Medals awarded to health care helpers
Alberta Medical Association thanks supporters
Four Calgarians are among the half- dozen people being honoured by the Alberta Medical Association Friday at its annual general meeting.
An AMA medal of honour is being given to Alvin Libin, a Calgary philanthropist and entrepreneur.
While building a thriving business empire, Libin has also worked to help ensure Alberta is home to quality medical care.
He and his late wife, Mona, donated $ 15 million to the University of Calgary and the Calgary health region, leading to the creation of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta — one of the top three cardiovascular institutes in the country.
The medal of honour that Libin is receiving is given to non- physicians in recognition of significant personal contributions that help ensure quality health care for Albertans.
A second medal of honour recipient this year is Glen Baker, a PhD neurochemist who was the first non- psychiatrist in Canada to become a full- time chair of psychiatry.
He presently is associate vicepresident ( research) at the University of Alberta and a professor in the department of psychiatry.
The AMA also released the names of the physicians who are receiving its medal for distinguished service.
Dr. Susan A. Christenson is receiving the medal for her compassionate and comprehensive care to the people of the Blood Tribe, with whom she has worked since 2006.
A medal is also being presented to Dr. Luanne M. Metz, who is internationally recognized as a pioneer in multiple sclerosis research, treatment and care.
Her work as the director the MS Clinic of Calgary from 1993 to 2014 helped transform the clinic into one of the world’s leading centres for treating the disease.
Also receiving a medal is Dr. Eldon A. Shaffer, an international preeminent gastroenterologist who has revolutionized how physicians diagnose gastroenterology and liver diseases. He also established a new residency- training program at the U of C.
The fourth medal for distinguished service is being given to Dr. Norman R. C. Campbell, for his ongoing work in the prevention and control of hypertension.
He is a professor at the University of Calgary, a member of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, and recently was awarded the Canadian Medical Association’s highest honour.