Dr Bernard Langer

Dear Colleagues

It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of Dr Bernard Langer (1932-2022). He was a friend, colleague, and mentor to many members of the IHPBA and AHPBA.

Dr Langer was a global pioneer in the field of HPB surgery and a revered Canadian surgeon. Bernie performed the first liver transplant in Toronto and established one of the most highly respected and prestigious hepatobiliary training programs in the world. Throughout his career, Dr Langer was deeply committed to promoting academic excellence in surgery, as well as surgical education. As the R.S. McLaughlin Professor and Chair of Surgery at the University of Toronto he developed the field of academic surgery and established the Surgical Scientist Program, a formal research training program for academic surgeons. His contribution to our field is recognized by the Bernard Langer Fellows Symposium at the AHPBA. 

Bernie was an extraordinarily gifted surgeon and surgical educator. He has mentored hundreds of surgeons throughout his career. Of the over 90 HPB fellows that have graduated from the  HPB fellowship he started, many have gone on to become leaders in HPB surgery and Transplantation. Each of his trainees carries forward Bernie’s legacy of surgical excellence and leadership.

Dr Langer has served as the President of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, President of the Canadian Association of General Surgeons, President of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, and the Vice President of the American Surgical Association.  Amongst many accomplishments he was a Member of the Order of Canada and Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.

Our thoughts, and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.

Published on Monday 28th February 2022