The R. Mark Sadler Fellowship in Clinical Epilepsy and Neurophysiology

All donations made on this page will directly support The R. Mark Sadler Fellowship in Clinical Epilepsy and Neurophysiology. The Sadler family will be notified of your donation in memory of Dr. R. Mark Sadler. Thank you for your thoughtful gesture.

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Dr. R. Mark Sadler

(SEPTEMBER 24, 1953 – DECEMBER 26, 2023)

Dr. Mark Sadler was instrumental in creating the Halifax Epilepsy Program. Arriving in 1988, he joined a Division of Neurology which lacked any specialized services for people with epilepsy. Over the course of his career, he built virtually every aspect of the epilepsy surgery program, including the only epilepsy monitoring unit in Atlantic Canada. He worked closely with colleagues to establish a surgical EEG program, advanced neuroimaging techniques, and an integrated neuropsychology service. When he retired in 2020, he left a world-class clinical program, one capable of providing all aspects of exemplary epilepsy care. In addition to his clinical contributions, Dr. Sadler is recognized as an unparalleled teacher and mentor, having inspired numerous neurology trainees over decades of instruction and mentorship to pursue subspecialisation in epilepsy and neurophysiology. His former trainees are now working in Halifax, across North America, and around the world. He exemplifies dedication to clinical excellence, scientific curiosity, and a drive to improve the quality and compassion of care for all patients.

>> Dr. Sadler's Obiturary 

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We are seeking to raise $3,000,000 to support an endowed fellowship in Dr. Sadler’s name, as a fitting tribute to the tireless devotion he displayed in improving care for Atlantic Canadians with epilepsy, while inspiring generations of neurology trainees to follow him into this field. This sum, while ambitious, is sufficient to cover the salary of a clinical fellow training for one or two years, in perpetuity.

We have also designated goals along the way:

  • $20,000 will support an annual award of $1000 for an epilepsy nurse, EEG technologist, or neurology resident to support conference attendance or mini-fellowships at other centres.
  • $100,000 will support an annual lecture series to bring world-class epilepsy specialists to Halifax to share innovative ideas and build collaborations.
  • $1,000,000 will support a fellowship position for 10 years.

The R. Mark Sadler Fellowship in Clinical Epilepsy and Neurophysiology

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders, affecting 6/1000 Canadians.  Although seizures are a key feature, people with epilepsy also have higher rates of depression and anxiety, attain lower levels of education and employment, and can experience significant social stigma. Fortunately, we can readily treat seizures in most patients. However, a third of patients develop seizures that do not respond to medications. These patients require more specialized care.

The Halifax Epilepsy Program delivers comprehensive care to people with epilepsy coming from all over Atlantic Canada. The program already provides complex medical management, evaluations for epilepsy surgery, and evaluations for implantable devices to control seizures. We are now looking to establish Dalhousie University and Halifax as a national and international training centre of excellence for neurologists with sub-specialty interest in epilepsy and neurophysiology. The ability to recruit top-tier Fellows from across Canada and around the world will enable the Halifax Epilepsy Program to continue its growth, further enhance care for Atlantic Canadians, and increase its engagement in clinical research. 

Fellows are key members of the academic training environment, and are the mark of a fully-developed program. Our epilepsy fellows will have already received specialty training in neurology, and will be taking one or two years to subspecialize in a particular area at a recognized centre of excellence. They will see patients independently in clinic, participate in the surgical evaluation of patients with difficult to treat epilepsy, and will provide direct teaching to neurology residents and medical students. They will also participate in clinical research, advancing our understanding of epilepsy and improving our ability to treat patients. Having completed their training, our fellows will go on to seek careers as academic epilepsy specialists, carrying the influence of their time at Dalhousie. The addition of clinical fellows to the team on an ongoing basis allows significant expansion of research goals, capacity for innovative care delivery, and the ability to expand care delivery over time by developing more clinicians able to care for this vulnerable and complex population of patients.

We can offer fellows exposure to the fundamental requirements for training, including busy referral clinics, EEG interpretation training, an active 4-bed epilepsy monitoring unit, MRI and nuclear medicine imaging techniques, and neuropsychology. In addition, we are expanding our use of advanced diagnostic techniques, which will provide exposure to both cutting edge technologies and opportunities for important clinical research. Despite the relatively small size of our centre, we are equipped to foster the development of clinicians with exemplary preparation for management of complex clinical cases, and the drive and capacity for continuous innovation towards excellence.

The faculty directly involved in the program are Canadian-trained neurologists, with additional training at renowned epilepsy centres in Canada and in the United Kingdom. There is also close integration with the Division of Neurosurgery. We have experience with training several fellows on an ad hoc basis, and these fellows have already gone on to initiate successful careers as epilepsy specialists at other centres.

