Director Profiles
Tom Baskett
Tom Baskett was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and educated at Belfast Royal Academy and the Queen’s University of Belfast. He qualified in medicine in 1964 and did six years postgraduate training in general practice, surgery and obstetrics and gynaecology in Northern Ireland.
In 1970 he moved to Winnipeg as a clinical fellow and remained on staff at the Winnipeg General Hospital. He also served as a travelling consultant with the Northern Medical Unit of the University of Manitoba.
Since 1980 he has lived and worked in Halifax at the Grace Maternity Hospital, the Victoria General Hospital, Halifax Infirmary and the Women’s Hospital of the IWK. Currently he is professor emeritus of obstetrics and gynaecology at Dalhousie University.
He is a past president of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and of the Canadian Gynaecological Society and former editor- in- chief of the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Canada.
In 1997 he completed the Diploma in the History of Medicine at the Society of Apothecaries of London. He was the 2008 History Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He has published eight books and fifty-six journal articles on the history of medicine related to obstetrics and gynaecology, anaesthesia and resuscitation practice. For the past thirty years he has been a regular contributor to the Dalhousie Society for the History of Medicine lecture series.
In 1970 he moved to Winnipeg as a clinical fellow and remained on staff at the Winnipeg General Hospital. He also served as a travelling consultant with the Northern Medical Unit of the University of Manitoba.
Since 1980 he has lived and worked in Halifax at the Grace Maternity Hospital, the Victoria General Hospital, Halifax Infirmary and the Women’s Hospital of the IWK. Currently he is professor emeritus of obstetrics and gynaecology at Dalhousie University.
He is a past president of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and of the Canadian Gynaecological Society and former editor- in- chief of the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Canada.
In 1997 he completed the Diploma in the History of Medicine at the Society of Apothecaries of London. He was the 2008 History Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. He has published eight books and fifty-six journal articles on the history of medicine related to obstetrics and gynaecology, anaesthesia and resuscitation practice. For the past thirty years he has been a regular contributor to the Dalhousie Society for the History of Medicine lecture series.
Rosemary Barbour
Rosemary Virginia (Brown) Barbour received a BA summa cum laude in Classical History and Language from St. Mary’s University, Halifax, in 1977. After graduating, she worked under Dr. Bill Hart at Dalhousie University doing early research in “acid rain” and lake acidification, an initiative spearheaded by Dr. J. Gordon Ogden.
In 1979, she moved to Edinburgh, Scotland, and from January 1980 to December 1984, trained and worked as an archivist at the Scottish Record Office, now the National Archives of Scotland. On her return to Halifax in 1984, she worked as archivist at the Maritime Conference Archives, the Anglican Diocesan Archives and, from 1990, the Public Archives of Nova Scotia, now Nova Scotia Archives (NSA).
She is now Senior Archivist, Preservation Services, at NSA.
She is a member of the Dalhousie Medical History Society and a Board Member of the Medical History Society of Nova Scotia as well as a member of the Council of Nova Scotia Archives Preservation Committee.
In 1979, she moved to Edinburgh, Scotland, and from January 1980 to December 1984, trained and worked as an archivist at the Scottish Record Office, now the National Archives of Scotland. On her return to Halifax in 1984, she worked as archivist at the Maritime Conference Archives, the Anglican Diocesan Archives and, from 1990, the Public Archives of Nova Scotia, now Nova Scotia Archives (NSA).
She is now Senior Archivist, Preservation Services, at NSA.
She is a member of the Dalhousie Medical History Society and a Board Member of the Medical History Society of Nova Scotia as well as a member of the Council of Nova Scotia Archives Preservation Committee.
Rita Caldwell
Rita Caldwell graduated from Dalhousie University with degrees in Pharmacy and Health Administration. She worked as a community and hospital pharmacist in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Ontario. Upon returning to Nova Scotia in 1981 she assumed various administrative roles in Pharmacy.
Rita was the Assistant Director of Pharmacy (1981-1986) at the Victoria General Hospital, and Director of Pharmacy at the IWK Health Centre (1986-1999). In 1999 she became the first female Director of the College of Pharmacy at Dalhousie University, a position she held until her retirement in 2014.
Rita served on numerous professional boards and committees both locally and nationally throughout her career. Rita is the recipient of several awards in appreciation of her work in the pharmacy profession.
Rita has a keen interest in genealogy and the history of Pharmacy. In 2018, she travelled to the Outer Hebrides in Scotland to trace her family roots.
Rita joined the AHSAMNS Board in the fall of September 2021. She currently serves as Vice President.
Rita Caldwell graduated from Dalhousie University with degrees in Pharmacy and Health Administration. She worked as a community and hospital pharmacist in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Ontario. Upon returning to Nova Scotia in 1981 she assumed various administrative roles in Pharmacy.Rita was the Assistant Director of Pharmacy (1981-1986) at the Victoria General Hospital, and Director of Pharmacy at the IWK Health Centre (1986-1999). In 1999 she became the first female Director of the College of Pharmacy at Dalhousie University, a position she held until her retirement in 2014.
Rita served on numerous professional boards and committees both locally and nationally throughout her career. Rita is the recipient of several awards in appreciation of her work in the pharmacy profession.
