Hepatobiliary and
Transplant Fellows
Reunion Honours
Dr. Bernard Langer
Dr. Bernard Langer and Faculty with Alumni of the Toronto HPB &
Transplant Fellowships
On October 26, 2012 a reunion of alumni of the hepatobiliary
(HPB) and Transplant Fellowships honoured Dr.
Bernard Langer for his mentorship and contributions to
their careers. Forty-nine former Fellows from Europe,
Australia, Saudi Arabia, South America, the USA and
most provinces of Canada were joined by current and
former faculty to celebrate Dr. Langer’s international
impact on HPB & Transplant Surgery.
The tribute included an all-day symposium entitled
“The Future of HPB & Transplant Surgery”. Former
Fellows presented their academic accomplishments and
speculated on the future. In keeping with the educational
objectives of the Fellowships, the afternoon Session on
Education and Fellowship training generated some spirited
debate on evolving Fellowship educational models.
In his welcoming remarks, Paul Greig noted “Among
his notable accomplishments, Dr. Langer has been
recognized by the UHN for his “Global Impact”. His
growing legacy of over 65 Fellows practicing HPB &
Transplant Surgery throughout the world is tangible
evidence of Dr. Langer’s truly remarkable global influence.
We thank you, BL, for your vision in establishing
the Fellowship, your high standards and clinical excellence
in HPB & Transplant Surgery that is carried on in
your Fellows, and your mentorship that extends beyond
clinical Surgery. With this reunion of your Fellows
and Colleagues we strive to demonstrate your Fellows’
profound appreciation for your contribution to their
academic success.”
Department Chair Jim Rutka expressed the pride and
gratitude of the Department: “Dr. Langer’s reputation continues
to permeate and influence the practice of HPB surgery
in Toronto, around the country, and throughout the
world. The scientific program is modelled on Dr. Langer’s
approach to academic surgery with an emphasis on basic
science, clinical research, regionalization of care, and surgical
leadership. I am delighted that you chose to attend this
first reunion of Toronto Fellows honouring Dr. Langer.
No doubt, it will be the first of many more to come in the
future. I wish all of you a successful and productive meeting,
and a wonderful time reminiscing over the many good
times you enjoyed in Toronto with Dr. Langer.”
General Surgery Chair Andrew Smith commented:
“I am delighted to join you in celebrating Dr. Langer’s
impact on Hepatobiliary & Transplant surgery and
on General Surgery as a whole. Bernie has had a massive
impact on training and mentoring a generation of
hepatobiliary and transplant surgeons around the world.
Additionally, his vision for training surgeon scientists has
amplified his impact on academic surgeons who, in turn,
have advanced the quality of care around the world.
Dr. Langer is to be saluted as well for his vision, persistence
and impact in driving changes in policy that have
improved the healthcare system. On a personal level, I
am proud to serve as the Bernard & Ryna Langer Chair
for the Division of General Surgery at the University of
Toronto and heartily welcome you all back to the U of
T to celebrate this terrific event.”
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Lorne Rotstein, the head Division of General Surgery at
UHN welcomed the alumni: “I am delighted to welcome
the HPB and Transplant Fellows back to Toronto for this
reunion honouring our mentor, Dr. Bernard Langer. Many
of the UHN faculty surgeons throughout the surgical
specialties trained under Dr. Langer, and his influence on
the practice of surgery in Canada today is immeasurable.
The Division of General Surgery at UHN is home to the
largest and most successful HPB & Transplant Programs
in the country, and one of the largest programs in North
America. Our Fellowships are widely recognized and
highly sought-after. We are incredibly proud of the global
impact of our Fellows and Dr. Langer’s contribution to
HPB and Transplant Surgery on the international stage.”
Bernie and Ryna Langer at the Toronto Reunion of HPB & Transplant Fellows
The day was concluded with a reception and blacktie
dinner at the Sheraton Centre. Bernie was joined by
his wife Ryna and their children Jack, Pearl, David, and
Michael and their spouses. Following a toast to Ryna by
Bryce Taylor and a toast to Bernie by Steve Strasberg,
Dr. Langer was presented with an oil painting by Dr.
John Palmer.
The entire reunion was characterized by a tremendous
spirit of camaraderie amongst the Fellows, and their
mentors. The profound impact of Dr. Langer on the fellows
in attendance was clearly visible in this reunion of
Toronto Alumni, many of whom have become international
leaders in HPB and Transplant Surgery.
Dr. Langer receives an oil painting by Dr. John Palmer from Dr. Paul Greig
(right)
Paul Grieg,
Director, Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Clinical Fellowship Program
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