Foundation Appoints Honorary Members

Debbie Gates
Special to the Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation

The Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation recently added the role of Honorary Member to its Board of Directors. This special appointment is intended to engage distinguished individuals meaningfully, without taxing their already demanding schedules. While there is no restriction on the number of Honorary Members, this honour is bestowed with care, reserved for accomplished community members, and is only extended at the request of the Board of Directors. Four distinguished individuals who share the Foundation's passion for excellence in bone and joint health have been appointed Honorary Members: Dr. Cy Frank, Dr. Gary Mooney, Dr. Frank Sim, and Dr. Paul Wright. In this issue, the Foundation presents Dr. Cy Frank.

Dr. Cyril B. Frank

Dr. Frank, an orthopaedic surgeon, researcher, and professor, has a strong interest in health services and systems research, particularly in redesigning and testing innovations in Alberta's health system. It was his vision, and that of other medical practitioners and researchers, that led to the formation of the Alberta Bone and Joint Institute. He was the inaugural Scientific Director for the Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis from December 2000 to December 2006, providing leadership in developing a strategic research strategy. Dr. Frank will serve as COA President in 2009-2010.

Dr. Frank is known as a visionary and for bringing disparate groups together. Over the years he has chaired or been a member of many local, national and international committees for many different associations: The Arthritis Society, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Canadian Orthopaedic Association, and Deputy Editor of the Journal of Orthopaedic Research to name a few.

Dr. Frank explains his personal motivation for serving as an honorary member: "I accepted this role since I believe that we can do fundamental work in making life better for Canadians. I think that the mission of the Foundation is a perfect fit for me - I can help drive the concept that research and education are the real keystones in treating and preventing injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system."

"The Foundation is delighted to have Dr. Frank in this distinguished capacity," says Angelique Berg, Executive Director. "His knowledge, passion and broad vision are valuable assets to the Foundation and our future successes."