GOLDBLOOM

GOLDBLOOM , Montreal family noted for their involvement in medicine, research, teaching, and publishing, as well as political activity, social activism, and community work.

Renowned for his pioneering work in children's health, alton goldbloom (1890–1968) was a founder of the Canadian Pediatric Society. During his career, he was a professor (emeritus) of pediatrics at McGill University and physician-in-chief at the Montreal Children's Hospital. His many publications include his autobiography, Small Patients (1959), and The Care of the Child (1928).

The elder son, victor charles (1923– ), graduated from McGill University and worked as a pediatrician. In 1966, he was elected to the National Assembly of Quebec, and after re-election in 1970, he became the first Jewish member of a provincial cabinet in Quebec. Remaining in the National Assembly until 1979, he served as minister of the environment as well as minister of municipal affairs. He later worked as the executive director of the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews and several other ecumenical and intercultural organizations. From 1991 to 1999, he served as official languages commissioner of Canada. Among his many distinctions, he was named a Companion of the Order of Canada and an Officer of the Order of Quebec. His wife, sheila barshay, a McGill graduate and professor of social work, was actively involved in several public organizations and was named Member of the Order of Canada in 1998.

His brother, richard goldbloom (1924– ) graduated from McGill University, taught pediatric medicine at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and was appointed chancellor of the University in 2001. He published over 200 articles and books, including a textbook, Pediatric Clinical Skills. In recognition of his dedication to both general and Jewish community organizations, as well as his university and medical career, he was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1987. His wife, ruth miriam schwartz, a graduate of Mc-Gill, among other public and benevolent appointments served to coordinate the renovations to Pier 21 in Halifax. She was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2000.

bibliography:

R.C. Goldbloom, "Family Ties," in: Canadian Medical Association Journal, 158 (1998), 1167–70; E. Gottesman, Who's Who in Canadian Jewry (1965); E. Lipsitz, Who's Who in Canadian Jewry: Canadian Jewry at Year 2000 and Beyond (2000).

[Steven Lapidus (2^nd ed.)]