2012 INDUCTEE Peter Macklem, MD Public Health, Health Promotion & Advocacy, Lungs
October 4, 1931
(Kingston, Ontario)
February 11, 2011
MDCM, McGill University (1956)
2003: Prix Michel-Sarrazin Award
1999: The Gairdner Foundation Wightman Award
See All AwardsAwards & Honours:
2003: Prix Michel-Sarrazin Award
1999: The Gairdner Foundation Wightman Award
1999: Trudeau Medalist, American Lung Association
1997: Honorary Doctorate, University of Athens
1988: Officer of the Order of Canada
1987: Honorary Doctorate, Université Libre de Bruxelles
1982: Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada
1979: Medalist of the American College of Chest Physicians
Contributed fundamental concepts to the field of pulmonary medicine
A giant in the field of pulmonary research and pulmonary medicine
Beginning in the early 1960s and throughout his brilliant career, spent primarily at McGill University Health Centre’s Royal Victoria Hospital, Dr. Macklem was a remarkably creative and prolific scientist who contributed a number of seminal ideas to the field of respiratory medicine. With a bold curiosity and a gifted intellect, Dr. Macklem’s impact was felt many areas of respiratory disease, ranging from asthma and stuttering to the study of the theory of complexity and its implications for pulmonary function. He continually investigated, questioned and probed the physiology and mechanics of the respiratory system and related his many findings to real clinical problems in a way that guided physicians and benefited patients.
Key Facts
His work constitutes the scientific foundation of the ongoing campaign against smoking by identifying its early pulmonary damage
Developed devices and technologies that permitted the accurate measurement of intrabronchial pressure and collateral ventilation
Published 312 original articles, reviews, editorials and book chapters
Became President of both the Canadian Thoracic Society and the Canadian Society for Clinical Investigation
Macklem was a trailblazer in researching small airway physiology in the lungs, revealing the initial lung damage is caused by smoking. He also broke new ground in understanding respiratory muscle fatigue and highlighted its significance in respiratory diseases.
Professional timeline
Impact on lives today
Dr. Macklem changed the face of pulmonary medicine in Canada forever. His pioneering discoveries such as the concepts of small airways disease and respiratory muscle fatigue helped lead to a better understanding of the role of respiratory muscle in pulmonary disease, which now constitute an important topic in medical school training. Moreover, his contributions have led to direct impacts in the management of patients in hospital intensive care units. Scientists and engineers also now have a clearer picture of the role of the respiratory muscles in pulmonary disease to such a degree that both have developed novel techniques to measure the mechanical behaviour of the small airways. Where Dr. Macklem led, other have enthusiastically followed and his legacy will continue to reach future generations.
2012
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Peter Macklem is posthumously inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame
Toronto, Ontario
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Networks of Excellence
Leadership in Organizational Development, LungsRealizing the immense value of connecting pulmonary research from across the country, Dr. Macklem became the Scientific Director for Respiratory Health’s Networks of Centres of Excellence.
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Policy Advancement
Leadership in Organizational DevelopmentDr. Macklem’s work included substantial insights for Canadian policy development. In 1990, the Royal Society of Canada appointed Dr. Macklem as Chair of the Scientific Policy Committee.
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Despite increased international commitments, Dr. Macklem never wavered in his support for Canadian medicine and research
Public Health, Health Promotion & AdvocacyIn 1989, he became a founding member of the Canadian Institute of Academic Medicine.
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International Horizons
Leadership in Organizational Development, LungsDr. Macklem began to set his sights on more direct involvement with international efforts. From 1985 to 1996, he was Director of the International Respiratory Disease Research Unit of the International Union Against Tuberculosis.
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Leadership in Research and Practice
Leadership in Organizational Development, Health and Medical Education & Training, LungsDr. Macklem’s excellence in research and mentorship quickly became evident to those around him. In 1978, he became Director of Research for the McGill Respiratory Disease Training Program. The following year, he was appointed Physician-in-Chief at the Royal Victoria Hospital.
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Dr. Peter Macklem founded the Meakins-Christie Laboratories, which emerged as one of the world’s leading centres for pulmonary research
Lungs, Leadership in Organizational Development -
Dr. Macklem became Director of the Respiratory Division at the Royal Victoria Hospital
Leadership in Organizational Development, Lungs
1967
He had an infectious sense of wonder and curiosity that inspired others.
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