Rita has a keen interest in genealogy and the history of Pharmacy. In 2018, she travelled to the Outer Hebrides in Scotland to trace her family roots.
Rita joined the AHSAMNS Board in the fall of September 2021. She currently serves as Vice President.
Margaret Casey
Education
BA University of Toronto University College.
MD Dalhousie University.
Employment
Physician at North End Community Health Centre, 1972-1997.
Director of Admissions, Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine, 1995-2001.
Locum tenens general practice, 1997-2005
Medical Volunteer
MicroResearch project, tutor clinical skills for International medical graduates.
Fountain of Health Optimal Aging program facilitator.
Committees
Senior Advisory Committee representing Senior and Retired Doctors of Doctors NS.
Brunswick Street Mission Advocacy committee chair.
Boards of Directors
Brunswick Street Mission.
Medical History Society.
EducationBA University of Toronto University College.
MD Dalhousie University.
Employment
Physician at North End Community Health Centre, 1972-1997.
Director of Admissions, Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine, 1995-2001.
Locum tenens general practice, 1997-2005
Medical Volunteer
MicroResearch project, tutor clinical skills for International medical graduates.
Fountain of Health Optimal Aging program facilitator.
Committees
Senior Advisory Committee representing Senior and Retired Doctors of Doctors NS.
Brunswick Street Mission Advocacy committee chair.
Boards of Directors
Brunswick Street Mission.
Medical History Society.
Doug Chaytor
Douglas V. Chaytor, D.D.S., M.S., M.Ed., M.R.C.D.(C)
Doug Chaytor is retired and continues his association with Dalhousie University as Professor Emeritus in the Department of Dental Clinic
al Sciences.
Doug graduated with Honours from Bishop Feild College, St. John’s and completed his Pre-dental Diploma at Memorial University of Newfoundland. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery and Master of Education degrees at Dalhousie University. From Ohio State University he obtained his Master of Science and Post Graduate Certificate in Prosthodontics.
Doug began his practice career in general dentistry as a Part-Time Dental Officer with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador in Grand Bank. He subsequently served as Director of Dental Services (Acting) for the Province for a year before entering graduate studies. During his time at Dalhousie he maintained a part time practice in Prosthodontics.
He taught prosthodontics at Dalhousie for 36 years. During that time he held the positions of Division Head, Department Chair, Director of Implant Dentistry and Secretary of the Faculty and Secretary of Senate, Pro Tem. He chaired or was a member of many Faculty and University committees including the Dentistry Museum Committee and 16 years as Chair of Continuing Education in Dentistry. He chaired the Faculty’s Anniversary 75 Committee.
Doug has been extensively involved in dental organizations and was secretary and/or president of several at the national and international levels including the Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry and the International College of Prosthodontics. He was the founding Secretary and later President of the Association of Prosthodontists of Canada. He is now that Association’s Archivist. He has chaired the Fellowship Advisory Committee and served as a member of the Board of the Dentistry Canada Fund. His service to the Nova Scotia Dental Association includes eight years as Chair of its Annual Meeting.
He has presented and published on prosthodontics, implant dentistry and education. Of historical note might be
Chaytor, Douglas V. Prosthodontics 1966-2042: Changes in Prosthodontic Education, Past and Future. (Abridged Version) J Can Dent Assoc 2005; 71(5):329. Complete article: http://www.cda-adc.ca/jcda/vol-71/issue-5/329.html
Chaytor, Douglas, An Interview with Donald Kepron on the Occasion of His Real Retirement, International Journal of Prosthodontics May/June 2013 Volume 26, Issue 3, 210-213
Chaytor, Douglas V., Association of Health Sciences Archives and Museums of Nova Scotia – An Introduction, Nova Scotia Dentist, 31:21:6-7, Dec. 17/Jan. 18.
While he has written no books on history, the minutes he has recorded of university and dental organization proceedings would fill volumes.
For his service to dentistry, he has been awarded fellowships in The American College of Dentists, The Academy of Dentistry International, The International College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He has received the Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry, W.W. Wood Award for Excellence in Education. The Dalhousie Faculty of Dentistry has given him its Outstanding Alumnus Award. He has received awards of Appreciation, Excellence, Merit and Life Membership from several other dental organizations.
He has been awarded the Medal of Merit for his service to Scouting. He served as Secretary and President of the Probus Club of Halifax.
Doug Chaytor is retired and continues his association with Dalhousie University as Professor Emeritus in the Department of Dental Clinical Sciences.
Doug graduated with Honours from Bishop Feild College, St. John’s and completed his Pre-dental Diploma at Memorial University of Newfoundland. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery and Master of Education degrees at Dalhousie University. From Ohio State University he obtained his Master of Science and Post Graduate Certificate in Prosthodontics.
Doug began his practice career in general dentistry as a Part-Time Dental Officer with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador in Grand Bank. He subsequently served as Director of Dental Services (Acting) for the Province for a year before entering graduate studies. During his time at Dalhousie he maintained a part time practice in Prosthodontics.
