The following has been sent on behalf of Dr. Chloe Lemire-Elmore, Chief of Staff & Site Medical Director, Victoria General Hospital, and Dr. Gustavo Pelligra, Regional Medical Director & Department Head, Pediatrics.
27 May, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we are writing to inform you of the unexpected passing of our colleague and friend, Steven Kent MD, BSc (Med), FRCPC. Dr. Kent passed away, surrounded by loved ones, on Thursday May 22 at Royal Jubilee Hospital. Our thoughts are with his family in their time of grief.
Dr. Kent attended medical school in Manitoba and, after a pediatric pulmonary fellowship in Honolulu, came to B.C. in 1981. He quickly established himself as a passionate pioneer in the realm of pediatric pulmonology. Working closely with colleagues at the BC Children’s Hospital, he was involved in launching a newborn cystic fibrosis (CF) screening program in B.C. Dr. Kent was instrumental in establishing Vancouver Island’s first CF clinic at Victoria General Hospital, giving children and their families hope for a healthier future. His work as a consultant pediatrician at Willows Pediatrics in Victoria was another key way he engaged his specialty.
He was a tireless advocate for his patients, a collaborative colleague, and an extraordinarily kind clinician. As a pediatrician, Dr. Kent consistently worked towards improving care and services for those with CF. A major acknowledgement of this work came in 2021 when Dr. Kent was recipient of the CF Canada Dr. Douglas Crozier Award for exceptional support to individuals or families living with CF.
As a medical educator, Dr. Kent prioritized trainee awareness of respiratory diseases and conditions. He was committed to learning about new and emerging therapies and treatments for CF and was always eager to share knowledge and opportunities with the medical community, as well as the children and families he championed.
This is an exceptionally difficult time for those who knew and loved Steven. If you are impacted by this announcement, please note the following supports available:
- Island Health employees can reach out to their immediate manager/lead or contact Island Health’s confidential Employee and Family Assistance Program at 1‐844‐935‐4758.
- Physician colleagues can reach out to the provincial Physician Health Program at 1-800-663-6729.
Dr. Kent’s passing is a profound loss to his family and to the many staff, medical staff, and patients who knew him. He will be missed tremendously. Further details regarding a memorial and ways of sending condolences and support to Steven’s family will be announced at a later date.
Thank you,
Dr. Chloe Lemire-Elmore and Dr. Gustavo Pelligra