Noting the sudden passing of Dr. Sean Grondin: A True Leader in Thoracic Surgery
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Sean C. Grondin, MD, FRCSC, MPH. He was 56 years old.
Dr. Grondin was a thoracic surgeon at Alberta Health Services, professor of Surgery at the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine and in 2021, and served as president of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the first Canadian general thoracic surgeon to hold this honour.
Dr. Grondin was noted for his skill as a thoracic surgeon and thoughtful presence in the many organizations with which he was involved. His interest in educational program development for faculty members and trainees, and his leadership led to him being recognized by the Royal College with a Mentor of the Year award in 2014 and the James IV Association of Surgeons Canadian Traveling Fellowship award.
“His untimely death will be felt by many in our Fellowship,” says Dr. Richard Reznick, FRCSC, president of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
“Sean was a tremendous leader in Thoracic Surgery and a mentor, teacher and friend to so many,” recalls Royal College CEO Susan Moffatt-Bruce.
Dr. Grondin attended medical school and completed a general surgery residency at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He completed a thoracic surgery residency at the University of Toronto, a thoracic oncology fellowship at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, and a master’s degree at the Harvard School of Public Health. He completed a second fellowship in minimally invasive thoracic surgery at the University of Pittsburgh.
The Royal College extends its deepest condolences to Dr. Grondin’s wife Cathy, his children Ben and Kate, and his many colleagues
Please join us in remembering him.
Read: An announcement from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons on the passing of Dr. Grondin
Watch Dr. Grondin’s STS Presidential Address from January 30, 2022.