He taught prosthodontics at Dalhousie for 36 years. During that time he held the positions of Division Head, Department Chair, Director of Implant Dentistry and Secretary of the Faculty and Secretary of Senate, Pro Tem. He chaired or was a member of many Faculty and University committees including the Dentistry Museum Committee and 16 years as Chair of Continuing Education in Dentistry. He chaired the Faculty’s Anniversary 75 Committee.
Doug has been extensively involved in dental organizations and was secretary and/or president of several at the national and international levels including the Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry and the International College of Prosthodontics. He was the founding Secretary and later President of the Association of Prosthodontists of Canada. He is now that Association’s Archivist. He has chaired the Fellowship Advisory Committee and served as a member of the Board of the Dentistry Canada Fund. His service to the Nova Scotia Dental Association includes eight years as Chair of its Annual Meeting.
He has presented and published on prosthodontics, implant dentistry and education. Of historical note might be
Chaytor, Douglas V. Prosthodontics 1966-2042: Changes in Prosthodontic Education, Past and Future. (Abridged Version) J Can Dent Assoc 2005; 71(5):329. Complete article: http://www.cda-adc.ca/jcda/vol-71/issue-5/329.html
Chaytor, Douglas, An Interview with Donald Kepron on the Occasion of His Real Retirement, International Journal of Prosthodontics May/June 2013 Volume 26, Issue 3, 210-213
Chaytor, Douglas V., Association of Health Sciences Archives and Museums of Nova Scotia – An Introduction, Nova Scotia Dentist, 31:21:6-7, Dec. 17/Jan. 18.
While he has written no books on history, the minutes he has recorded of university and dental organization proceedings would fill volumes.
For his service to dentistry, he has been awarded fellowships in The American College of Dentists, The Academy of Dentistry International, The International College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He has received the Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry, W.W. Wood Award for Excellence in Education. The Dalhousie Faculty of Dentistry has given him its Outstanding Alumnus Award. He has received awards of Appreciation, Excellence, Merit and Life Membership from several other dental organizations.
He has been awarded the Medal of Merit for his service to Scouting. He served as Secretary and President of the Probus Club of Halifax.
Allen Finley
Dr. Finley is a pediatric anesthesiologist who has worked for over 30 years in pain research and management. He is Professor of Anesthesia, Pain Management, & Perioperative Medicine at Dalhousie University, and is cross-appointed as Professor of Psychology & Neuroscience. He also holds the inaugural Dr. Stewart Wenning Chair in Pediatric Pain Management at IWK Health in Halifax and is Director of the Centre for Pediatric Pain Research. He has published 150 papers in peer-reviewed journals (http://tinyurl.com/gaf-cits) and has lectured widely, with more than 300 invited presentations on six continents.
He started the PEDIATRIC-PAIN e-mail discussion list in 1993, bringing together pain researchers and clinicians from over 40 countries. His own research and educational projects have taken him to Jordan, Thailand, China, Brazil, and elsewhere. His main interest is pain service development and advocacy for improved pain care for children around the world. To facilitate that, he is co-founder and Board member of the ChildKind International Initiative (http://childkindinternational.org). His current research includes broad collaborations with colleagues at Dalhousie University and the Universities of Ottawa, Calgary, and Manitoba, as well as co-PI of the CIHR SPOR Chronic Pain Network.
In 2016, he was elected to the Executive of the International Association for the Study of Pain as Treasurer, and currently serves as Councilor, an exciting opportunity to be part of the promotion of pain science and pain care around the world. In that role he serves as co-Chair of the Global Advocacy Working Group.
Dr. Finley is the Atlantic Canada Hub Lead for the Solutions for Kids in Pain (SKIP) knowledge mobilization network: https://kidsinpain.ca. He is a member of the Canadian Health Standards Organization Pediatric Pain Management Working Group, developing a national hospital standard for pain care.
Dr. Finley is a pediatric anesthesiologist who has worked for over 30 years in pain research and management. He is Professor of Anesthesia, Pain Management, & Perioperative Medicine at Dalhousie University, and is cross-appointed as Professor of Psychology & Neuroscience. He also holds the inaugural Dr. Stewart Wenning Chair in Pediatric Pain Management at IWK Health in Halifax and is Director of the Centre for Pediatric Pain Research. He has published 150 papers in peer-reviewed journals (http://tinyurl.com/gaf-cits) and has lectured widely, with more than 300 invited presentations on six continents. He started the PEDIATRIC-PAIN e-mail discussion list in 1993, bringing together pain researchers and clinicians from over 40 countries. His own research and educational projects have taken him to Jordan, Thailand, China, Brazil, and elsewhere. His main interest is pain service development and advocacy for improved pain care for children around the world. To facilitate that, he is co-founder and Board member of the ChildKind International Initiative (http://childkindinternational.org). His current research includes broad collaborations with colleagues at Dalhousie University and the Universities of Ottawa, Calgary, and Manitoba, as well as co-PI of the CIHR SPOR Chronic Pain Network.
In 2016, he was elected to the Executive of the International Association for the Study of Pain as Treasurer, and currently serves as Councilor, an exciting opportunity to be part of the promotion of pain science and pain care around the world. In that role he serves as co-Chair of the Global Advocacy Working Group.
