Honoring Dr Marcel Dvorak: a renowned spine surgeon, pioneering medical researcher, visionary leader, and cherished educator

It is with profound sorrow we share the passing of Dr Marcel Dvorak—an internationally renowned spine surgeon, pioneering medical researcher, visionary leader, and cherished educator—who died peacefully at home with his beloved family on May 9, 2025.

Dr Dvorak was a towering figure in the field of spine surgery locally, nationally and on the international stage. He directly helped thousands of patients with his surgical expertise, influenced many more as an educator and mentor to his trainees, and the lives of millions through ground-breaking research and visionary thinking.

As the head of the VGH Spine Program and proud member of the UBC Department of Orthopaedic Surgery he initiated and lead the creation of the VGH Blusson Spinal Cord Center, an innovative and integrated hub that brought together state of the art patient care and world class research under one roof. Nationally, he educated thousands and established a multicenter research network and registry to advance spinal cord injury research. Internationally his greatest impact unfolded as member and leader in AO Spine and other professional societies; Dr Dvorak lead global key opinion leaders in spine trauma, spearheading research and education that fulfilled his life’s mission—to improve patient care around the world.

His AO journey began with an AO Fellowship in Spine Surgery at the Inselspital Bern, Switzerland, in 1992. He became a founding member of the AO/ASIF North America Spine Education Committee in 1997, a position he held until 2002. He was also a founding member and one of three Co-Chairs of the Spine Trauma Study Group from 2002 to 2010, which later evolved into the Knowledge Forums. As one of the founding members of the Knowledge Forums, he served as a steering committee member of the AO Spine Knowledge Forum Trauma & Infection until 2024.

Beyond his extraordinary professional legacy, Dr Dvorak lived life with fullness and joy. He was a devoted and loving husband to Sue and proud father of six.  He was a man of deep passion and vibrant presence—he loved playing the piano, driving fast cars and boats, and embarking on adventurous motorcycle rides with his sons. He cherished the simple enduring joys of the family cabin. There surrounded by nature, lake projects and loved ones, he found his peace.

In his final chapter Marcel embraced the spirit of a life well lived and far beyond his boldest expectations—meeting the end with clarity, dignity, and grace. In the tradition of Ars Moriendi, he departed this world with the same courage, presence, and thoughtfulness that defined his life.

Marcel Dvorak is survived by his much-loved wife Sue, his daughters Emily, Madeline, Eva and Veronica, and his sons Adam (wife Lewisia) and Levi; his mother Helen Dvorak, sisters Vicky and Marie and brother Francis, and by countless colleagues, fellows, residents and friends who continue to carry forward his legacy. To all of those who knew him, learned from him, or were touched by his life and work you are warmly invited to attend and celebrate his extraordinary journey at Vancouver’s Holy Rosary Cathedral 646 Richards St., Vancouver BC, Canada, on Monday, May 19, 2025 at 1:30pm (PST). A reception will follow.

For those who are interested in the streaming service of the funeral, the link will be posted on the Holy Rosary Cathedral website under “Live Stream” (top right hand corner). Click on the link for the ceremony. Start time is Monday, May 19, 2025 at 1:30pm PST.