Interdependent and optimistic future awaits newest grads

When Dr. Tom Feasby graduated from medical school in Manitoba, D. Carlton Williams, president emeritus of Western University, received an honorary degree. He still remembers the day and the impact Dr. Williams' words had on him. Dr. Feasby now stands as one of Western University's newest honorary degree recipients.

His recent convocation address, which focused on the interdependence of people around the world today and optimism, will no doubt have a lasting impression on many new graduates.

Being called to get the honorary degree surprised Dr. Feasby.

For those who know him however, it came as no surprise at all. He has been called one of Canada's most noted neurologists, researchers and academic leaders. His career tells a story of tremendous commitment to health care bettering the lives of thousands of people whether they are students, researchers or the general public.

No stranger to Western, Dr. Feasby completed his residency under the watchful eyes of the brilliant Drs. Henry Barnett and Charles Drake in neurosciences at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry. He would soon become a professor in the Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences and the Chief of the Department of Neurological Sciences at London Health Sciences - Victoria Hospital.

In 1991, Dr. Feasby headed west. The move meant a whole new set of responsibilities and opportunities. He arrived on the scene at the University of Calgary with personal and professional experiences that had shaped his understanding of what it takes to make change and with a true and deep appreciation of the value of mentorship.

For more than a decade, he served as the Head of the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Calgary and the Calgary Health Region. He would move again, first to California serving as a Health Research Consultant for the Rand Corporation, and back to Canada and the role of Vice-President Academic Affairs at Capital Health in Edmonton, and Associate Dean, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alberta.

Yet another change would lead him to the role as Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary. He is credited for building one of Canada's leading clinical neuroscience departments.

An internationally noted researcher, Dr. Feasby was the first to detect a form of Guillain-Barre syndrome, which is a devastating neuro-muscular disease that can paralyze those whose body it inhabits. This work was the result of a great partnership at Western over several years.

Reflecting on his research accomplishments, he was reminded of his first attempt at writing a research grant proposal and the rejection that quickly followed.

Determined to be successful, he turned to a senior colleague to review a second attempt. What he received back was an unrecognizable document with every single sentence reworked. "I was crushed," he said. Eager to achieve success, Dr. Feasby took the advice and was successful with the next round of grants. The rest they say is history.

Today, his research, focusing on the overuse of health care interventions, could potentially change the way health care is delivered and ease the financial woes of a health care system that generates tremendous pride for Canadians.

His most recent research was on the use of MRI of the lower back. Results published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA Internal Medicine), showed that nearly 50 per cent of the MRI scans were unnecessary. To say the least, these findings generated great discussion and debate. Dr. Feasby hopes to continue work in this area and eventually influence policy and practise.

During his convocation address, Dr. Feasby spoke about the optimistic future the young graduates have ahead of them.

Sharing with students the highlights from a recent speech by former President Bill Clinton, and citing social biologist Edward O. Wilson, Dr. Feasby asked the students to really think about the interdependence of our world today as they launch this next phase of their lives. He asked them "to consider building a future of shared opportunity and prosperity, and community and responsibility and to tackle the world's problems with a sense of optimism."

This recent honour for Dr. Feasby furthers the connection between his family and Western: His grandmother served as an assistant to President Sherwood Fox, his father Dr. Wilf Feasby was the beloved and respected head of paediatric dentistry, and his son recently graduated with Master of Arts, History to name just a few.

He was proud to share this day and honour with his family, who he says has brought him the greatest joy of all.

Click here to listen to Dr. Feasby's full convocation address.