Dr. David Gaétan Patry 1945-2022
David Gaétan Patry MD, FRCPC (IM), FRCPC (Neurology)
The Department of Clinical Neurosciences family is deeply saddened to report the passing of Dr. David Patry.
Dr. Patry was an extraordinary clinician, educator, leader and friend to many in the department and was Site Lead at South Health Campus for many years. He was exceptionally well dressed.
“All who knew him respected his vast knowledge across our field, his razor-sharp acumen, critical mind, and thoughtful questions,” said Dr. Lara Cooke. “But more than that, we will always remember his infectious laugh in the hallways, his wicked fashion sense, his boundless curiosity about others, and his endless, entertaining stories about everyone with whom he interacted.”
Added Dr. Rajiv Mdha: “In recent years, his contributions to the department at South Health Campus and at retreats really cemented his role as a leader and mentor to many of us, including me.”
Dr. Patry was born in Winnipeg and graduated from medical school at the University of Manitoba in 1969. He received post-graduate training in Internal Medicine at the University of California (Irvine) and Neurology at McGill’s Montréal Neurological Institute. After being recruited to the University of Calgary in 1983, he later joined the MS Research Clinic and the Cognitive Assessment Clinic.
Dr. Patry was a principal investigator or co-investigator in over 90 clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of treatments for Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease. His most recent research included two monoclonal antibody infusion trials and an oral selective gamma-secretase inhibitor therapy designed to deplete the brain parenchymal accumulation of amyloid beta-42 in Alzheimer’s disease.
His administrative contributions included membership on the UCMG Executive Council, Electives Committee, Neurology Resident Training Committee, and the Course V Undergraduate Neuroscience Committee.
He was a recipient of the National Professional Care Award from the MS Society of Canada, the Undergraduate Letter of Excellence in Lecturing, the Neurology Resident Teaching Award, Division of Neurology Colleague of the Year Award, and the Hellbender Honor Roll.
Dr. Patry rose to the rank of Full Clinical Professor at the University of Calgary based on his outstanding contributions in education, research and service.
Outside the clinic, Dr. Patry was never far from his bicycle and he logged thousands of kilometers touring the country and fundraising in support of MS.
He is mourned by his wife Beverly, his children, Michelle, Allan, Jonathon, Andrea, Emily, and Joel, and his seven grandchildren.
Dr. Patry was diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer in March of 2022 and his family has suggested donations may be made in his name to the MS Society of Canada (Calgary & Area Chapter). It is hoped a celebration of life can be held at a later time.