• Rescued the CMA from near bankruptcy in 1921.
• Foresaw for the value of strength in unity amongst Canadian physicians. Led the movement to federate the CMA with the Provincial Medical Associations (1934-1938).
• Participated in the drafting of the first principles for the CMA's Plan for Health Insurance in Canada (1932-1934).
• Identified the value of a national cancer care and education association in Canada in the 1930's, and was a guiding force in the formation of the Canadian Cancer Society in 1938.
• Received the CMA's second STARR Medal in 1938.
• Born and educated in Ontario, Dr. McEachern moved to Alberta in 1905.
• A surgeon by training, Dr. McEachern is credited with presenting the plan that rescued the CMA from the brink of bankruptcy in 1921.

Dr. McEachern became a tireless advocate for the Canadian Medical Association. His leadership and vision persuaded the members of provincial medical associations to federate with the CMA, a process that was completed in 1938. Only then did it become the national voice of physicians in Canada.

During the years of the Great Depression, Dr. McEachern was a key participant in the CMA’s efforts to develop the 1934 CMA principles and the first plan for a comprehensive health insurance program for Canada.

Dr. McEachern was elected the President of the CMA in 1934/35.

Starting in 1931, the “McEachern Study Committee” reported to the CMA on the lack of national attention being given to cancer diagnosis and treatment in Canada. These problems included, a shortage of radium for cancer treatment, and the disorganized approach to the early detection and treatment of cancer. Almost single-handedly, he unified the provincial cancer committees into the Canadian Cancer Society in 1938.

Dr. McEachern was named the Founding President (1938-1944) Canadian Society for the Control of Cancer, the forerunner of the Canadian Cancer Society. In 1946, he became the first honorary life member of the Canadian Cancer Society.