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University mourns the loss of former dean of medicine
Dr. Grant Gall, 1940-2009
One of the driving forces behind the success of the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Medicine passed away suddenly this past weekend. Dr. Grant Gall, former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine from 1997-2007, died while vacationing with his wife of 49 years, Laurie. Dr. Gall had recently been awarded the Order of the University of Calgary for his distinguished service.
Under Dr. Gall’s leadership, the O’Brien Centre for the Bachelor of Health Sciences program was launched, the Faculty’s six research institutes were created and the Health Research Innovation Centre (HRIC) was constructed. He also spearheaded an international health program where University of Calgary doctors and medical students travel to developing nations such as Laos, Chile and the Philippines to deliver better health care and enhanced medical training.
“Dr. Gall’s passion for transformation and change, his ambitious vision for the Faculty and his dogged determination to make that vision a reality inspired many of his students, colleagues and friends,” said Tom Feasby, Dean, Faculty of Medicine in a message to all faculty staff and students this morning. “It is difficult to fully describe the imprint that Dr. Gall has left on us and on the Faculty as a whole, but in the coming days we will consider an appropriate way to recognize his significant contribution. “
Born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Dr. Gall attended school in Acme, Alberta where he graduated from Acme High School and moved on to the University of Alberta for med school. After graduating in 1965, and completing his internship and residency in Vancouver, Toronto and Boston, he then spent several years as a member of the Division of Gastroenterology for SickKids Hospital in Toronto. He also held appointments as an instructor in Paediatrics at Harvard and Boston universities. In 1979, Dr. Gall joined the University of Calgary and proceeded to make his mark here over the next 30 years.
Distinguished career in paediatrics
Prior to serving as dean, Dr. Gall was head of the Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, holder of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation Chair in Paediatric Research, assistant dean (research), professor and head of the Department of Paediatrics, medical leader of the Child Health Program and head of the Regional Department of Paediatrics.
During his two terms as dean, the Faculty of Medicine nearly doubled both the number of its faculty members and the number of students admitted into the MD program. The O’Brien Bachelor of Health Sciences program is now recognized nationally as an innovative training program preparing undergraduate students through inter-disciplinary education in diverse areas.
From vision to reality
A “builder” in all senses of the word, Dr. Gall forged long-lasting relationships with the corporate community, actively involving them in developing a blueprint for excellence through the Dean’s Advisory Council. In addition to the HRIC building, Dr. Gall was also instrumental in convincing politicians and decision-makers of the need for a new children’s hospital on the University of Calgary’s West Campus. He advocated for the creation of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, which was successfully launched this past September.
Dr. Gall was a visionary leader who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His impact in life was large, and therefore, his loss will be felt far and wide.
The University of Calgary community sends wishes of comfort and sympathy to his family.
Details on funeral arrangements are not yet available but the family has requested that donations be made to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, in lieu of flowers.
Dr. Sheila Malm, 1943-2008
The Faculty of Medicine is saddened to report the passing of Dr. Sheila Malm and her husband Gerrit Maureau in a plane crash. The couple was travelling from Pueblo, Colorado, heading to Santa Fe, New Mexico just before Christmas. Maureau was piloting the small plane, and Dr. Malm was a passenger.
Dr. Malm graduated from the University of Calgary medical school and was later part of the Faculty of Medicine. Her colleagues describe her as a leader among family physicians in Calgary. She was instrumental in developing the low risk obstetrics clinic at the U of C, which exists today. She was also a key part of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, where she served as its president and as a member of council. Most recently Dr. Malm was working part time at the Valley View Clinic in Calgary.
Dr. Malm was 65, her husband Gerrit Maureau, 67, was a prominent local oil engineer.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, January 25, 2009 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Calgary Petroleum Club, 319 5th Ave. S.W. If friends and family so desire, memorial tributes to the Dr. Sheila Malm Memorial Scholarship may be made by phone (403-220-3716) or by cheque made payable to the University of Calgary, Dr. Sheila Malm Memorial Scholarship, c/o U of C Central Development Office, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 or online at netcommunity.ucalgary.ca/DrSheilaMalm.
About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary
The U of C’s Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. Through its educational programs, the Faculty of Medicine trains the physicians and scientists who will lead the next generation of health practitioners. Through its clinical work, continuing medical education programs, and close relationship with the Calgary Health Region, the Faculty of Medicine moves new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside efficiently and effectively, improving patient care.
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U of C remembers Doc Seaman, philanthropist
The Faculty of Medicine was saddened to hear of the passing Sunday of Daryl K. Doc Seaman. He was 86.
Seaman was one of Calgary’s biggest philanthropists and a huge supporter of the University of Calgary. Oh, and he was also instrumental in bringing the National Hockey League to Calgary in 1980 as one of the original owners of the Calgary Flames!
Though he shied away from publicity, his time, effort and funds did not go unnoticed, particularly at the University of Calgary.
In 2001, along with his brothers, B.J. and Don, Doc provided $2 million in funding for the establishment of the Seaman Family MR Research Centre at the Calgary Health Region/University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine. In 2007, the centre became home to the neuroArm, the world’s first MRI-compatible surgical robot, which revolutionized neurosurgery and other branches of operative medicine by liberating them from the constraints of the human hand.
Seaman supported other student awards and was a Chancellor’s Club member since 1992. He received a U of C honorary degree in Law in 1993 and a Faculty Association Recognition Award in 2005. His most recent gift to the U of C came this summer in the form of $500,000 to fund scholarships for student-athletes in football, hockey, basketball, volleyball, soccer and women’s field hockey.
Seaman will be missed greatly. The University of Calgary and the Faculty of Medicine express condolences to the family and friends of Doc Seaman.
Read a more in-depth story at: http://www.ucalgary.ca/news/january2009/seaman-memoriam
About the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary
The U of C’s Faculty of Medicine is a national leader in health research with an international reputation for excellence and innovation in health care research, education and delivery. Through its educational programs, the Faculty of Medicine trains the physicians and scientists who will lead the next generation of health practitioners. Through its clinical work, continuing medical education programs, and close relationship with the Calgary Health Region, the Faculty of Medicine moves new treatments and diagnostic techniques from the laboratory bench to the hospital bedside efficiently and effectively, improving patient care.
If you like this story and think others should read about it–why not spread the word!? Use the links below to let others know!
