A visionary leader and builder in medicine and medical education
Inspired by his family physician, Dr. Cochrane chose to enter medicine in 1944 and pursued a career in pediatrics because of his affinity for working with families and their sick children. As a pediatrician, he fostered a strong interest in diabetes research, which led to the development of new diagnostic tests to identify and treat diabetes patients with varied needs. As a strong believer in the power of education, Dr. Cochrane was lured towards an academic career, first at Dalhousie University and next at the University of Calgary where he established U of C’s medical school. Never far from centres of innovation, Dr. Cochrane later moved into the government and then private sector where he continued his visionary leadership.