Genuine revolutions in science are rare. The acceptance of adult neurogenesis is one of these, recognition that the central nervous system of mammals contains neural stem cells capable of replicating normal cell types, including neurons. Samuel Weiss, PhD, demonstrated this in experiments with mice in 1992. His discovery of the metabotropic glutamate receptor remains a defining moment in establishing neurogenesis research as a pathway to exploring treatments for Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, stroke, ALS, and multiple sclerosis through neurological repair. Since then, Dr.
Advanced technologies, such as aviation, create unique health challenges. As a military pilot, Stephen Blizzard developed standards and practices in aviation and aerospace medicine still used today, including publications such as Flight Times and Flight Duty Times in Canada, and the globally used Patient Care in Flight, covering pilot fatigue, jet lag, and inflight care. As an active-duty officer, Dr. Blizzard served in Operation Magnet mission, airlifting Vietnamese refugees to Canada, the United National Peacekeeping mission in Egypt, and as an advisor to the Air Force in Zimbabwe.
Jean-Lucien Rouleau has been recognized worldwide for his transformative contributions to cardiology, including translational scientific work in ventricular function, post-infarction ventricular remodelling, and neurohormonal activation. His leadership in clinical research culminated in the development of the life-saving medication sacubitril/valsartan, now routinely used to treat patients with chronic heart failure. As Director of the Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health, Dr.
Provision of equitable and effective publicly-funded health care is a pressing challenge of our time. Carol Herbert, MD was a pioneer in addressing social determinants of health by developing services for victims of sexual assault, both adults and children, and delivering community-based health care. Vancouver’s Sexual Assault Service, in continuous operation since 1981, was the first dedicated service of its kind in Canada.
The restoration and recognition of midwifery as an important component of modern health care, which the WHO now considers essential to achieving improved maternal health and reduced infant mortality worldwide, has been the work of courageous pioneers in many nations. In Canada, Elaine Carty has been instrumental in establishing the evidentiary basis for expanded childbirth services, bringing midwifery into the mainstream, and ensuring that childbearing families have access to safe and effective care. Working as a university-based nurse midwife, Ms.