Robin Paul Humphreys 1937-2020+

Abstract

Robin Paul Humphreys was born on 16 October 1937 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He was admitted to the University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, in 1956, became the Class President for the academic year 1957-58, and was awarded the Webster Scholarship in the year of his graduation (1962). His internship was of the rotatory variety, served at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, and then in 1963 he embarked upon his postgraduate studies in orthopedic surgery at the University of Toronto, where he worked on the clinical staff for 2 years before going into the laboratory to do investigative work under the direction of Robert Salter. It was during this period of experimental work that reflection and introspection brought him to the decision to leave orthopedic surgery, enter neurological surgery, and to work under the tutelage of Thomas R Morley at the Toronto General Hospital, where he remained until 1970, at which time he completed his postgraduate studies. That same year he was accepted as a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (FRCS, Canada), and was appointed an Associate in the Department of Surgery of the University of Toronto. Dr. Robin P. Humphreys joined the neurosurgical staff at the Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids) in 1970. He initiated the Craniofacial Program at Sick Kids with Dr. Ian Munro, and over the years became a world authority on the management of children with spina bifida and vascular malformations. He also to structure the postgraduate educational program for the neurosurgical residents and fellows. Many Brazilian neurosurgeons spent some time as fellow or visiting the Sick Kids and had the privilege and pleasure of meeting with him. He was President of the American Society of Pediatric Neurosurgeons (ASPN) from 1992 to 1993, and of the the International Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery (ISPN) from 1993 to 1994. Dr. Humphreys was Neurosurgeon-in-Chief at Sick Kids from 1996 to 2003. All of us in pediatric neurosurgery know that during that period at the Hospital for Sick Children (Sick Kids) there were a remarkable team that was known as three H's – Bruce Hendrick, Harold Hoffman, Robin Humphreys - who were dubbed He, Ho, and Hum, each taking on special activities. Dr. Humphreys published over 200 papers during his career. May Dr. Humphreys rest in peace!