Remembering Richard B. Goldbloom, MD

Richard B. Goldbloom, OC MD 
December 16, 1924 - November 18, 2021

Through his leadership in pediatrics and his compassion for humanity, Dr. Richard B. Goldbloom promoted the well-being of children throughout Canada and the world. A powerful voice for the role of the parent in child health, Dr. Goldbloom achieved international recognition as a pioneer of family participation in the care of hospitalized children, having introduced one of the first Care-by-Parent Units in Canada. His accomplishments as an academic and practitioner were profound, with over 140 scientific research papers in such diverse areas as hematology, nutrition, cystic fibrosis, medical education, and the value of screening for disease. Dr. Goldbloom was editor of the definitive textbook in his field, Pediatric Clinical Skills, now in its fourth printing and relied upon by generations of medical students. 

Born, raised and educated in Montreal, Dr. Goldboom completed his medical studies at McGlll University where he met and married the love of his life, Ruth, with whom he would share 66 years together. He trained as a pediatrician at the Montreal Children’s Hospital and at Boston Children’s Hospital. On his return to Montreal, he was briefly in a private pediatric practice with his father and brother Victor before committing to a full-time academic career at McGill University and the Montreal Children’s Hospital. Dr. Goldbloom was recruited to Halifax and to Dalhousie in 1967 to serve as head of the Department of Pediatrics and inaugural physician-in-chief and director of research at the then-under-construction Izaak Walton Killam (IWK) Health Centre.

President of the Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, and a tlented pianist himself, music and musicians were always close to Dr. Goldbloom's heart, reflecting his lifelong passion for music. He placed high priority on not taking himself too seriously and on drawing energy, enthusiasm and insight from the young people he cared for and the many generations of students he taught. He was happiest surrounded by the four generations of his family – each one a new audience for his oldest jokes.  A warm, kind and generous man whose love and care for others informed all the great things he achieved in his 96 years, Dr. Goldbloom leaves behind a legacy of compassion, kindness, commitment to lifelong learning and world-class care.

Brief but Spectacular: An interview with Dr. Goldbloom

Obituary