Dr. Clarence Guenter to receive the Order of Canada

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Posted July 13, 2010

By Aisling Gamble

Dr. Clarence Guenter (back row middle) is the 10th Faculty of Medicine member to receive the Order of CanadaIt is the highest degree of merit given to those who have an outstanding level of talent and service, and have made an exceptional contribution to Canada and humanity.  For these reasons its entirely fitting that Dr. Clarence Guenter, professor emeritus at the Faculty of Medicine, has been chosen as one of 74 recipients to receive the Order of Canada. Guenter, only the 10th member of the Faculty of Medicine to receive the Order of Canada, is being recognized for contributions to academic medicine, notably as a leader in health-care delivery and policy development, and for his dedication to improving medical training programs in developing nations.

“It was unexpected. I was curious to know what for,” he says, recalling his thoughts when he received the phone call from the Governor General’s office to inform him of the honour.  “As we work together with friends and colleagues in several developing countries, we hope other Canadians will find meaning through work in collaboration with those who are economically poor and have fewer opportunities.”

Guenter’s career can only be described as long and incredibly successful.  After completing medical school and postgraduate training at the University of Manitoba, he spent the next several years as a faculty member at the University of Oklahoma.  Following that, Guenter returned to Canada to join the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary, a school that had only opened two years prior.  He went on to hold several high level positions including president of the American Thoracic Society in 1984, a role given to few non-Americans, and president & CEO of the Foothills Hospital in 1990.  In 1993, Guenter retired from his position at the Foothills Hospital and turned his attention to international health.

Longtime colleagues Dr. Eldon Shaffer and Dr. Jane Lemaire were ecstatic upon hearing the news Guenter would be recognized for his work.  “I’m excited for Clarence, this recognition enhances the important work that Clarence and the Faculty of Medicine has undertaken in the Pacific Rim countries, advancing their abilities to train excellent physicians,” says Shaffer.  

Lemaire, who has spent time with Guenter overseas, echoes this statement. “I’m privileged to have spent time with him and benefitted from his mentorship through either his advice to me or through passive observation of his actions and personal interactions.”

Dr. Guenter and the other Order of Canada recipients will be invited to accept their insignia at a ceremony to be held later this year.