Message from Dr. John Conly
Looking Back Through the Rear View Mirror
Head, Department of Medicine
2002 - 2010
As I look back on this Department...a great Department, with its rich clinical and scholarly history and wonderful traditions, I swell with pride. In fact, it should make the entire membership feel proud for it is all of you who have worked with such dedication and tenacity over the years to build on the tradition of excellence in clinical care, education and scholarship. It is my firm belief that in any Faculty, Hospital or Regional setting, a DOM should be a leader, not a follower, and be considered a cornerstone of any academic and clinical enterprise. Its history and traditions are strong, dating back to the birth of modern medicine. I need not remind any of you that Sir William Osler, considered one of the greatest icons of medicine, was an internist. He brought us the clinical clerkship, the concept of residency training and the watchword ‘Aequanimatas’ espousing the infusion of the values of humanism in medicine.
Reflecting on the Calgary DOM, one cannot begin without recognizing the former six Chairs of the Department and recognize that in turn, each leader has built on the work of the preceding person. Early in my tenure, the Department set about establishing a mission – to be widely recognized for advancing health and wellness, leading innovation, creating technologies and disseminating knowledge. In some small manner, I believe the statements set out in our mission have been accomplished and I look back fondly on the contributions that collectively have been accomplished. I say collectively with sincerity as nothing could have been done alone. The rich creativity, perseverance and dedication of the membership were an inspiration to all involved in its leadership. Read More...