OTTAWA, Feb. 22, 2013 /CNW/ - Cecil H. Rorabeck, OC, MD, FRCSC, will become the 42nd president of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada today at a ceremony held in Ottawa, Ont. A highly-decorated orthopedic surgeon and educator with a passion for humanitarian aid, Dr. Rorabeck is recognized worldwide for his groundbreaking work in hip and knee replacement surgeries.
"These are challenging times in health care, but exciting as well," said Dr. Rorabeck. "As President, I want to help the Royal College forge practical solutions to improve patient care and advance training across Canada, but also worldwide."
The former chief surgeon at the London Health Sciences Centre, Dr. Rorabeck was invested as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2012 for his advances in orthopedic care and prosthetics. He is also currently a professor (emeritus) of Orthopedic Surgery at Western University and serves on the boards of the National Research Council and the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, among others.
In addition to more than 30 years of clinical, research and teaching experience, Dr. Rorabeck also started the Canadian chapter of Operation Walk — a non-profit medical services organization that arranges free hip and knee replacement surgeries for people in need in South America. Each year, he travels to Guatemala with a team of health care professionals, offering free hip and knee replacements to patients and training to local surgeons.
"Dr. Rorabeck is a passionate educator and truly outstanding surgeon," said Royal College Past-President Louis Hugo Francescutti, MD, PhD, MPH, FRCPC, FACPM, CCFP, FACP (Hon), ICD.D. "He is respected worldwide and is a true leader in Canadian medicine."
As President, Dr. Rorabeck hopes to strengthen cooperation and collaboration so that expertise and manpower can be better leveraged both within Canada, particularly with the national specialty societies, and with our sister colleges and other health care organizations worldwide.
"More than ever, health care is a team sport - in clinics, in operating rooms and in the boardroom," he said. "All stakeholders must work together to advance patient care countrywide, and Canadians can expect the Royal College to help lead these discussions."
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada is the national, not-for-profit organization that oversees the medical education of specialists in Canada by setting high standards for postgraduate medical education and continuing professional development. In collaboration with health organizations and government agencies, the Royal College also plays a role in developing sound health policy in Canada.
SOURCE: Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
Sandra Shearman,
Manager, Communications and External Relations
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Tom McMillan,
Senior communications specialist, Communications and External Relations
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