Dr. Finley is the Atlantic Canada Hub Lead for the Solutions for Kids in Pain (SKIP) knowledge mobilization network: https://kidsinpain.ca. He is a member of the Canadian Health Standards Organization Pediatric Pain Management Working Group, developing a national hospital standard for pain care.
Susan French
Susan E. French, a native Nova Scotian, graduate of the diploma program in nursing, VGH, Halifax (57B), certificate in psychiatric nursing, McLean Hospital, Massachusetts, USA (1959), BN with Distinction, McGill U (1965); MSc Boston University, 1969 and PhD, U of T, 1980.
Susan practiced nursing in NS, Bermuda, Massachusetts/USA, Quebec and Ontario. Between 1964 and 1970, she held faculty- positions at McGill University, School of Nursing, initially on a part-time basis and then full-time as a lecturer. In 1970, she was appointed to the full- time faculty of McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario as an Assistant Professor, later promoted to Associate Professor and Professor. She remained at McMaster U until her retirement in 2001. From 1980-1990, she held 2 consecutive 5- year terms as Director, School of Nursing and Associate Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences.
From 1980-2001, she was the lead representative from the SON/FHS working with colleagues from the Aga Khan University, Pakistan in designing and implementing a collaborative program focusing initially on the development of a School of Nursing at the Aga Khan University, Pakistan, and later, on the development of nursing education and service in all four provinces of Pakistan. The program was funded by CIDA consecutively for 21 years. During her time at McMaster served on numerous FHS/ University committees and community boards. She was appointed Emeritus Professor in 2001.
Her exemplary contributions to McMaster U -Faculty of Health Sciences were recognized in 2002 with the granting of an honorary DSc degree (2003) and Member, Community of Distinction, FHS in 2004.
Retiring from McMaster U in 2001, she was persuaded to return to McGill U as the Associate Dean of Medicine (Nursing) and Director, School of Nursing. She stayed for 4 years. She was appointed Professor Emeritus in 2006. In 2005, she and her husband retired to NS. From 2006-2009, she served as a Consultant, School of Nursing, Dalhousie University.
In 2005 she joined a family foundation in Montreal, Newton Foundation, as a consultant on nursing and educational research. She continues in the capacity.
From 1971-80, she chaired the committee of the Canadian Association of University Schools of Nursing (CAUSN) (later CASN) which developed the program of accreditation of undergraduate nursing programs in Canada. She has served on community and hospitals boards, e.g., member and later Chair Hamilton-Wentworth Health Services Committee, JGH Board-McGill Faculty of Medicine Representative, VON Halifax, Board; LOVE NS, Board.
She has been an external examiner/reviewer of many Faculties or Schools of Nursing in Canada and has extensive experience in evaluation of health/nursing services and/or nursing educational programs outside of Canada, e.g., Pakistan, UAE, Kuwait, Bangladesh, China, Japan. Her contributions to nursing education in Canada and internationally were recognized in July, 2014 with her appointment as Officer, Order of Canada. In 2022, she was awarded The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal (Nova Scotia).
Susan practiced nursing in NS, Bermuda, Massachusetts/USA, Quebec and Ontario. Between 1964 and 1970, she held faculty- positions at McGill University, School of Nursing, initially on a part-time basis and then full-time as a lecturer. In 1970, she was appointed to the full- time faculty of McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario as an Assistant Professor, later promoted to Associate Professor and Professor. She remained at McMaster U until her retirement in 2001. From 1980-1990, she held 2 consecutive 5- year terms as Director, School of Nursing and Associate Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences.
From 1980-2001, she was the lead representative from the SON/FHS working with colleagues from the Aga Khan University, Pakistan in designing and implementing a collaborative program focusing initially on the development of a School of Nursing at the Aga Khan University, Pakistan, and later, on the development of nursing education and service in all four provinces of Pakistan. The program was funded by CIDA consecutively for 21 years. During her time at McMaster served on numerous FHS/ University committees and community boards. She was appointed Emeritus Professor in 2001.
Her exemplary contributions to McMaster U -Faculty of Health Sciences were recognized in 2002 with the granting of an honorary DSc degree (2003) and Member, Community of Distinction, FHS in 2004.
Retiring from McMaster U in 2001, she was persuaded to return to McGill U as the Associate Dean of Medicine (Nursing) and Director, School of Nursing. She stayed for 4 years. She was appointed Professor Emeritus in 2006. In 2005, she and her husband retired to NS. From 2006-2009, she served as a Consultant, School of Nursing, Dalhousie University.
In 2005 she joined a family foundation in Montreal, Newton Foundation, as a consultant on nursing and educational research. She continues in the capacity.
From 1971-80, she chaired the committee of the Canadian Association of University Schools of Nursing (CAUSN) (later CASN) which developed the program of accreditation of undergraduate nursing programs in Canada. She has served on community and hospitals boards, e.g., member and later Chair Hamilton-Wentworth Health Services Committee, JGH Board-McGill Faculty of Medicine Representative, VON Halifax, Board; LOVE NS, Board.
She has been an external examiner/reviewer of many Faculties or Schools of Nursing in Canada and has extensive experience in evaluation of health/nursing services and/or nursing educational programs outside of Canada, e.g., Pakistan, UAE, Kuwait, Bangladesh, China, Japan. Her contributions to nursing education in Canada and internationally were recognized in July, 2014 with her appointment as Officer, Order of Canada. In 2022, she was awarded The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal (Nova Scotia).