A big thank you to our Supporters

The real heroes who are kindly helping us achieve our goal

K Schoffer

$200

David And Family

$5.02k

Mary Connolly, Clae President

$2k

Nancy Morrison

$200

John Jenkins

Always so helpful and understanding. Sincere regrets his golden years were so short.

$100

Steve & Michell Lintott

$52

Dr. Mary Connolly

$1.02k

Laura Schep And Edwin Bamwoya

$100

Iain Smith

$415

Kari Harrison

$208

Bryan Young

I was deeply saddened to hear of Mark's passing. As others have mentioned, he was an excellent neurologist, epileptologist, EEGer, but, most of all, a kind, good man who will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

$530

Seyed Mirsattari

Very sad to see such a great colleague and a true friend to leave us so unexpectedly! Mark gave so much of his life to our EEG and epilepsy community and Canadian Medicine in general. Mark will be remembered for his wit, sense of humour, friendship, knowledge, teaching style, dedication to his patients, role model as a father, and deep respect for others. Mark, Rest in Peace! May God bless your soul! You will be greatly missed! To the Sadler family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Respectfully! Seyed Mirsattari and family

$300

Emma Harris

$156

Vivian Mcalister

$104

Ann Collinson

Keltie,Meredith and Leah, My sincere condolences on the loss of Mark.He touched many lives .I have such fond memories of a kind, caring,genuine person that he was.

$52

Marie Matheson

I will always remember Dr. Sadler. He played an important role in controlling my epileptic seizures. I am shocked and saddened by his sudden passing. My deepest condolences to family, friends and colleagues.

$52

Stu And Cindy

Our thoughts are with all of you. Keep your memories of Mark close.

$515

Susan Crowe

What sadness I felt in reading of Dr. Sadler’s death. Not only did he change my life for the better, but gave my younger sister a life she never would have had without him. He, and Susan Rahey, changed me forever, and to my complete benefit. I will always, always remember him fondly and with deep respect. A fine man, a fine doctor is no longer with us, to our great loss. His legacy, however, will live on in thousands of lives he held in his heart and soul.

$260

Wayne & Joan Myles

Wayne has fond memories of Mark from our time in the Rothesay and K Park days, and then Joan and Wayne recall connecting again while we were all pursuing our respective professional practices in St. John’s NL. Condolences to Mark’s family and all who feel a sense of loss of this multi talented and caring individual.

$250

Kevin Kehoe

Dr. Sadler guided me to surgery and I haven't had a seizure in the 20-plus years since that time.

$50

Albert & Mary Quirk

$104

Theresa Hemsworth

Mark was a brilliant colleague.

$26

Sharon Mcdonnell-carline

$52

Nancy Vanstone

$50

Walter Schlech

$1,000

Leo Fares & Marissa Leblanc

$100

Dr Richard S Mclachlan

For a good friend and a great colleague.

$1.52k

Natalie Parks

$100

Simon Jackson

$260

Nailyn Rasool

Mark was a gifted clinician, educator and mentor. He changed the lives of so many of his patients, trainees and colleagues. We will all continue to be inspired by his dedication, kindness, and leadership. It is wonderful that his legacy of excellence will continue through this fellowship.

$515

Anonymous

$52

Shannon Nearing

Such a fitting tribute to Mark. He was a brilliant neurologist and epileptologist and overall nice guy whose legacy lives on.

$100

Wendy Mcphee

Sorry for the loss of a great neurologist and Co - worker. Dr. Sadler will be greatly missed and forever in my heart.

$104

Gregory Jenkins

Please accept my condolences on Mark’s passing. He stood out as an exceptional neurologist in a group of talented neurologists at Dalhousie. One of my favourite people during my neurosurgery training.

$104

Elizabeth Donner

Dr. Sadler was an engaged and engaging member of our community who will be truly missed. Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.

$50

Colin Josephson

Mark was undoubtedly the reason I pursued a career in epilepsy. He was an inspiring mentor, a polymath in the truest sense of the word, and a brilliant epileptologist. But most importantly he was a great friend. I am grateful to have known him and will never forgot the lessons he taught me, nor his keen sense of humour that would particularly raise its head quadrennially during each Rugby World Cup. He will be dearly missed.

$52

Deirdre Floyd & John Skuggedal

I was a patient of Dr. Sadler's since 1989. I went to him for a second opinion shortly after he arrived in Halifax . It was the best decision I ever made. Dr. Sadler truly investigated the underlying cause of my seizure disorder. In fact, I remember when the Video EEG machine was a stationary machine in the room with me during my admission as opposed to the Unit the hospital has today. Through that investigation it lead to a trip to London Ontario for further investigation. Over the course of 34 years of his care it lead to a VNS device in which I was the first female in NS to get the implant. That was some time ago. He was a wonderful caring doctor and also a wonderful person. He will be deeply missed by all.

$615

Cyrus Boelman

He was an inspiring leader, teacher, colleague and decent dude.

