Dr. Rick Quinn is improving the health of Great Ape populations and the surrounding communities
With his volunteer work, Dr. Rick Quinn, adjunct professor with the Department of Ophthalmology and veterinary eye specialist, focuses on the plight of the Great Apes in Africa. It is a species at risk of extinction and one that greatly intrigues the veterinarian.He is founding director of Docs4GreatApes, an organization committed to improving the health of Great Ape populations and the communities that surround them. “As someone who is very fortunate, you go to bat for those who can’t speak for themselves,” explained Dr. Quinn.
Central to his work in Africa is the One Health concept, acknowledging the link between the health and survival of endangered species to the health of the human population surrounding them.
Docs4GreatApes is now partnering with Schulich Medicine & Dentistry to send medical residents to improve health care in Rwanda and Uganda. “There is a responsibility to use my professional connections to bring about change,” explained Dr. Quinn. “I’m uniquely placed to get two respectable professions to pitch in together.”