George Lafontaine
George Lafontaine was born in Halifax and educated at Saint Mary’s University and Dalhousie University. He earned a Bachelor of Pharmacy cum laude in 1991 and later a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) in 1997, receiving the university medal.
Between 1991 and 1993, he worked as a retail pharmacist in Halifax, Charlottetown, and Hunter River, PEI.
In 1993, he and his wife, Dr. Angela Bonang, founded the Porters Lake Dental Clinic, where George practiced general dentistry until his retirement in 2022.
He is a member of the Drugs and Therapeutics Committee for Nova Scotia, assessing the interchangeability of generic drugs, and a director of SATA Trails, which oversees the management of the Gaetz Brook Greenway Trail on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore.
Post-retirement, he and his wife launched Seaview Stamps in 2023, specializing in rare stamps and postal history. He is actively engaged in philatelic exhibit competitions and is a member of a dozen philatelic societies.
Between 1991 and 1993, he worked as a retail pharmacist in Halifax, Charlottetown, and Hunter River, PEI.
In 1993, he and his wife, Dr. Angela Bonang, founded the Porters Lake Dental Clinic, where George practiced general dentistry until his retirement in 2022.
He is a member of the Drugs and Therapeutics Committee for Nova Scotia, assessing the interchangeability of generic drugs, and a director of SATA Trails, which oversees the management of the Gaetz Brook Greenway Trail on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore.
Post-retirement, he and his wife launched Seaview Stamps in 2023, specializing in rare stamps and postal history. He is actively engaged in philatelic exhibit competitions and is a member of a dozen philatelic societies.
Mary MacCara
Mary MacCara is a graduate of Dalhousie University (Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy) and the University of Minnesota (Doctor of Pharmacy). Mary also completed an Accredited Pharmacy Residency Programme at the Halifax Infirmary/Dalhousie University. She has practiced as a pharmacist in both community and hospital settings, and for the majority of her pharmacy career served as a faculty member at the College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University. Upon retirement in 2012, Mary joined the board of AHSAMNS and currently is secretary.
Pharmacy History Publications
MacCara, Mary E. Combatting Spanish influenza: Focus on pharmacists, pharmacies and drugs. Can Pharm J (CPJ) 2020 Nov-Dec; 153(6): 335–342.
MacCara, Mary E. Dispensing Aid: Druggists and the Halifax Explosion. Tantallon, NS, Glen Margaret Publishing, 2017.
MacCara, Mary E. Dispensing Knowledge: One Hundred Years of the College of Pharmacy, 1911-2011. Tantallon, NS, Glen Margaret Publishing, 2012.
Selected Pharmacy History Presentations
The Nova Scotians who Helped make Minard's Liniment the King of Pain. Dalhousie Society for the History of Medicine. February 2023.
Combatting Spanish Influenza: Pharmacists, Pharmacies and Drugs. Anne Hiltz Memorial Lecture, Nova Scotia Health Authority Pharmacy Research and Education Conference. November 2021.
Dispensing Aid: Pharmacists and the Halifax Explosion. Canadian Pharmacists Conference, Fredericton, NB. June 2018
Mary MacCara is a graduate of Dalhousie University (Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy) and the University of Minnesota (Doctor of Pharmacy). Mary also completed an Accredited Pharmacy Residency Programme at the Halifax Infirmary/Dalhousie University. She has practiced as a pharmacist in both community and hospital settings, and for the majority of her pharmacy career served as a faculty member at the College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University. Upon retirement in 2012, Mary joined the board of AHSAMNS and currently is secretary. Pharmacy History Publications
MacCara, Mary E. Combatting Spanish influenza: Focus on pharmacists, pharmacies and drugs. Can Pharm J (CPJ) 2020 Nov-Dec; 153(6): 335–342.
MacCara, Mary E. Dispensing Aid: Druggists and the Halifax Explosion. Tantallon, NS, Glen Margaret Publishing, 2017.
MacCara, Mary E. Dispensing Knowledge: One Hundred Years of the College of Pharmacy, 1911-2011. Tantallon, NS, Glen Margaret Publishing, 2012.
Selected Pharmacy History Presentations
The Nova Scotians who Helped make Minard's Liniment the King of Pain. Dalhousie Society for the History of Medicine. February 2023.
Combatting Spanish Influenza: Pharmacists, Pharmacies and Drugs. Anne Hiltz Memorial Lecture, Nova Scotia Health Authority Pharmacy Research and Education Conference. November 2021.
Dispensing Aid: Pharmacists and the Halifax Explosion. Canadian Pharmacists Conference, Fredericton, NB. June 2018
Allan Marble
Born: Truro, Nova Scotia, 1939; Education: Colchester County Academy, Dalhousie University (Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees, three undergraduate and two graduate scholarships.) Married: three daughters and three grandchildren.
Appointments and Involvement in Scientific and Medical Research
Member Dalhousie Students’ Council, 1959-1960.
Lieutenant, Canadian Army, Kingston, Ontario. 1963-1966.
