Dr. Peter John Fowler, of the Fowler Kennedy Sports Medicine Clinic at Western University, has passed away at 84.
Fowler's death was confirmed Wednesday in a statement on the clinic's Facebook page several hours after his passing.
"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our founder, mentor, teacher and friend, Dr. Peter Fowler," the obituary read. "Surrounded by his family, and quite fittingly, Dr. Fowler passed away at University Hospital in London, ON, a place in which he carved out much of his trailblazing career."
The London native began his career as an orthopedic surgical resident at Western in 1966 under the mentorship of the late Dr. Jack Kennedy. In 1974, he and Kennedy started an athletic injuries clinic, which went on to become one of the largest sports medicine clinics in North America.
Fowler's career continued to grow over the years, and he soon became a sort of icon in sports medicine. He was elected president of the American Orthopaedic Society for Sport Medicine, one of only two Canadians honoured with this position. He was also the first president of the International Society of Arthroscopy and Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS).
In 2018, Fowler was appointed to the Order of Canada "for his pioneering contributions to the development of sport medicine in Canada."
"We are all feeling the loss in the soul of the clinic today," said the clinic's medical director Dr. Robert Litchfield. "It is impossible to articulate the reach and impact of Dr. Fowler's career. He leaves an enduring legacy in sport medicine, the medical community in London, Ontario and Canada and across campus at Western University."
The Fowler Kennedy clinic said more information about a celebration of life for Dr. Fowler will be shared shortly.
