Dr. Robert Buckman, one of Toronto’s leading cancer specialists who was known as much for his funny bone as his medical expertise, has died.
Dr. Robert Buckman, one of the most humane and gregarious people I have ever met, was instrumental in helping bring the notion of empathy to the medical profession. He was also a world class communications expert.
I’ll always remember the effects he had on my students. My vision of Dr. Buckman will always be his enthusiastic support of many of the Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation’s events. He was there cheering on the walkers in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer. His determination to finish each day of the cycling event, lifted everyone’s spirits and set the example, if he could finish, then so could they. He was a tireless advocate for patients and unrelenting in his efforts to help clinicians communicate more effectively. He was the best teacher, and an example for everyone to follow. I enjoyed his humour and his passion for living.
He died in his sleep on a transatlantic flight from London to Toronto after a week spent making a series of short films titled Top Ten Tips for Health.
Dr. Robert Buckman, humourist and leading cancer specialist at Toronto’s Princess Margaret Hospital, has died. He was 63.