Assistant Professor in the Faculties of Arts and Science, St. Francis Xavier University, 1967-1968.
Assistant and Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, 1970-1996.
Assistant, Associate, and Full Professor in the Faculty of Engineering, Dalhousie University, 1970- the present.
Director of Research, Department of Surgery, Dalhousie University, 1989-1996.
Appointed Professor Emeritus, Dalhousie University, in 2000.
Affiliated Scientist, Victoria General Hospital, 1990-1996. Founder and Acting Director of the School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University. Recipient of research grants from the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Medical Research Council, and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (in excess of $1,300,000). Member and Chair of a Medical Research Council Grant Committee. Member and Chair of a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Grant Committee. Reviewer for the Canadian College of Research Chairs, 2000-2010.
Community Involvement and Recognition
President, Royal Nova Scotia Historical Society, 1978-1982.
A founder and President of the Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia and the Genealogical Institute of the Maritimes.
Examiner, Genealogical Institute of the Maritimes, 1982 to present.
Member of the Editorial Board, Journal of the Royal Nova Scotia Historical Society.
Chair, Medical History Society of Nova Scotia
Secretary-Treasurer, Dalhousie Society for the History of Medicine, 1986 to present.
Board Member of Heritage Trust and the Public Archives of Nova Scotia.
Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Nova Scotia Archives
Vice President, Association of Health Sciences Museums and Archives of Nova Scotia
President of the Dalhousie University Club.
Member of the Discovery Center’s Committee to select scientists for its Hall of Fame.
Fellow of the Royal Nova Scotia Historical Society.
Fellow of the Canadian Medical and Biological Engineering Society.
Silver Medal Recipient of the Institution of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.
Recipient of the Avery Medal awarded by the Dalhousie Society for the History of Medicine
The Allan E. Marble Prize is awarded annually for research excellence in graduate work in Biomedical Engineering at Dalhousie University.
Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth 11 Diamond Jubilee Medal
Certified Genealogist (Canada).
Publications
Eighty-seven journal and fifty-six conference papers published on the cardiovascular system.
Fifteen journal articles and biographies relating to the medical history of Nova Scotia published in: The Dictionary of Canadian Biography, Collections of the Royal Nova Scotia Historical Society, The Canadian Bulletin of Medical History, The Nova Scotia Medical Bulletin, and the Nova Scotia Historical Review.
Book contributions to: Halifax Street Names, an Illustrated Guide. edited by Shelagh MacKenzie and Scott Robson, Halifax, Formac, 2002; The Haligonians, 100 Fascinating Lives from the Halifax Region. edited by Roma Senn, Halifax, Formac, 2005.
Ten books including:
The History and Genealogy of the Hingley Family in Nova Scotia. Truro, Specialty Print, 1966.
Nova Scotians at Home and Abroad. Windsor, Lancelot Press, 1977. Second edition 1986.
A Catalogue of Published Genealogies of Nova Scotia Families. Halifax, Genealogical Committee of Nova Scotia Historical Society, 1979.
The Descendants of James McCabe and Ann Pettigrew. Boston, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1986.
Deaths, Burials, and Probate of Nova Scotians, 1749-1799, From Primary Sources. Halifax, Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia, 2 volumes, 1990.
Surgeons, Smallpox, and the Poor: A History of Medicine and Social Conditions in Nova Scotia, 1749-1799. Montreal, McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1993.
Deaths, Burials, and Probate of Nova Scotians, 1800-1850, from Primary Sources. Halifax, Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia, 4 volumes, 1999
Physicians, Pestilence, and the Poor: A History of Medicine and Social Conditions in Nova Scotia, 1800-1867. Victoria, Trafford Press, 2006
The House that Sexton Built: A Century of Outstanding Graduates. Halifax, Dalhousie University, 2007.
Appointments and Involvement in Scientific and Medical Research
Member Dalhousie Students’ Council, 1959-1960.
Lieutenant, Canadian Army, Kingston, Ontario. 1963-1966.
Assistant Professor in the Faculties of Arts and Science, St. Francis Xavier University, 1967-1968.
Assistant and Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, 1970-1996.
Assistant, Associate, and Full Professor in the Faculty of Engineering, Dalhousie University, 1970- the present.
Director of Research, Department of Surgery, Dalhousie University, 1989-1996.
Appointed Professor Emeritus, Dalhousie University, in 2000.
Affiliated Scientist, Victoria General Hospital, 1990-1996. Founder and Acting Director of the School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University. Recipient of research grants from the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Medical Research Council, and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (in excess of $1,300,000). Member and Chair of a Medical Research Council Grant Committee. Member and Chair of a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Grant Committee. Reviewer for the Canadian College of Research Chairs, 2000-2010.
Community Involvement and Recognition
President, Royal Nova Scotia Historical Society, 1978-1982.
A founder and President of the Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia and the Genealogical Institute of the Maritimes.
Examiner, Genealogical Institute of the Maritimes, 1982 to present.
Member of the Editorial Board, Journal of the Royal Nova Scotia Historical Society.
Chair, Medical History Society of Nova Scotia
Secretary-Treasurer, Dalhousie Society for the History of Medicine, 1986 to present.
