A Victoria dermatologist is preparing for one of the biggest performances of his career. Ceilidh Millar reports.
Dr. Mark Lupin’s typical day is packed with patient appointments at Cosmedica Laser Centre in Victoria.
It’s been 19 years since he started his practice, but dermatology isn’t the only discipline Lupin has studied.
He’s also a world-class concert violinist who is about to make his debut at North America’s most prestigious venue.
“It’s every musician’s dream to play at Carnegie Hall” explained Lupin.
In October, he’ll take the stage in New York City – a performance he’s been preparing for since the age of five.
His grandfather, who played the violin for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, gave him his first instrument.
“He gave me a plastic violin but it quickly evolved to a regular violin,” Lupin said.
At the age of 20, Lupin landed a gig as section lead with the BBC Symphony Orchestra in London, England.
He admits he couldn’t stop his other passions from tugging at his heartstrings.
“I love math, medicine and music,” explained Lupin. “I have a hard time separating the three.”
“I would do medicine in the day with my medical bag and in the evening I would take my violin and be concertmaster. It was sort of a nice balance.”
He’s earned five degrees in math, medicine and music from various universities.
In his spare time during his medical studies and demanding residency, he worked on a project with NASA.
“We essentially worked on some of the aspects of the joint for the Canadarm.”
Dr. Lupin has also travelled around the world as concertmaster with the World Doctors Orchestra.
He was the first Canadian physician to join the group of musicians from the medical field.
“I love doing that,” he said. “It’s like-minded individuals, all physicians, from 50 countries around the world.”
He says a natural connection exists between music and medicine as both are about service and giving.
“I think music touches us in a way that traditional medicine can only take you so far.”
Despite all he’s achieved, it’s the fourth ‘M’ that is his greatest accomplishment.
His marriage to his wife, Catherine, and raising their three children – a perfect equation for a doctor with many trades.
To learn more about Dr. Lupin, visit his website.
Ceilidh Millar
