Medicine Makes a Wonderful Life

Likely no Albertan has spent more time studying and writing stories about the history of medicine in the province than Dr. Robert Lampard, MD. The author and co-author of several published books is back with a new passion project, his latest book highlighting the life and career of Dr. William Cochrane, MD.

Lampard teamed up with Barbara Kermode-Scott, an accomplished medical journalist, to write Cochrane’s biography. Kermode-Scott and Lampard had spent several years working together previously, as co-authors on Hearts, Minds and Vision: Roots of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta.

 

Following his career as a respected pediatrician, Cochrane served as the dean of the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Medicine from 1967 to 1973, starting one of only two three-year MD training programs in North America. He went on to serve briefly as Alberta’s deputy Minister of Health before becoming UCalgary’s president (1974 to 1978). He followed that with a successful career in the private sector, as chairman and chief executive officer of a large biotechnology company. Cochrane was invested into the Order of Canada in 1989 and named to the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame in 2010.

"The book really shines a light on the highlights of a remarkable life," says Lampard. 

“I asked Dr. Cochrane once if his life turned out as he planned. Surprisingly, he said no. It wasn’t by design. He said he simply continued learning throughout his life and took advantage of the opportunities that presented themselves.”

Dr. Cochrane passed away in October 2017.

Medicine Makes a Wonderful Life was published in May. It is available at the Medical Bookstore in the Health Sciences Centre on Foothills campus or by contacting Dr. Lampard at j.robert.lampard@gmail.com. The book retails for $25.