Board Member of Heritage Trust and the Public Archives of Nova Scotia.
Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Nova Scotia Archives
Vice President, Association of Health Sciences Museums and Archives of Nova Scotia
President of the Dalhousie University Club.
Member of the Discovery Center’s Committee to select scientists for its Hall of Fame.
Fellow of the Royal Nova Scotia Historical Society.
Fellow of the Canadian Medical and Biological Engineering Society.
Silver Medal Recipient of the Institution of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.
Recipient of the Avery Medal awarded by the Dalhousie Society for the History of Medicine
The Allan E. Marble Prize is awarded annually for research excellence in graduate work in Biomedical Engineering at Dalhousie University.
Recipient of the Queen Elizabeth 11 Diamond Jubilee Medal
Certified Genealogist (Canada).
Publications
Eighty-seven journal and fifty-six conference papers published on the cardiovascular system.
Fifteen journal articles and biographies relating to the medical history of Nova Scotia published in: The Dictionary of Canadian Biography, Collections of the Royal Nova Scotia Historical Society, The Canadian Bulletin of Medical History, The Nova Scotia Medical Bulletin, and the Nova Scotia Historical Review.
Book contributions to: Halifax Street Names, an Illustrated Guide. edited by Shelagh MacKenzie and Scott Robson, Halifax, Formac, 2002; The Haligonians, 100 Fascinating Lives from the Halifax Region. edited by Roma Senn, Halifax, Formac, 2005.
Ten books including:
The History and Genealogy of the Hingley Family in Nova Scotia. Truro, Specialty Print, 1966.
Nova Scotians at Home and Abroad. Windsor, Lancelot Press, 1977. Second edition 1986.
A Catalogue of Published Genealogies of Nova Scotia Families. Halifax, Genealogical Committee of Nova Scotia Historical Society, 1979.
The Descendants of James McCabe and Ann Pettigrew. Boston, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 1986.
Deaths, Burials, and Probate of Nova Scotians, 1749-1799, From Primary Sources. Halifax, Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia, 2 volumes, 1990.
Surgeons, Smallpox, and the Poor: A History of Medicine and Social Conditions in Nova Scotia, 1749-1799. Montreal, McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1993.
Deaths, Burials, and Probate of Nova Scotians, 1800-1850, from Primary Sources. Halifax, Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia, 4 volumes, 1999
Physicians, Pestilence, and the Poor: A History of Medicine and Social Conditions in Nova Scotia, 1800-1867. Victoria, Trafford Press, 2006
The House that Sexton Built: A Century of Outstanding Graduates. Halifax, Dalhousie University, 2007.
Gloria Stephens
Gloria (Webb) Stephens graduated from the VG School of Nursing in the class 1953A and the University of British Columbia in Adult Education.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Gloria’s nursing career started at the VG hospital, Halifax, and included Bermuda and Vancouver nursing as a staff nurse on surgical wards; as a Team Leader in sections of the operating room for Orthopedics, Plastic, and Neurosurgery, served also in positions as Assistant Head Nurse and Head Nurses in the operating room. At the VG, she worked in the first Neurosurgery department under Dr. W.D. Stevenson; this was ‘ground breaking’ experience. Also while living in Halifax worked a couple of years as a Public Health and VON nurse. At St. Paul’s hospital, Vancouver, she was on the original ‘Open Heart Team’ and was the scrub nurse for the first open heart procedure in BC, and developed and implemented the Patient Care Procedures Manual. She received a ‘Recognition Plaque” in 1985 for her involvement in this pioneer procedure. She developed a six month Operating Room Nursing Program for Registered Nurses and her program was used as a model to fashion other programs across Canada.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
Gloria was a founding member and president (1972 - 1974), Past President two years, of the BC Operating Room Nurses Group (BCORNG) as well as serving on many committees. She was the founding member of the Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada (ORNAC) 1983 and served as president 1990 to 1993 followed by Past President for two years. Gloria conducted a National survey for the “Expanded Role of the OR Nurse” and this evolved into the RN First. Assistant role to the surgeon in the operation room. She was National Chair (1986 -1996) of the ORNAC Standards committee which published the first written standards in 1986. The Standards continurd to evolve and was published under the title: “Recommended Professional and Clinical Operating Room Nurses Standards & Competencies of an OR Nurse”, in 1993. Chair of the National Interest Group of the Canadian Nurses Association and assisted with the development for the first Certification exams for operating room nurses. Initiated and conducted the first National Teleconferences as an educational program for Operating Room nurses (now referred to as Perioperative Nurse) across Canada. She was a founding member of the BC Nurses Union (BCNU) and elected as the first BCNU Provincial Vice President, and was the first Chair of the Vancouver Chapter. Gloria wrote the first “Essential Services Manual” for the province of BC. She a speaker at provincial, national and international conferences presenting on a variety of topics and received many recognitions. She was a member of the International Planning Committee for OR nurses conferences for three years.
