He didn’t talk much about the lives he saved, but the envelopes hidden in his desk told the story. After he passed, his wife Evelyn found them quietly tucked away: handwritten thank-you cards from patients and families. One read, “Thank you for saving my life.” Another said, “Thank you for taking the time to listen when no one else would.”

Dr. Adam Adler passed away peacefully on November 9, 2024, at the age of 54, surrounded by his loving family.

For over 20 years, Adam served as an emergency physician at Scarborough Health Network (SHN), primarily at Birchmount Hospital. He was the first Royal College-certified emergency specialist recruited to SHN and quickly became known for his calm under pressure, clinical brilliance, and deep compassion.

“He didn’t get rattled,” says Evelyn. “People could be panicking around him, and Adam would calmly do what was necessary to take care of the patient.”  His colleagues at SHN knew him as a pillar of the department — always ready to step in, cover shifts, or support his team.

Adam could have practiced anywhere, but chose to stay in Scarborough. He believed deeply in universal healthcare — in a system where, as he often said, “the homeless person and the CEO receive the same care.” He knew the people of Scarborough deserved more, and he worked tirelessly to give it to them.

He also championed the staff behind the scenes. “They work so hard, with so few resources,” Evelyn shared. “But they never stopped giving their best.”

Even while privately battling cancer in recent years, Adam never stopped showing up for his patients or advocating for better care in underserved communities.

He was known not just for his skill but for his kindness. He had a dry sense of humour, endless patience, and a quiet confidence. He listened deeply, made thoughtful decisions, and treated every patient with dignity and respect.

His children — ages 12, 16, and 19 — are proud to carry forward his legacy. His eldest even worked at SHN as a porter, inspired by his father’s dedication.

This Father’s Day, we remember Dr. Adler not only as a devoted father, husband, and friend but also as a physician who truly listened, cared, and made a difference. His legacy will live on in every patient he helped, every life he touched, and every hidden envelope left behind.

To support advancements in emergency medicine at SHN, you can honour Dr. Adler by donating to his memorial page.