In memoriam: Dr. Wilfred "Bunny" Gillis

Dr. Wilfred Reginald “Bunny” Gillis, UMMC professor emeritus of family medicine and founding chairman of the department, died April 1. He was 82.

A native of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, Gillis received his M.D. from Dalhousie University and joined a group practice in New Brunswick Canada, where he remained in private practice until 1970.

In 1971, Gillis became director of family medicine elective programs for Dalhousie University and was also in charge of  research programs for the Department of Family Medicine. In 1972, he was recruited to Mississippi and in 1973 became chair of the Department of Family Medicine at UMMC.

Gillis was instrumental in establishing the department as a university-based program with community experiences for residents and medical students, including community family medicine clinics and training centers. Much of the framework that he implemented exists today in the department’s operations. He retired as chair of family medicine in 1987.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date. The family asks that any desired contributions be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation at www.davisonfh.com.