Dr. Sohrab Lutchmedial was a Canadian cardiologist and the director of the interventional cardiology program at the New Brunswick Heart Centre. He was also the co-founder of the CoVeR-NB, an outcomes research group. He was known for his kindness, professionalism, and dedication to his patients and colleagues. He passed away suddenly in his sleep on Monday, November 8, 2021, at his Saint John home, after being on call the day before. He was 52 years old.
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A Brilliant Career in Cardiology
Dr. Sohrab Lutchmedial was born and raised in Quebec. He obtained his biology degree from Queen’s University and then his medical degree from McGill University in 1993. He completed his residency in internal medicine and cardiology at the University of Toronto, and then his fellowship in interventional cardiology at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. He joined the New Brunswick Heart Centre in 1999, where he became the director of the interventional cardiology program and the medical co-director of the cardiac catheterization laboratory. He was also a clinical associate professor of medicine at Dalhousie University.
Dr. Lutchmedial was a pioneer in his field, performing Atlantic Canada’s first MitraClip procedure, a minimally invasive repair procedure that gives new hope to patients who are too sick to withstand open heart surgery. He was also involved in numerous clinical trials and research projects, focusing on improving the quality of care and outcomes for patients with heart disease. He was the co-founder of the CoVeR-NB, an outcomes research group that collects and analyzes data from cardiac procedures and interventions in New Brunswick. He published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, and presented his work at national and international conferences. He was also a reviewer and editorial board member for several prestigious journals, such as the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, and the Journal of Interventional Cardiology.
A Compassionate and Inspiring Spirit
Dr. Lutchmedial was not only a brilliant cardiologist, but also a compassionate and inspiring spirit. He was loved and respected by his patients, colleagues, friends, and family. He was known for his kindness, humility, generosity, and sense of humor. He always had a smile on his face and a positive attitude. He cared deeply for his patients and their families, and went above and beyond to provide them with the best possible care. He was also a mentor and a role model for many young physicians and trainees, who admired his passion, dedication, and excellence. He was always willing to share his knowledge and experience, and to support and encourage others.
Dr. Lutchmedial was also a man of many talents and interests. He was an artist, a musician, a filmmaker, a hockey coach, and a community volunteer. He enjoyed painting, playing the guitar, making documentaries, coaching his children’s hockey teams, and participating in various charitable and cultural events. He was also a devoted husband and father, who cherished his family and spent quality time with them. He is survived by his wife, Deena Bartuccion, and his three children, Miriam, Zachary, and Jonah.
A Huge Loss for the Medical Community and Society
The sudden and unexpected death of Dr. Sohrab Lutchmedial has left a huge void in the medical community and society. He was a valuable member of the New Brunswick Heart Centre, the New Brunswick Medical Society, the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, and the Canadian Association of Interventional Cardiology. He was also a leader and a visionary in his field, who contributed significantly to the advancement of cardiology and the improvement of patient care. He was a friend and a colleague to many, who will miss his presence and his guidance. He was a source of inspiration and joy to many, who will remember his legacy and his spirit.
The cause of death of Dr. Sohrab Lutchmedial has not been officially confirmed, but it is speculated that he may have suffered from a cardiac arrest or a stroke in his sleep. According to CBC News, he had no known health issues or risk factors, and he was on call the day before his death. His death has raised questions and concerns about the stress and workload of cardiologists and other health-care professionals, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Canadian Medical Association, more than 40% of physicians reported experiencing burnout, depression, or anxiety in 2020. The association also stated that the pandemic has exacerbated the existing challenges and pressures faced by physicians, such as long hours, heavy workload, lack of resources, and emotional distress.
Dr. Sohrab Lutchmedial’s death has also highlighted the need for more awareness and support for the prevention and treatment of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in Canada and worldwide. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, more than 2.4 million Canadians are living with heart disease, and more than 66,000 Canadians die from heart disease and stroke every year. The foundation also stated that the pandemic has had a negative impact on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of heart disease, as well as on the access and availability of cardiac care and services. The foundation urged the public and the government to take action and to invest more in research, education, and advocacy for heart health.
A Final Farewell and a Call for Action
Dr. Sohrab Lutchmedial was a remarkable cardiologist and a wonderful human being, who touched the lives of many people with his work and his personality. He was a rare gem, who will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. His death is a tragic loss for his family, his friends, his colleagues, his patients, and his community. His death is also a wake-up call for the medical profession and the society, to address the issues and challenges that affect the health and well-being of physicians and patients, especially in the context of the pandemic. His death is also a reminder and a motivation for everyone, to follow his example and to pursue their passions, to help others, and to make a difference in the world.
Dr. Sohrab Lutchmedial’s funeral service was held on Friday, November 12, 2021, at the Brenan’s Funeral Home Chapel in Saint John, New Brunswick. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the service was limited to a small number of invited guests, but it was live-streamed online for the public to watch. The service was a celebration of his life and his achievements, and a tribute to his legacy and his impact. The service also included a video montage of his photos and clips, as well as speeches and messages from his family, friends, and colleagues. The service ended with a rendition of his favorite song, “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen, performed by his daughter, Miriam.
Dr. Sohrab Lutchmedial’s family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, or to a charity of one’s choice, in his memory. The family has also expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the outpouring of love and support they have received from the public and the media, and asked for privacy and respect during this difficult time. The family has also encouraged everyone to honor Dr. Sohrab Lutchmedial’s memory and to continue his mission, by taking care of their hearts and their health, by supporting the cardiac care and research, and by spreading kindness and compassion in the world.
