Dr. Jack Barkin’s career has been distinguished by a steadfast commitment to innovation and excellence in urology. Having served as Humber River Health’s Chief of Staff, Chief of Surgery, and Head of Urology, he introduced groundbreaking technologies and procedures that have elevated patient care to new heights. For more than four decades, his dedication to teaching and mentoring has profoundly influenced future generations of urologists, ensuring his legacy will endure. Through his unwavering leadership, compassion, and pioneering spirit, Dr. Barkin continues to inspire the medical community. 

“Urology—and healthcare more broadly—never stops evolving. Being part of that journey here at Humber River Health has been incredibly rewarding,” says Dr. Barkin.

How did you get into urology? 

I graduated from medical school in 1977, drawn to surgery because I’ve always loved working with my hands—whether building something in the workshop or performing intricate procedures in the operating room. 

During my surgical internship, I observed urologists who could seamlessly shift from large, complex surgeries to delicate endoscopic procedures, all while forming deep, respectful connections with their patients. Their work showed me that urology was a specialty defined not only by technique and technology, but by empathy and trust. It was everything I wanted in my medical career. 

What has kept you passionate about Urology over the years? 

Urology—and healthcare more broadly—never stops evolving. Being part of that journey here at Humber River Health has been incredibly rewarding. Urology combines different specialties—thoracic, general, and gynecologic surgery—allowing for comprehensive patient care. Over the decades, I’ve watched Humber embrace minimally invasive procedures and cutting-edge robotics, always focusing on delivering better outcomes, faster recoveries, and more equitable care. 

The constant challenge of pushing medical frontiers, staying nimble, and responding to our community’s changing needs is what fuels my passion. Urology is not static; it’s a living, breathing field that requires continuous learning and adaptation—a perfect match for my own drive to innovate and improve.

“I’m proud of pioneering several key procedures at Humber, one of which was HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate), a procedure which significantly improved patient outcomes and set new standards for minimally invasive urological treatments,” says Dr. Barkin.

What do you hope for the future of urology at Humber? 

My vision for Humber River Health’s Urology Program is rooted in a mission to continually advance Canadian healthcare, ensuring that every patient has access to world-class treatment. I hope Humber continues to lead in urology through innovation, comprehensive training, and a commitment to exceptional patient care. It’s critical that we maintain our leadership in urological research and education with robust training programs and fellowships, ensuring that we’re always at the cutting edge of surgical techniques and patient management. 

“A major turning point was helping to bring in the da Vinci Si surgical robot to Humber in 2012, and then updating our equipment to the da Vinci Xi in 2022, broadening our surgical capabilities even further,” says Dr. Barkin. “This progression in robotic technology has had profound effects—more precise surgeries, shorter hospital stays, and, ultimately, better outcomes for patients.”

As we move forward, I see even more opportunities to expand our minimally invasive and robotic approaches, broadening our multidisciplinary, holistic care models to reduce wait times, improve patient experiences, and benefit communities both near and far. With our pioneering work in advanced surgical robotics, our focus on a patient-first philosophy, and our lean, green, digital infrastructure, Humber is poised to not only remain at the forefront of urology, but to help set a new standard for excellence, efficiency, and equity in healthcare across the country. 

Can you share some of the most memorable milestones in your career? 

One of the earliest milestones that stands out is becoming the first community-based urologist in Canada to conduct a clinical trial outside of a teaching hospital. That achievement really opened the door to more innovative work in a community setting, demonstrating that excellent research and advanced care don’t have to be confined to traditional academic centers. 

“It’s been incredibly meaningful to see our work recognized by the very community we serve,” says Dr. Barkin. “The Community Builders Tribute fundraising events hosted by IC Savings helped raise much-needed funds for our Urology and Robotics programs.”

I’m also proud of pioneering several key procedures at Humber. Humber was the first Hospital in Canada to use Blue Light Cystoscopy for cancer detection in the urinary tract and bladder. We also introduced Greenlight Laser and later HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate), both of which significantly improved patient outcomes and set new standards for minimally invasive urological treatments. 

Another major turning point was helping to bring in the da Vinci Si surgical robot to Humber in 2012, and then updating our equipment to the da Vinci Xi in 2022, broadening our surgical capabilities even further. This progression in robotic technology has had profound effects—more precise surgeries, shorter hospital stays, and, ultimately, better outcomes for patients. 

Receiving the 2022 Doctor of Philanthropy Award at Humber River Health Foundation’s River Ball was a special honour,” says Dr. Barkin. “Moments like these remind me that our efforts extend far beyond the operating room. It’s about creating a lasting legacy, enhancing the standard of care, and giving back to the community that stands behind us.”

On a personal level, it’s been incredibly meaningful to see our work recognized by the very community we serve. Receiving the 2022 Doctor of Philanthropy Award at Humber River Health Foundation’s River Ball was a special honour, as were the Community Builders Tribute fundraising events that helped raise much-needed funds for our Urology and Robotics programs. Moments like these remind me that our efforts extend far beyond the operating room. It’s about creating a lasting legacy, enhancing the standard of care, and giving back to the community that stands behind us. 

What advice would you give to future urologists? 

Always put patients first and listen to what your patients are saying—let that be your guiding principle. Stay curious, adapt to change, and embrace new technologies. Whether it’s introducing an advanced robotic system or exploring other innovative technologies, we’re continuously evolving to meet the needs of our community. 

Work collaboratively, get involved with the hospital and look for ways to improve the system, not just your corner of it. Healthcare Lives when we put patients at the center, invest in innovation, and share what we learn with others. 

That’s how we keep the promise of quality universal healthcare alive. By doing this, you won’t just be refining your surgical skills; you’ll be helping to shape the future of healthcare in Canada.