Dr. Grant Gall, 1940-2009:
University mourns the loss of former dean of medicine
Dr. Grant Gall. / Photo: courtesy of Reach!
The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary will host the Gall family in a commemorative celebration in honour of the former Dean on Friday, May 8 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the Health Research Innovation Centre (Atrium). Reception to follow.
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One of the driving forces behind the success of the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Medicine passed away suddenly. Dr. Grant Gall, former dean of the Faculty of Medicine from 1997-2007, died while vacationing with his wife of 49 years, Laurie. Dr. Gall had recently been awarded the Order of the University of Calgary for his distinguished service.
“Under Dr. Gall’s leadership the Faculty of Medicine grew in size and reputation,” said U of C President Harvey Weingarten. “Dr. Gall was the visionary behind significant growth in terms of research-related activities and MD education. This was not a man who did anything by half measure. When he made a commitment to do something, he would do it at a scale that you hadn’t necessarily anticipated. My sympathies go out to his family and his colleagues.”
During his time at the U of C, the O’Brien Centre for the Bachelor of Health Sciences program was launched, the faculty’s six research institutes were created and the Health Research Innovation Centre (HRIC) was constructed. He also spearheaded an international health program where University of Calgary doctors and medical students travel to developing nations such as Laos, Chile and the Philippines to deliver better health care and enhanced medical training.
Born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Dr. Gall attended school in Acme, Alberta where he graduated from Acme High School and moved on to the University of Alberta for med school. After graduating in 1965, and completing his internship and residency in Vancouver, Toronto and Boston, he then spent several years as a member of the Division of Gastroenterology for SickKids Hospital in Toronto. He also held appointments as an instructor in Paediatrics at Harvard and Boston universities. In 1979, Dr. Gall joined the University of Calgary and proceeded to make his mark here over the next 30 years.
Distinguished career in paediatricsPrior to serving as dean, Dr. Gall was head of the Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, holder of the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation Chair in Paediatric Research, associate dean (research), professor and head of the Department of Paediatrics, medical leader of the Child Health Program and head of the Regional Department of Paediatrics.
During his two terms as dean, the Faculty of Medicine nearly doubled both the number of its faculty members and the number of students admitted into the MD program. The O’Brien Bachelor of Health Sciences program is now recognized nationally as an innovative training program preparing undergraduate students through inter-disciplinary education in diverse areas.
From vision to realityA “builder” in all senses of the word, Dr. Gall forged long-lasting relationships with the corporate community, actively involving them in developing a blueprint for excellence through the Dean’s Advisory Council. In addition to the HRIC building, Dr. Gall was also instrumental in convincing politicians and decision-makers of the need for a new children’s hospital on the University of Calgary’s West Campus. He advocated for the creation of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, which was successfully launched this past September.
Dr. Gall was a visionary leader who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His impact in life was large, and therefore, his loss will be felt far and wide. The University of Calgary community sends wishes of comfort and sympathy to his family.
Details on funeral arrangements are not yet available but the family has requested that donations be made to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, in lieu of flowers.
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April 20, 2009