A well-known leader in Canadian emergency medicine has died.
Dr. Paul Hannam, who was the chief of emergency medicine and medical director of the program at North York General Hospital, died suddenly on Saturday.
Hannam reportedly collapsed while running, friend and fellow ER doctor Dr. Howard Ovens said in a tweet.
“Olympic sailor, marathon runner, family man, director of ED at NYGH, a sweet, thoughtful, compassionate and gentle man died suddenly today in a race. The mensch par excellence. He hugs someone you love,” he wrote.
Canadian Emergency Medicine is in mourning tonight. Paul Hannam, Olympic sailor, marathon runner, family man, director of ED at NYGH, a sweet, caring, compassionate and gentle man died suddenly today on a run. The mensch par excellence. Hug someone you love. pic.twitter.com/Gkne2khj27
— Howard Ovens (@HowardOvens) July 17, 2022
North York General Hospital also shared the news in a tweet.
“Our hearts are heavy as we remember our dear friend and colleague,” they said, calling Hannam a “highly respected and trusted colleague, dedicated to patients and the community.”
Our hearts are heavy as we remember our dear friend and colleague, Dr. Paul Hannam, who passed away suddenly yesterday. Dr. Hannam was Chief of Emergency Medicine and Medical Director of the NYGH Program. He was a highly respected and trusted colleague, dedicated to patients and the community. pic.twitter.com/AMd2pIXCYP
— North York General (@NYGH_News) July 17, 2022
Hannam was also well known and well-liked in Toronto’s East End, having previously served two terms as chief director of emergencies at Michael Garron Hospital in East York.
“Our hearts are heavy as we remember our dear friend and colleague, Dr. Paul Hannam, who served as our Chief of ED for over 10 years. We will not soon forget his incredible contributions to our hospital and community,” the hospital tweeted.
Our hearts are heavy as we remember our dear friend and colleague, Dr. Paul Hannam, who served as our Chief of ED for over 10 years. We will not soon forget his incredible contributions to our hospital and community. 💚 https://t.co/PRoRvUgSAD
— MGH/TEHN (@MGHToronto) July 17, 2022
President and CEO Sarah Downey said Hannam was a “wonderful person in every way” who spent “many years taking care of our communities.”
by Dr Hannam @MGHToronto family mourns his passing. He served 2 terms as Chief of ED and many years caring for our communities. A wonderful person in every way. deepest condolences to @RosemaryHannam and family. https://t.co/wq5lSOmBG1
— Sarah Downey (@SarahEDowney1) July 17, 2022
The Mount Sinai Schwartz/Reisman Institute for Emergency Medicine also tweeted about Hannam, calling him a “kind and thoughtful leader, family man, incredible athlete, wonderful friend and colleague.”
We were shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden and tragic passing of Dr. Paul Hannam. A kind and thoughtful leader, family man, amazing athlete, wonderful friend and colleague, he will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with Paul’s family during this difficult time.
— SREMI (@SREMI_MSH) July 17, 2022
Since then, several of his former colleagues and patients have taken to social media to express their sadness and shock at this loss and share memories of Hannam, who, in addition to working at NYGH, was also an assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community of the University of Toronto. .
Hannam has also held various medical leadership and hospital administration positions since 2006.
Funeral arrangements are unknown at this time.