David Olson, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the U of A, is one of the newest members of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS).
A pioneer of perinatal science at the University of Alberta is lending his expertise to the greater cause of science in Canada.
David Olson, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the U of A, is one of the newest members of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS). The Academy welcomed Olson into its ranks as a fellow at a ceremony in Vancouver this past fall. Induction into the CAHS as a fellow is considered one of the highest honours within Canada's academic community.
"Its role is to help promote interdisciplinary health-science research and to translate that work into real-world solutions to problems that Canadians are facing," said Olson, a member of the Women and Children's Health Research Institute. "To be one of the 686 members chosen across all of the universities in Canada and to be selected by my peers is very dear to me. It recognizes that what one has done in one's career is valued at a national level and it's a great honour because of that."
CAHS Fellows serve as unpaid volunteers and are selected in a competitive process based on their internationally recognized leadership, academic performance, scientific creativity and willingness to serve. In the role, they conduct independent, unbiased, evidence-based assessments on critical health challenges affecting Canadians and recommend strategic, actionable solutions.
Olson has been at the University of Alberta since his recruitment in 1991 to head a perinatal research centre-a position he held for 17 years. When he first arrived, perinatal science-the science of pregnancy, fetal development and newborn health-was in its infancy at the U of A. Through recruitment, fundraising and a focus on interdisciplinary research, Olson says Edmonton has now become a global centre of excellence.
"In the 27 years I've been at the University of Alberta, we started at nothing and now we're a world leader in this field," said Olson. "Perinatal science is incredibly important, because it's the beginning to life. We know that healthy pregnancies lead to a healthy life, so promoting that has been my passion throughout my entire career."
Olson will now bring his expertise to bear upon the national stage, giving informed input to Canadian health policy while continuing to promote the health science he's spent his career building.
"When there's a need, the organization will go to the federal government or to the appropriate authorities or foundations and say, 'It's time for action and this is what we recommend.'"