It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden death of Dr Ali Akoum on the night of 15 July 2014 while on vacation with his family in Lebanon.
Dr Akoum, Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Laval University, Quebec, Canada, was internationally recognised for his research in endometriosis and uncompromising commitment to research excellence. He served on the World Endometriosis Society board of directors from 2005-2008 as the WES eJournal Editor, and from 2008-2011 as its Treasurer.
As a leader in the endometriosis research community he was the recipient of numerous awards for his work. He was an outstanding teacher. He leaves behind three current doctoral students and two postdoctoral fellows. He will be remembered fondly as a good friend, wonderful colleague, collaborator, and mentor.
Dr Akoum is survived by his wife Mahera and four children – Nadine, Alexandra, Daniel and Ryan – ranging in age from 14 to 19 years of age.
He will be greatly missed.
Warren Foster
Tributes
I am so sorry to hear this sad news about a brilliant colleague who contributed much to our specialty.
Linda Giudice
This is very sad news. My thoughts are with his loved ones. Our society has lost another great thinker.
Luk Rombauts
Very sad news and a great loss to the Canadian and endometriosis research communities.
Catherine Allaire
A tragic loss to his loving family
A premature end to a great physician
A huge loss to the endometriosis community at large
My deepest condolences to Ali’s family.
Alan Lam
This truly is sad news. Ali was in his prime years – a great loss.
Sun-Wei Guo
This is sad news for our community, but especially for his family.
G David Adamson
Truly the loss of a dear friend and inspirational colleague. Ali was a warm and generous-spirited man and his passing all too soon is very sad news.
Neil Johnson
How distressing – a lovely man with a very sharp mind, and a great contributor to endometriosis thinking!
Ian Fraser
It is with utmost sadness that I receive this news regarding Ali. Please extend my deepest sympathies to his wife and family. Ali was a dear friend. He will be missed dearly.
Mauricio Abrao
Ali was a creative thinker and conscientious contributor to our field. He was lost too soon and will be missed.
Robert Taylor