Winter 2022 (Volume 32, Number 4)

Tribute to Dr. Vincent Mak

By Allan Kagal, BSc (Hons), MD, FRCPC

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1960-2022

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend and colleague Dr. Vincent Mak, who died suddenly on August 3, 2022. The loss of this extraordinary gentleman created an enormous hole affecting the rheumatology community and the patients he has helped in York Region, Ontario, for over 25 years.

Vincent was born in Hong Kong in 1960. He graduated from the University of Hong Kong with a Bachelor of Medicine and Vascular Surgery in 1984. In 1988, he immigrated with his wife Teresa to start a new life in Canada. After completing his fellowship in rheumatology at the University of Toronto, he joined York Central Hospital (now Mackenzie Health) as a staff internist and rheumatologist.

I had the distinct honour of working closely with Vincent since 2005. He was an incredible mentor and outstanding rheumatologist, helping thousands of patients throughout his career. He was one of the co-founders of the Early Arthritis Program at York Central Hospital. His dedication led to the success of this program. Vincent was known for being a brilliant diagnostician. He was the one from whom we would seek advice for the complex medical mysteries we would encounter. In addition to being a brilliant physician, Vincent had many passions and talents, including singing and playing the keyboard and guitar. He cherished travelling, especially experiencing the great Canadian outdoors. Despite all his talents, Vincent was extremely humble. He always had a calming presence and had an impeccable sense of humor.

Vincent's family was most important to him; he always spoke highly of his wife of 37 years, Teresa, and his children, Rachel, Vivian, and Calvin.

We will dearly miss our friend, especially the toasts we shared during Journal Club and at all our holiday parties.

In honour of Dr. Vincent Mak’s impact on the wellbeing of patients with rheumatic disease in York Region, a legacy fund was set up at Mackenzie Health: https://supportmackenziehealth.ca/ui/DrVincentMak/donations/start

May Vincent’s memory always be a blessing!

Allan Kagal, BSc (Hons), MD, FRCPC
Rheumatologist, Mackenzie Health
Toronto, Ontario