Christopher J. Rubes was a physician, a teacher and a mentor. He was born to Jan and Susan Rubes, noted Canadian actors in 1953. Christopher’s dedication and commitment to excellence influenced all who knew him. As an Emergency Physician at Toronto General Hospital, Dr. Rubes was the pioneer in the development of Emergency Physician’s Program and pre-hospital Advanced Care Life Support in Ontario. A pilot project for pre-hospital Advanced Care Life Support began in 1984 under Dr. Rubes which became such a success that the program has continued to its status today as a leading EMS paramedic program. Dr. Rubes served as the first Medical Director for the Toronto Paramedic Program from 1984 to 1996.

In 1996, Dr. Christopher Rubes passed away, but his memory and teachings will continue on through the Toronto Emergency Medical Services Education and Development Unit that has been dedicated in his honour. The “Christopher J. Rubes Centre for EMS Studies” official opened on May 11th 2001, at 895 Eastern Avenue, Toronto, Canada. The event was an exciting and emotional day with invited guests such as Tony Clement, Ontario Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Mayor Mel Lastman, members of council, other stakeholders, and family and colleagues of Dr. Rubes.