Dr Marcia E. Prest, 1952–2022

Issue: BCMJ, vol. 64, No. 10, December 2022, Pages 437-438 Obituaries

Dr Marcia E. Prest

Dr Marcia Prest, beloved by so many, tragically passed away earlier this year after an illness. She was 69 years old.

Marce was born in Victoria. She obtained her BSc from the University of Waterloo and her medical degree from Queen’s University, in 1979. Her 3 years of residency at downtown Toronto hospitals included medical forays to Moosonee and Moose Factory, as well as to England to train with Dame Sherlock. Marce then moved to Ottawa for 2 years of GI residency at Ottawa General Hospital and Ottawa Civic Hospital, and subsequently 4 years in practice at the National Defence Medical Centre.

In 1988, Marce opened her practice across the street from Surrey Memorial Hospital and was the city’s first staff gastroenterologist. Marce’s near constant presence was transformative for patient care in Surrey, as it meant that patients did not have to be transferred elsewhere for endoscopy, and no doubt countless lives were saved. Marce’s tireless work and dedication cannot be overstated; many of us feel she was one of the hardest-working physicians we have ever met. The days were long, frequently spent working into the night, spanning 33 years, always at the service of the referring doctors and, of course, the patients.

What was truly special about Marce was this work ethic paired with kindness toward everyone she touched, whether patient, colleague, or friend. She went above and beyond for her patients, providing services for free (disability forms and the like), writing letters to advocate for them for social supports, and even treating one hepatology patient and their family every year to a hotel stay in downtown Vancouver with tickets to the Liver Ball. There are so many examples of her generosity over the years.

Marce was not just kind, but also poised, wise, and elegant. She reminded me of a blonde Audrey Hepburn. She was a beautiful force to behold in her element, whether it was standing next to the bedside of a patient and compassionately explaining their health challenges to them or seeing her with intensity in her sparkling blue eyes as she scoped an ICU patient and saved yet another life. Marce was, therefore, a popular gastroenterologist and was highly sought after in the Fraser Valley and beyond, regularly receiving referrals from across the province. She balanced her busy practice with a personal life full of varied interests—cooking classes, exercise classes, biking, skiing, French lessons, golf lessons, and gardening—and raising her two children.

Marce leaves behind her wonderful husband, David; their two children, Andrew and Samantha; her son-in-law, Brad; her two darling grandchildren, Rio and Dom; and countless friends and colleagues who loved her. She was adored by so many, and her passing is a tragic, massive loss.

I miss you so very much, Marce, and though I do not think I will ever recover from your loss, I was blessed to have you as a close friend, mentor, and work partner. As I walk through Surrey Memorial Hospital, I think I can still hear your footsteps going click click click as you raced from patient to patient in those hallways, always a smile on your face. Rest in peace, dear Marce.
—Davinder K. Sandhu, MD
Surrey

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Davinder K. Sandhu, MD. Dr Marcia E. Prest, 1952–2022. BCMJ, Vol. 64, No. 10, December, 2022, Page(s) 437-438 - Obituaries.



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Vernon Laine says: reply

This is very sad news. I was a patient of Dr Prest since 1989 until she retired because of my Crohn's disease. What I remember and liked about her was that she was a doctor that actually listened to what I had to say and did not generalize my symptoms. She was always on the ball with the newest medications and treatments.
She will definitely be missed.
Thank you Dr Prest

Dawn Sanders says: reply

Was so very sorry to hear of Dr. Prest's passing. I had been a patient of Dr. Prest since 1987 being treated for UC, I credit her with always making me feel like I had some control and being a young woman at the time I never felt humiliated by the unfortunate symptoms of the disease. She gave me dignity at a time when I found it hard to stay positive. I appreciated her kindness, support and considerate treatment of me at all times. She will be missed. Thank you for everything.

Harry Wadhwa says: reply

When we heard about Dr. Prest passing away it has shocked us . We truly indeed miss you immensely. My wife got the best treatment from you . My wife is alive only because of you how can we ever forget you . God bless you
no matter where you are but you are always in our heart forever & ever .

Miss you

with Love

Harry & Pinky Wadhwa

Janet Weinbren says: reply

I am sad to hear of Dr. Prest’s passing. She was my gastroenterologist and always displayed compassion and understanding. She was gentle and kind. Deepest condolences to her loved ones…

Leslie Cormack says: reply

I was one of Dr Prest’s first patients when she first came to Surrey. I suffered from severe UC and she was the first Dr who ever said “well that is not acceptable! We have to get that bleeding under control.” And she did!! She was my specialist until her retirement and kept my disease manageable and under control. She was a down to earth fabulous person and I will always be grateful for being lucky enough to be her patient. I’m so sorry to hear of her passing. She will be missed.

Dona Dorash says: reply

I saw Dr. Prest in 1990 and she reviewed my symptoms and
she very quickly booked me for a colonoscopy. During the colonoscopy she woke me so that she could show me the polyps she had discovered in my bowel. They looked like big red boils. She said polyps grow like grapes and move very quickly throughout the bowel and they become cancerous.
She immediately made an appointment for me to see the surgeon , Dr. Lai. Within 4 days I was recuperating from a bowel resection. Dr. Prest, such a kind and beautiful lady , saved my life 34 years ago. I continued to see her every 5 years for follow up. She was such a dedicated specialist and I will always be thankful to her. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.

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