Congratulations to the recipients of Lung Association awards
Dr. Vernon Hoeppner was presented with the Lifetime Achievement award and Life Membership was presented to Dr. Darcy Marciniuk.
The year 2011 marks the 100th anniversary of the Lung Association in Saskatchewan. It is fitting that the 2011 Lifetime Achievement award go to an individual who has bridged the care and treatment of tuberculosis from the Saskatchewan Anti-Tuberculosis League to its integration in the public health care system.
In 1986, Dr. Hoeppner joined the Saskatchewan Anti-Tuberculosis League as the Director of Tuberculosis control. He very quickly began implementing innovations in TB control in Saskatchewan, introducing directly observed treatment and establishing mobile TB clinics in high-risk areas of Northern Saskatchewan. His research skills led to a thorough analysis of the outcomes of the TB Control program which resulted in major changes in areas such as prophylaxis treatment for the prevention of TB. Dr. Hoeppner is currently the Head of the Department of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan, but continues to be involved in TB Control.
The Lung Association of Saskatchewan confers the award of Life Membership in recognition of outstanding, meritorious service over many years to the promotion and fulfillment of our mission to help everyone have healthy lungs.
Dr. Marciniuk is the Department Head of Respirology, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. He has done extensive research in the area of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) for which he is nationally and internationally recognized. He has led the development of both respiratory services and chronic disease management in general both in the Saskatoon Health Region and in the province as a whole. He is the first Canadian to be elected President Designate of the American College of Chest Physicians and will become President in 2013.
Presentations took place at the Lung Association of Saskatchewan’s 100th Anniversary dinner held on September 30 in Saskatoon. The awards are bestowed by the Lung Association in grateful recognition of outstanding service in the improvement of lung health in Saskatchewan.
