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Colin Ramsay was a Director of the Canadian Dermatology Foundation from 1984 to 1999, and President from 1993 to 1998. As Director of the Medical Advisory Committee from 1988 to 1993, he oversaw the awarding of research grants for scientific investigation into skin diseases. He was instrumental in setting the strategy that grew the Capital Fund from less than $200,000 in 1983 to nearly $2 million in 1998, through Memberships and Corporate Sponsorships. Thus the Foundation was able to increase the number of grants awarded annually, from one of $10,700 in 1983, to 12 for a total of $100,000 in 1998. Thanks to Colin’s vision, to date the Canadian Dermatology Foundation has distributed well over $3 million in the support of dermatological research in Canada. The value of Colin’s contribution to the Foundation and Canadian dermatology is priceless and the results of his efforts will long be appreciated by those dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and understanding of skin disease. Colin Andrew Ramsay, M.D, F.R.C.P., F.R.C.P.C., clinician, researcher, and medical educator passed away in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on April 24 of this year in his 67th year after a recurrence of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Colin was born in Radcliffe, England. He spent the first half of his life in the U.K., graduating in medicine from King’s College Hospital Medical School, University of London, and practising dermatology in London as a Consultant at Guy’s Hospital and St. John’s Hospital for Diseases of the Skin. Seeking new challenges, Colin moved to Canada in 1975 with his wife Sheila, son James and daughter Anne to take up a post as dermatologist at The Toronto Western Hospital. He quickly established himself as a highly respected clinician and a dedicated academic. He was Professor of Dermatology at the University of Toronto, and served as Director of the Division of Dermatology at the university from 1977 to 1990 and later as Head of the Division of Dermatology at The Toronto Hospital from 1981 to 1998. From 1985 to 1991 he was Head of the Division of Dermatology at Women’s College Hospital. A significant portion of Colin’s time was spent teaching and conducting clinical research. He was responsible for training many of Canada’s dermatologists, and he took great pleasure in his academic work. In addition to his position at the University of Toronto and his many research projects, he maintained a busy private practice. He was as devoted to his patients as to his students. When the opportunity arose in early 2002 to assume a teaching and clinical position at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Jeddah, Colin was eager to meet the challenge. He relished the opportunity to experience a new culture, to work in a new environment, and to teach another generation of young dermatologists. Colin worked at King Faisal until his death, showing a level of dedication that would surprise only those who did not know him well. His Saudi colleagues and students respected and loved him and this was reflected in their compassion during his illness. Colin’s contributions to Canadian dermatology and medical education are immeasurable. He is fondly remembered by many students, colleagues, and patients. He will be deeply missed. Donations in Colin's name may be made to the Sunnybrook & Women's Foundation - Women's College Campus |
