciated he was in LMP.” Dr. Gino Somers
“Avrum was a classmate of mine in High School and then medical school at McGill; even back then he was the quintessential scholar, deep, asking questions and debating issues. Shabbos morning we would Daven together - another bond we shared. Many of us will miss him as I do.” Dr. Sigmund Krajden