$515

Greg Van De Moortele

$1,000

Glen Ginther

$104

Shelly Mcneil

Tim (Mailman) and I were saddened to hear the news of Dr. Sadler’s death. He was one of the best teachers we had in medical school and remained a trusted and respected colleague and mentor ever since! He will be missed by so many! Our deepest condolences to all who loved him!

$208

Jeremy Moeller

Mark inspired so many of us to pursue a career in epilepsy care, and I am deeply saddened by his passing. He was a treasured teacher, mentor and friend, and his lessons are with me every day. It is so fitting that there will be an epilepsy fellowship in his name.

$1.02k

Rebecca George

A wonderful teacher and role model during my years as a resident who was incredibly kind to me. He will be greatly missed in the neurology community

$104

Don Langille

My deepest sympathies to the Sadler family. Mark was a wonderful man and a very accomplished physician. He will be missed by many, many people.

$104

Jenn Lightfoot

Sending love and prayers. Devastated that this world lost such an incredible person. Not only a loss for the family but a loss for the epilepsy community. Keltie and girls, sending much love and hugs to you all.

$104

Joan Chipman

Thank you to Mark Sadler for helping my daughter, Debby

$75

Greg And Penny Burgess

$104

Sandra Singleton

So sorry to hear of Dr. Sadler's passing. You have my deepest sympathy.

$50

Martin Soudek

$156

Roger Mckelvey

A devastating loss, It was an honour to work with him. He was a superb epileptologist.

$260

Glenn Campbell & Renée Lutwick

Keltie, We are so saddened to hear about Mark’s passing; our condolences to you and your family. Glenn and Renée

$208

Jeff Peddle

We were so sad to hear of Dr.Sadler’s passing. He touched so many lives during difficult times. We met due to an epilepsy diagnosis and appreciated his expertise and genuine care. He will be greatly missed.

$52

Allan Purdy

What Mark has done has made a difference for people with epilepsy. This Fellowship in his name should continue to make a difference in years to come.

$500

Howard Wightman

So sorry to hear of Mark's death. I was privileged to train under Mark and enjoyed his ongoing council and support throughout my cardiology and internal medicine career.

$104

Colin Burkimsher

$21

Cindy Norrad

$104

Anonymous

$2.52k

Janet&tony Tucker

With deepest gratitude for the continuous support for our daughter Alexa Vodicka as she navigated the struggle with epilepsy which ended with successful temporal lobe surgery. Never will it be forgotten

$156

Aidan Pine

So sorry to hear this. My condolences Leigh, and to the rest of the family.

$100

Caitlin Tarlton

We were so very lucky to have had him. He trained and inspired a generation of neurologists and truly revolutionized epilepsy care in the Maritimes. Thank you Dr. Sadler, we deeply miss you.

$1.02k

Brenda, Reg & Brad Conrad

Condolences to his wife and children. Mark was my son’s neurologist and was such a caring, compassionate, outstanding Doctor. He was so approachable and always gave us hope.

$104

Linda Milrod

$104

Tim And Megan Jones

$52

Krista Biggs

I hope this will help continue the work he started.

$52

Wendy Drake

Thanks for all you did and for being a great colleague. You will be greatly missed. Your contributions professionally and beautiful family are a wonderful legacy. F Cancer

$54

Lisa Kitchen

$50

Clyde Wetmore

Our thoughts and condolences are with you, Keltie, as well as the whole family. Cheryl and Clyde

$104

Sultan Darvesh

Marc was a great neurologist and epileptologist and this is a fitting tribute to his significant contributions.

$208

Keith Sutherland & Family

Thank you Dr. Sadler for your excellent care and compassion.

$104

Thalia Field

Mark was an outstanding clinician, teacher and human being. He was an outstanding role model for how one could be an outstanding physician while always remaining approachable and with a wonderful sense of humour. It was an honour to learn from him and he will be deeply missed.

$1.02k

Deborah Thompson

A wonderful physician!

$260

Timothy Benstead

This is a great

$104

Jeremy And Gillian Pridham

Mark was a great clinician, a wonderful person and a dear friend. We are better for having known him.

$104

Zoe & Adam

$108

Christopher Ricketts And Holly Vaughan

$52

Janet Gordon

$52

Hanya Chmara

My sincere condolences. The impact that Dr. Sadler made in the world of Epilepsy was nothing short of incredible. May his legacy be continued through this fine.

$100

Cindy Ochieng

$260

Nicola Langille

$104

Michelle Mackay

$104

Susan Mansour

$104

Stephen Barry And Barbara Barry

$200

Alexa Vodicka

In honour of a remarkable man who provided hope, determination, humour, solutions and gave me a whole new and better life 25 years ago. Forever grateful.

$1.02k

Sean Bradley

$52

Gord Gubitz

I can think of no better way to honor Mark than to make this Fellowship happen!!

$104

Kyle Crews

$104

Lucy B

$100

David Bell

$100

Anonymous

$104

Beth & Lorne Gaudet

$104