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Show A Tribute to Dr James Arthur Sharpe Jim was a world-renowned neurologist and neuro-ophthalmologist who was known for his great and inquisitive mind. His brilliance was evident early in his life, when he was the valedictorian of his graduating medical class at the University of Western Ontario. He became fascinated by how the brain and the eye worked together and decided to pursue a neurology residency at the University of Tor-onto. After residency, his thirst for knowledge and scientific curiosity led him to complete not 1, 2, or 3, but 4 fellowships in neurophysiology and neuro-ophthalmology-something that could definitely qualified him for the Guinness book of world records. It is no surprise that after his formal training, he became a rising star as an academic physician and leader. He quickly ascended through the ranks to become a full professor of neurology, ophthalmology, and otolaryngology at the University of Toronto, when he was only 45 years old. Three years later, he became the head of neurology at the University of Toronto, a role he served for 13 years until 2002. Jim was also a prominent scientist and a giant in the field of eye movement research. He had published seminal papers in a wide variety of topics that were truly groundbreaking. He was instrumental in advancing our field and was recognized internationally as a pioneer. He served as the President of the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society, as well as the Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences. Of all the awards he was honored to receive, the one that he was most proud of was the Distinguished Service Award, the highest award given by the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society. Jim has mentored numerous neurology and ophthal-mology residents, fellows, and students. Many of his trainees have in turn become expert clinicians and scientists, professors, and departmental chairs all over the world. The spontaneous outpouring of emotions in response to his death reveals how much he meant to his trainees and colleagues and how deep we feel the loss of a cherished mentor and a genuine friend. I have known Jim since I was a first year ophthalmology resident. For those of us who have been a resident in Toronto, I think you too will remember that time in your lives and understand why I was quite intimidated by Jim in the beginning, as we all know he held very high standards. He introduced me to the vertiginous, yet intriguing, world of nystagmus, the dizzying yet fascinating world of vestibular disorders, and the blindingly complex and yet captivating world of neuro-ophthalmology. I became so inspired by him-not only did I become his fellow, I also did a PhD with him to explore the exciting world of critical thinking, scientific discov-ery, and meticulous research. In fact, Jim was so meticulous that I still fondly remember his "infamous red pen" and the countless number of drafts we went through together with each article we published. I must say though, while he had high expectations and kept raising the bar for me, he was always kind, patient, and thoughtful with a great sense of humor. We, who worked with Jim, know him to be the consummate detective in solving the most mysterious cases. In fact, he was a "doctor's doctor." Many of us would send him the most difficult and complex patients that we could not figure out. He would always come up with the most marvelous diagnosis, complete with an explanation of the relevant brain pathway and a recitation of the pertinent article, the authors, the year it was written, and the name of the journal where it was published! We also know that Jim had some challenges with his bedside manner. He reminded me of Colombo, a detective TV character who was absolutely brilliant in getting to the truth. Just like Colombo, Jim may have seemed disheveled and a little eccentric at times, but that was because he did not care for appearances. Jim was so focused on how to help the patient and to pass on his knowledge to us that he would sometimes forget that there was a patient in the room listening to him. They would often have an expression on their face as if to say: "Hey, doctor, I am here. What about me?" As usual, not surprisingly, it was exactly at that moment he would choose to leave the room and leave it to us to explain to the patient what had just happened! Over the years, Jim continued to be a beloved mentor, a wonderful colleague, and a trusted friend. He has inspired each and every one of us in such a unique and unforgettable way that his former fellows from around the world decided to acknowledge his achievements and contributions to our lives by organizing a symposium in his honor in Toronto 4 years ago. I am really glad that we did. He was able to enjoy fully the academic exchanges, the scientific vigor, and the precious friendships that we shared. It was also wonderful to see him celebrating his achievements with his family: Adrienne, his children (Jason, Peter, and Katie), and his grandchildren, all of whom we know he cared for and loved deeply. I talked to Jim the day before he died. I mustered the courage to say what I wanted to say and had not. I told him that I loved him. Little did I know that would be the last thing I said to him. I am glad I did. Jim, you taught me not only to be a good doctor and scientist, you also taught me to be strong and to stand up e8 Obituary: J Neuro-Ophthalmol 2014; 34: e8-e9 Obituary Copyright © North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited. for what I believe. You taught me to persevere despite any setbacks and failures. You taught me to live life fully-like a torch, make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations. Your life was truly one that was dedicated to medicine and to nurturing future generations of physicians and researchers. We know that now it is up to us to carry on your torch. We miss you already. Bon voyage. Agnes M. Wong, MD, PhD, FRCSC Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada The author reports no conflicts of interest. Obituary: J Neuro-Ophthalmol 2014; 34: e8-e9 e9 Obituary Copyright © North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited. |