In Memoriam: Dr. Dimitrios Oreopoulos

It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of Professor Emeritus Dimitrios Oreopoulos on April 25, 2012 after a prolonged illness. Professor Oreopoulos, MD, PhD, FRCP, FACP, was a valued colleague at the University of Toronto who devoted his career to the academic mission of improving the health of individuals with kidney failure. He is considered one of the “giants” of nephrology and internationally renowned, having received numerous honorary degrees and awards, including the prestigious Belding Scribner Award (1998) and an award in Geriatric Nephrology (2012) from the American Society of Nephrology. His tireless academic clinical work was devoted to enhancing available treatments for individuals with kidney failure through advances in peritoneal dialysis, championing of rights of the elderly with kidney failure and preventing kidney disease and its complications.

Professor Oreopoulos was a true pioneer and founded the International Society of Geriatric Nephrology and Urology. He was Editor-in-Chief of the journal Humane Healthcare International and the Editor-in-Chief of International Urology and Nephrology Journal (incorporating Geriatric Nephrology and Urology Journal). He is recognized as a leader in the Greek community of Ontario and contributed to many charitable and education organizations. Professor Oreopoulos mentored countless health professional trainees and faculty members, profoundly influencing their careers. He will be dearly missed, within the Department of Medicine and Division of Nephrology at the University of Toronto, as well as the nephrology community across the world, as an exemplary academic physician and friend.

The U of T flag was lowered to half-mast at all three campuses Monday April 30, 2012 in memory of Professor Oreopoulos.

We extend sincere condolences to the Oreopoulos family as they mourn their loss.

Sincerely,
Catharine Whiteside, MD, PhD
Dean, Faculty of Medicine