Dr. Cy Frank sets sights high for term as president of the Canadian Orthopaedic Association

Posted on October 1, 2009

By Aisling Gamble

Dr. Cy Frank: Photo by Chris KindratskyFaculty of Medicine professor Dr. Cy Frank can add yet another title to the long list he currently carries-president of the Canadian Orthopaedic Association (COA).

Frank, an orthopaedic surgeon at the University of Calgary, was elected by his fellow COA members as president in July 2009 at the association's annual general meeting in Whistler, British Columbia.  He will serve as president for 2009-10.

Among the many credits to his name, Frank is an Alberta Heritage Foundation Medical Research (AHFMR) scientist, the executive director of the Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute, and he's been honoured with such awards as Alumnus of the Year in 2002, International Bone & Joint Decade ‘Builder' in 2005 and among the Top 40 Alumni at UCalgary in 2006.

"I am deeply honoured to represent all orthopaedic surgeons in Canada," says Frank.  "Among my presidential duties, I will be visiting all the national meetings of the orthopaedic associations of the English speaking world this year to learn what is happening in orthopaedics world wide, and to help bring best practices in musculoskeletal clinical care, research, education and administration back to our association in Canada."

Frank says he has several goals he would like to achieve during his term. 

"I'd really like to improve collaborations between the sub-specialties within orthopaedic surgery and with other partners who provide musculoskeletal care, education and research nationally and internationally."

As a faculty member at the University of Calgary, Frank's presidency increases the national and international profile for orthopaedic surgery not only for the university and its Faculty of Medicine, but also in Calgary and across Alberta. 

"This role will establish the Faculty of Medicine as helping to create the future of health in bone and joint care, research and education."

Since its inception in 1943, the Canadian Orthopaedic Association has maintained internationally renowned status with liaison officers at affiliated institutions across Canada and around the world.  In the 66 year history of the association, Frank is only the fourth to represent the University of Calgary in the esteemed position of president.