Remembering Douglas A. Canning, MD: Leader, mentor, patient advocate, partner, friend

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Douglas Canning Headshot It is with the deepest sadness that we share the news of the sudden passing of Douglas A. Canning, MD, on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, surrounded by his loving family, after sustaining severe injuries in a cycling accident.

Dr. Canning was Chief of the Division of Urology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) for the past 25 years. For decades, he served as a leader, clinician, investigator, innovator, educator and staunch patient advocate, becoming a world-renowned expert in bladder and cloacal exstrophy and hypospadias care. Working with pediatric urology colleagues at CHOP, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Dr. Canning led the Multi-Institutional Bladder Exstrophy Consortium (MIBEC) which has dramatically improved the lives of children worldwide born with this serious birth defect.

Beyond his countless medical accolades, Dr. Canning was deeply committed to his patients and their families. He worked tirelessly to ensure that each patient he encountered received the best possible care at CHOP. He also had immense respect for his pediatric partners/colleagues and the partnership they shared. He truly valued these relationships as a critical piece to ensuring the best outcomes and experiences for the patients he cared for.

Dr. Canning was beloved by so very many, and he will be missed tremendously by all. He was a mentor to countless members of the CHOP community, as well as pediatric urologists nationally and internationally. He brought out the best in everyone. He will be remembered for his broad, inviting grin, his infectious upbeat personality, and the unbridled passion with which he threw himself into every project.

CHOP Urology stands tall thanks to the foundation established by this medical giant.

Honoring Dr. Douglas Canning’s life & legacy

The passing of Douglas A. Canning, MD, is a devasting loss to our community. Help us fulfill his ultimate vision for CHOP’s Division of Urology by supporting an endowed fund in his memory, fortifying his remarkable life's work and honoring his vibrant legacy.

Donate now

View the memorial service in remembrance of Dr. Doug Canning recorded on July 28, 2022, at 4 p.m.

Read more on Dr. Canning's life and legacy.

Resources for You

  • Employee Assistance Program--TheSupportLinc employee assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential resource that helps you deal with life's challenges and the demands that come with balancing home and work.
  • Care for Colleagues--Care for Colleaguesis a program where trained staff provide Peer Support Sessions for other staff who have experienced a traumatic event at the workplace. The aim is to provide rapid response (within 48 hours) to mitigate stress and provide active, short-term support.
  • To request a Care for Colleagues Session please email careforcolleagues@chop.edu.
  • Spiritual Care Services--Interfaith Chaplains are available at CHOP 24 hours a day 7 days a week to offer spiritual and religious guidance to patients, families and staff. To request a Chaplain Services, please page 1-0743.


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