Remembering the Life and Legacy of Dr. Avrum Irving Gotlieb

Avrum was a giant among the ASIP membership. He joined the Society in 1981 and over the ensuing 45 years contributed to the mission and leadership of the ASIP in every way imaginable.

He served as President in 2001-2002, a member of the ASIP Council from 1997-2011, Chair of the Program Committee from 1996-1998 (and a member of the Program Committee from 1987-1995), Chair of the Education Committee from 1998-2002, and was a member of the Research and Science Policy Committee from 2010 until his death.

Avrum represented the ASIP as a representative to the FASEB Board (2003-2006) and as a representative to the Association of Pathology Chairs (2002-2008). Avrum also served as an Associate Editor for The American Journal of Pathology from 1996-2000 and was a long-time member of the Editorial Board (1993-1996, 2000-2026). This is a partial list of Avrum’s contributions to the ASIP and does not begin to describe his other contributions to the field through other professional societies.

Avrum received the ASIP Robbins Distinguished Educator Award in 2011 in recognition for his contributions to pathology education at his own institution, within the ASIP, and the field of pathology at the national and international level. Avrum was committed to education and scholarship at every level and believed that advanced training of undergraduates is essential to success in graduate/medical training. To ensure the ASIP contributes to the training of undergraduates, Avrum established the Gotlieb Family Fund for Undergraduate Education in Pathobiology, which provides Trainee Scholar Awards for undergraduates to attend the ASIP Annual Meeting each year.

In addition to his contributions to the ASIP, Avrum had a distinguished career as a faculty member and leader at the University of Toronto. Avrum spent 45 years at the University of Toronto prior to his retirement last summer. His impact at the University of Toronto was noteworthy. More on his service to the University of Toronto can be found here: https://lmp.utoronto.ca/news/dr-avrum-gotlieb-retires-after-more-45-years-service-u-t.

Beyond the things that can be found in a CV, Avrum is remembered as a wise and thoughtful colleague who shared his advice, experience, and mentorship with others unselfishly. His mentorship extended from trainees to his fellow department chair peers. Avrum was a good friend to everyone and will continue to be an inspiration to members of the pathology community far into the future.