Remembering Dr. J. Mark FitzGerald

A remarkable man and lung patient champion

Dr. J. Mark FitzGerald was the co-director of the Centre for Lung Health at the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute. He was former Head and Professor of Respiratory Medicine at UBC and Division Head of Respiratory Medicine at Vancouver General Hospital. He was a long-time advisor and cherished supporter of the BC Lung Foundation.  

On January 18, 2022, we lost an exceptional physician, researcher, educator and patient advocate who exemplified what it is to lead a life of service. 

Esteemed by patients, students and colleagues alike, Dr. FitzGerald was tireless in his determination to improve lung patient care, wielding his significant influence to inspire and empower incoming generations to set their sights high. 

Revered equally for his vast contributions to respiratory medicine as for his warmth, wit and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others, Dr. FitzGerald was quick to earn people’s lifelong loyalty and respect.  

He was a visionary who embodied the hallmarks of great leaders: curiosity, empathy, enthusiasm and a knack for distilling complex science into simple terms. 

A lung patient champion, he and his fellow researchers went to great lengths to understand what made patients tick – adapting and challenging the status quo when entrenched beliefs stood in the way of progress. 

BC Lung was privileged to be the recipient of Dr. FitzGerald’s time and support for several decades. He was a long-standing member of the BC Lung Medical Advisory, a regular speaker at our patient education events and always a willing health issues spokesperson for our organization and the people we serve.

We extend our deepest condolences to his spouse Dr. Céline Bergeron, to his family and to his community. A profoundly caring man and lung patient champion, he will be forever cherished. 

Dr. FitzGerald was aptly described  as a ‘Giant in the field of respiratory medicine' by friends and colleagues. For a broader glimpse into the man and his life we encourage you to read the UBC Faculty of Medicine’s gracious tribute.  

 

 

Page Last Updated: 27/01/2022