Dr. Lucas Murnaghan was a gifted pediatric orthopedic surgeon, athlete, educator and artist whose impact reached far beyond the walls of the hospitals in which he worked. His decade of service at Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, from August 2009 to February 2019, reflected an unwavering commitment to helping young people heal, grow and pursue their athletic dreams. He specialized in general pediatric orthopaedics with a focus on pediatric athletic injuries and arthroscopic care, extending his expertise to adolescent and collegiate athletes through the MacIntosh Clinic at the University of Toronto and to young adults at Women’s College Hospital.
Dr. Murnaghan earned both his undergraduate and medical degrees at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. He completed his orthopedic residency at the University of British Columbia and simultaneously pursued a Masters in Adult Education, reflecting his passion for teaching and mentorship. His advanced training included a fellowship in Arthroscopy and Athletic Injuries, as well as pediatric orthopedic fellowships at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas. In 2014, he was honored as a POSNA EPOS Traveling Fellow in Europe.
His guiding principle as a clinician was to support the development of “growing athletes.” He cared for pediatric and adolescent patients with dedication and compassion, many of whom achieved collegiate and professional success. His research explored the psycho social relationships among doctors, patients and families, highlighting his belief that orthopedic care extends far beyond the operating room.
Lucas lived as fully as he practiced medicine. He was an accomplished endurance athlete who competed in marathons, triathlons and bike rallies. Drawn to the water, he traveled the world to free dive and surf, eventually becoming a respected water photographer. Together with his partner Antonio Lennert, he co founded Surf the Greats, a Toronto based surf community and creative hub that reflected his love for connection, creativity and adventure.
His photography began with documenting the Great Lakes surf scene and evolved into internationally admired underwater fine art that explored vulnerability, confidence, solitude and human emotion. In 2019, after a decade in medicine, Lucas transitioned into a second career as a full time co owner of Surf the Greats, where he devoted himself to building community both in and out of the water.
In February 2021, while photographing large waves on Oahu’s North Shore, Lucas was diagnosed with a rare cholangiocarcinoma. He returned to Toronto for treatment and spent his final weeks surrounded by the love of family and friends. He passed peacefully at home, held in the care of those who cherished him.
Lucas was a devoted son, brother, uncle, partner, physician, mentor, athlete, entrepreneur and artist. He lived earnestly and courageously, constantly encouraging others to pursue their purpose with the same passion he brought to everything he touched. His loss is felt deeply across the medical community, the surf community and by all who were moved by his art, his compassion and his spirit.
We honor his life, his legacy and the immeasurable impact he leaves behind.