On August 18, 2025, AO North America lost a remarkable leader and mentor with the passing of Dr. Marvin Tile at the age of 92.
A pioneer in trauma care and past President of AO, Dr. Tile leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of innovation, education, and compassion. His impact on the AO community—and on orthopedic surgery worldwide—will be felt for generations to come.
We are deeply grateful to Dr. James Kellam, past AO President and close colleague of Dr. Tile, for sharing the following tribute.
A Tribute from Dr. James Kellam
Marvin Tile was born in Toronto on January 11, 1933. He graduated from Harbord Collegiate and attended the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, graduating in 1957. His orthopedic training was at the University of Toronto’s Gallie Surgical Training Program. In 1965, he was a Detweiler Traveling Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. During this time, he visited major orthopedic centers in England and Europe. This experience provided him with the opportunity to visit Gerhard Kuntscher as well as the AO and Maurice Müller. On his return to Toronto, he was appointed to Saint Joseph Hospital, where he worked with his mentor, Dr. George Panel. In 1966, he was appointed to the staff at Sunnybrook Hospital and subsequently became its chief of orthopedic surgery in 1971 and from 1985 to 1996,the Surgeon-in-Chief. He was instrumental in establishing Canada’s first regional trauma Center at Sunnybrook Medical Center in 1976. It continues to be the largest Canadian trauma center today.
Professor Tile has achieved many honors over his career. In 2009, he was named to the Order of Canada, as well as achieving the prestigious award of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal. He was the chair of the examining board for orthopedic surgery for the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada, the founding president of the Ontario Orthopedic Association, and a president of the Canadian Orthopedic Surgeons. He was the president of the International Society for the Surgery of the Lumbar Spine
Dr. Tile’s commitment to AO and AO North America is extremely important. Along with Dr. Joseph Schatzker, they developed an instructional course on internal fixation for the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery. This course was important in that it introduced the AO techniques and concepts to North America. Subsequently, along with Dr. Schatzker ,he wrote an important book called the Rationale of Operative Fracture Care, which was important in bringing decision-making and understanding to the surgical concepts of the AO techniques. In 1992, he was instrumental in the reorganization of the AO Foundation. He became its first non-Swiss president and at the same time was a founding member of AO North America in June 1992. He also established the first AO Basic and Advanced courses in Canada as well as the first North American AONA Pelvic and Acetabular Fracture Course. This course became the foundation for the present-day AO North America’s pelvic and acetabular fracture courses.
His clinical interest in orthopedics spans many aspects. As he was trained in the era when orthopedic surgeons were considered generalists with areas of subspecialty, he demonstrated several expertise. He was a leader in Canada and North America in arthroplasty surgery, particularly of the hip, being a member of The Hip Society. He was also interested in degenerative spinal conditions of the lumbar spine, and became president of the International Lumbar Spine Association. Most importantly, he had a major interest in the management of fractures and trauma, and the multiple-injured patient. Along with his mentor George Panel, he developed a classification system of pelvic ring injuries and further defined the surgical management of both acetabular and pelvic fractures. His first book on fractures of the pelvis and acetabulum was published in 1984 and was the basis for the next four editions of the text. The two-volume fourth edition was published in collaboration with AO Trauma and AO Publishing, outlining the current techniques of both pelvic and acetabular fractures.
The most important aspect of Marvin Tile’s career was his commitment to his patience and his students. This commitment to both was imperative in his teaching methods. He was a compassionate physician as well as a superb technical surgeon. His decision-making capabilities and clinical understanding were well-known internationally. His reputation resulted in him being an international speaker in fracture care, hip arthroplasty, and spine problems. He was a regular faculty member at the AO Davos courses. His capabilities for teaching residents in the surgical technical aspects of orthopedics, as well as diagnostic and clinical decision-making, were excellent. His mastery of the Socratic method provided both residents and fellows the opportunity to see how he thought and their need for further education and knowledge. His clinical thoughtfulness is exemplified in his continued reminding residents, fellows, and others that orthopedic surgeons are pain doctors, but we have a very powerful treatment method that is the scalpel, and we need to use it thoughtfully.
As a person, he was deeply committed to his family and to his cultural past and present. His autobiography, Severed Roots, published in 2010, showed his dedication to diversity, inclusion, antisemitism, racism, and violence. He and his wife, Esther, always had an open door to many individuals. It was quite common for him to invite visiting surgeons, residents, and fellows to his residence on Friday. Shabbat dinners with his family. He was always available to provide advice and guidance to anyone who would ask. Dr. Tile encouraged everyone to consider the decisions you make in your life and not to fear “ the road less travelled” as he quoted Robert Frost’s famous poem.
Dr. Tile leaves an immense legacy. From the above-mentioned literature and books that he has written, to his philanthropy to establishing a successful Sunnybrook Foundation, and supporting Sunnybrook Hospital, are well-known. Numerous leaders who have been trained by Dr. Tile will continue to carry his innovative and inquisitive approach to provide compassionate, confident clinical care to patients. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Carrying His Legacy Forward
Dr. Tile’s dedication to his patients, students, and colleagues exemplifies the values that continue to guide AO North America today. From his pioneering work in fracture care to his compassionate mentorship, his influence will continue to inspire the global surgical community.
We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege to learn from or work alongside him.
Read more about Dr. Tile’s life and achievements at AO Foundation’s tribute on his 90th birthday.
