2006 INDUCTEE John S. McEachern, MD Leadership in Organizational Development

Born:

April 16, 1872

(Stayner, Ontario)

Died:

December 12, 1947

Education:

MD, University of Toronto (1897)

Awards & Honours:

1938: FNG Starr Medal, Canadian Medical Association

Developed the CMA into a national organization

A builder of Canada’s framework of national medical collaboration and an advocate for cancer research

A surgeon by training, Dr. John S. McEachern became a tireless advocate for the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and is credited with presenting the plan that rescued the CMA from near bankruptcy in 1921. In addition to this, he also participated in the drafting of the first principles for the CMA's Plan for Health Insurance in Canada (1932-1934). His leadership and vision persuaded the members of provincial medical associations to federate with the CMA, a process that was completed in 1938. Only then did it become the national voice of physicians in Canada.

Key Facts

Served as President of the CMA from 1934-1935

Led the CMA in their acceptance that the federal government had a responsibility to assist Canadians who could not afford medical insurance.

Highlighted the lack of national attention given to cancer diagnosis and treatment in Canada

Named the first honorary life member of the Canadian Cancer Society

Professional timeline

Impact on lives today

Dr. McEachern’s major contributions to medical organizations and cancer research still resound today. From a struggling organization, the Canadian Medical Association now has approximately 75,000 members. Long after the crisis meeting of 1921, the CMA continues to play an important advocacy role for its members and the community at large. This support was made especially clear during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 1947, the Canadian Cancer Society has funded thousands of researchers and invested more than $1 billions dollars in cancer research. The impact of that funding has been monumental. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, in 1940s only 25% of cancer patients lived at least five years after their diagnosis. Now, approximately 60% of patients will survive, with the number raising to 90% for certain cancers.

2006

April 26, 2006
John S. McEachern posthumously inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

Edmonton, Alberta
1952
The Alberta Cancer Research Laboratory was established at the University of Alberta’s Medical School

The lab was named after Dr. McEachern and operated until 1996.
1950
The Canadian Cancer Society created the McEachern Memorial Cancer Research Scholarship Fund

The scholarship funded recipients for the next 50 years.
1943
As president, Dr. McEachern oversaw the CMA’s policy discussion on government-assistance in health insurance
Leadership in Organizational Development
The CMA voted 78-0 in favour of a national health insurance plan.
1938
John S. McEachern was named the Founding President of the Canadian Society for the Control of Cancer
Leadership in Organizational Development
This committee was the forerunner of the Canadian Cancer Society.
1931
Starting in 1931, the “McEachern Study Committee” reported to the CMA on the lack of national attention being given to cancer diagnosis and treatment in Canada
Leadership in Organizational Development
These problems included a shortage of radium for cancer treatment and the disorganized approach to the early detection and treatment of cancer. Almost single-handedly, he unified the provincial cancer committees into action.
1921
The Canadian Medical Association faced bankruptcy and impending dissolution
Leadership in Organizational Development
Passionate about the need for a national medical association, Dr. McEachern assembled a plan to save the CMA. By 1938, all provincial associations had agreed to federate.
1919
Awarded a fellowship by the American College of Surgeons

While in the United States, he remained a respected leader. In 1924, he served as the American College of Surgeons’ Vice-President.
1908
Served as the third President of the Alberta Medical Association

This experience was an early sign of his long career in medical leadership.
1905
Established his clinic in Calgary

The clinic remained in operation until 1978.
1897
Graduated from medicine at the University of Toronto in 1897 and pursued a year of surgical studies in England

Upon his return to Canada, he moved to Calgary.

1897

He could very simply articulate a vision.

2006 INDUCTEE John S. McEachern, MD Leadership in Organizational Development

Developed the CMA into a national organization

Key Facts

Professional timeline

Impact on lives today

2006

1897

Additional Resources:

John Evans, MD DPhil

Naranjan S. Dhalla, PhD

2006 INDUCTEE John S. McEachern, MD Leadership in Organizational Development

Developed the CMA into a national organization

Key Facts

Professional timeline

Impact on lives today

2006

1897

Additional Resources:

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John Evans, MD DPhil

Naranjan S. Dhalla, PhD