In Memoriam: Dr. Brian Kavanagh

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the recent passing of our esteemed colleague and CCCF Chair, Dr. Brian Kavanagh. Brian’s vision, leadership and commitment to the CCCF were instrumental to the growth and success of the annual forum, which attracts approximately 1000 critical care professionals each year.

Brian was professor in the University of Toronto Department of Anesthesia, held the Geoffrey Barker Chair in Critical Care Medicine and was a staff intensivist at the Hospital for Sick Children. He completed two very successful terms as Chair, Department of Anesthesia, University of Toronto.

Researcher As a researcher and scientist, he was a global leader in acute lung injury. His research on mechanisms of ventilator-induced lung injury and the actions of carbon dioxide in the lung were internationally recognized and in June 2019 he received a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Acute Lung Injury.

Clinician As a clinician Brian was brilliant and compassionate, caring deeply for the patients and families in his care.

Teacher / Mentor He was a wonderful teacher and mentor whose trainees have gone on to lead critical care programs throughout the world. In 2019 he was the recipient of the John T. Granton Award – for the best teacher in the Interdepartmental Division of Critical Care Medicine at the University of Toronto.

An extraordinary person As a colleague and a friend, Brian’s passing is a profound personal loss to those within the Department of Critical Care at SickKids, the University of Toronto, the fields of anesthesia and critical care worldwide, and for all of us at CCCF.  A remarkable and private person, Brian was forthright and compassionate, totally dependable and forever generous, willing to help anyone at any time. He will be greatly missed. The Critical Care Canada Forum will provide a lasting legacy to honour the memory of our extraordinary friend and colleague.