Dr. Andrew “Andy” Chalmers was a respected rheumatologist, researcher and medical educator who spent nearly four decades at UBC caring for patients, teaching students and improving how future physicians learn. Born in Malawi, Andy first imagined a future in atomic physics before his path led him to medicine in South Africa. In 1967, a scholarship brought him to UBC medical school for his undergraduate education. After postgraduate training at the University of Toronto and the Mayo Clinic, he returned to UBC as a faculty member in 1978 and remained with the university until his retirement in 2013. Over that time, his work touched patients, students, colleagues and the wider Faculty of Medicine community.

As a rheumatologist, Andy cared for patients living with chronic disease and built lasting relationships with many of them over the years. He held clinics in communities across BC, including Trail, Haida Gwaii, Bella Bella and Alert Bay, helping patients in remote communities receive care closer to home. He was also an early adopter of telehealth and led research focused on reducing pain and improving quality of life for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other autoimmune conditions.

Andy also helped shape medical education at UBC. During his time as Head of Rheumatology, he supported training across undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing medical education. In 1994, he became Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education, where he contributed to the redesign of the MD program with a greater focus on direct interaction with patients. His work as a teacher and curriculum leader was recognized with several awards, including a 2002 Killam Teaching Prize and a 2012 Canadian Rheumatology Association Teacher/Educator Award.

Outside of medicine, Andy will be remembered by his family and friends as a loving partner, loyal friend, thoughtful host and deeply curious person. He loved music, painting, poetry, cooking, gardens and meaningful conversation, filling his life outside of medicine with creativity, warmth and care.

Scholarships and bursaries held special meaning for Andy. The scholarship he received early in his medical studies helped make possible a career devoted to patients, students and teaching.

Your gift to the Dr. Andrew Chalmers Memorial Fund at UBC will honour Andy’s life and legacy by supporting students in the Faculty of Medicine at UBC. The fund reflects the importance Andy placed on education and on helping future generations of students continue their path in medicine. Final decisions on the award description and student eligibility will be made by UBC in consultation with Andy’s family.