It is with profound sadness that we share the news of Dr. Vito Forte’s passing, which occurred peacefully on January 6, 2025, at Toronto General Hospital.
Dr. Vito Forte was an influential figure in his field, holding key roles such as CEO, Chairman of the Board, and co-founder of OtoSim. After retiring from his clinical duties in 2015, where he served as Otolaryngologist-in-Chief and Associate Surgeon-in-Chief at The Hospital for Sick Children, he continued his academic work as a full professor at the University of Toronto in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. His diverse expertise, combined with a lifelong dedication to teaching, engineering, and innovation, was channelled through his role as Liaison Officer in the Department of Surgery, where he bridged the gap between clinicians and engineers.
Vito’s exceptional contributions were honoured with several prestigious accolades, including the Canadian Association of Medical Educators (CAME) Certificate of Merit Award in 2013, the Ernest C. Manning Foundation Innovation Award in 2015, and the Robert Salter Humanitarian Award. However, it was the profound impact he had on the lives of countless patients and families that truly defined his legacy.
In tribute to his passing, Dr. Paolo Campisi has written the following heartfelt tribute.
“It is with a very heavy heart that I share with you the incredibly sad passing of our dear colleague Dr. Vito Forte. Dr. Forte has been a cherished friend, mentor, and caring physician for so many. His larger than life personality, infectious laugh, inquisitive and creative mind, and candor have been a fixture in our department for more than four decades. His quality has positively impacted the lives of so many trainees, faculty and patients alike. There are no words that can adequately express the magnitude of his loss. He was a giant in our field and an exemplary leader and human being. May Dr. Forte rest in peace and may his memory be eternal. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Forte family.”
If you are interested in donating, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Covenant House Toronto. Additionally, Condolences may be forwarded here.