After serving as a nurse for 46 years, Gloria retired in 1996 in Vancouver, returning to her homestead, Halifax and involved in designing and coordinating the renovation of her homestead to suit her husband’s MS disabilities; she initiated the installment of the stained glass window of the Centennial building to honour VG graduates; volunteered and became Manager at the VG School of Nursing Archives and Chair of “Save the Archives” committee which evolved into the Association of Health Sciences Archives & Museums NS (AHSAMNS) and was Secretary and President (2013 -2022); President of the VG School of Nursing Alumni 2010 – 2012; initiated and President of the Nursing History NS Society who installed a bench in the Fort Needham Park, Halifax to “honour the nurses who held the fort for two days before help arrived from afar”, and organized NS nurses to attend the ‘Tree Lighting Service’ for the 100th Anniversary of the Halifax Explosion in Boston 2017; Secretary of the Bethany United Church Executive Board. Gloria has published many articles and has written the history of BCORNG and ORNAC. She recently published a book “Remembering Nurses Who Served: WW1, WW2, Korea and Vietnam”. This book provides the life stories of 200 VGH graduates, before joining, during and following discharge from the service.
Gloria was President of the Vancouver Photography club and has won several provincial awards; volunteered at the YWCA, Vancouver with the Youth Group and through the YWCA career program, was a mentor for grade 12 girls; enjoyed oil painting, camping , fishing and especially the mountain cabin for skiing; wrote 13 volumes of the family history.
AWARDS
"Innovative Nurse of the Year"; Registered Nurses Association BC (RNABC, 1973) ‘For producing the first written Standards of Patient Care in the Operating Room’; RNABC -1987 Award of Excellence Nursing Practice; ORNAC 1988 prestigious Isabella Adams Award - Excellence in Nursing Practice; RNABC 1990 Award of Excellence Nursing Education; BCORNG 1992 Award Excellence in Perioperative nursing; YWCA 1994 ‘Woman of Distinction – excellence in nursing education’; ORNAC 1997 ‘Drake Thompson Editorial Award; VGH Alumni 2005 ‘Appreciation Award’; ORNAC 2009 ‘Recognition Award for valuable long service’; CNSA 2020 ‘Anna Hamilton Award for outstanding volunteer service to NS Archival community’.
Gloria (Webb) Stephens graduated from the VG School of Nursing in the class 1953A and the University of British Columbia in Adult Education.WORK EXPERIENCE
Gloria’s nursing career started at the VG hospital, Halifax, and included Bermuda and Vancouver nursing as a staff nurse on surgical wards; as a Team Leader in sections of the operating room for Orthopedics, Plastic, and Neurosurgery, served also in positions as Assistant Head Nurse and Head Nurses in the operating room. At the VG, she worked in the first Neurosurgery department under Dr. W.D. Stevenson; this was ‘ground breaking’ experience. Also while living in Halifax worked a couple of years as a Public Health and VON nurse. At St. Paul’s hospital, Vancouver, she was on the original ‘Open Heart Team’ and was the scrub nurse for the first open heart procedure in BC, and developed and implemented the Patient Care Procedures Manual. She received a ‘Recognition Plaque” in 1985 for her involvement in this pioneer procedure. She developed a six month Operating Room Nursing Program for Registered Nurses and her program was used as a model to fashion other programs across Canada.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
Gloria was a founding member and president (1972 - 1974), Past President two years, of the BC Operating Room Nurses Group (BCORNG) as well as serving on many committees. She was the founding member of the Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada (ORNAC) 1983 and served as president 1990 to 1993 followed by Past President for two years. Gloria conducted a National survey for the “Expanded Role of the OR Nurse” and this evolved into the RN First. Assistant role to the surgeon in the operation room. She was National Chair (1986 -1996) of the ORNAC Standards committee which published the first written standards in 1986. The Standards continurd to evolve and was published under the title: “Recommended Professional and Clinical Operating Room Nurses Standards & Competencies of an OR Nurse”, in 1993. Chair of the National Interest Group of the Canadian Nurses Association and assisted with the development for the first Certification exams for operating room nurses. Initiated and conducted the first National Teleconferences as an educational program for Operating Room nurses (now referred to as Perioperative Nurse) across Canada. She was a founding member of the BC Nurses Union (BCNU) and elected as the first BCNU Provincial Vice President, and was the first Chair of the Vancouver Chapter. Gloria wrote the first “Essential Services Manual” for the province of BC. She a speaker at provincial, national and international conferences presenting on a variety of topics and received many recognitions. She was a member of the International Planning Committee for OR nurses conferences for three years.
After serving as a nurse for 46 years, Gloria retired in 1996 in Vancouver, returning to her homestead, Halifax and involved in designing and coordinating the renovation of her homestead to suit her husband’s MS disabilities; she initiated the installment of the stained glass window of the Centennial building to honour VG graduates; volunteered and became Manager at the VG School of Nursing Archives and Chair of “Save the Archives” committee which evolved into the Association of Health Sciences Archives & Museums NS (AHSAMNS) and was Secretary and President (2013 -2022); President of the VG School of Nursing Alumni 2010 – 2012; initiated and President of the Nursing History NS Society who installed a bench in the Fort Needham Park, Halifax to “honour the nurses who held the fort for two days before help arrived from afar”, and organized NS nurses to attend the ‘Tree Lighting Service’ for the 100th Anniversary of the Halifax Explosion in Boston 2017; Secretary of the Bethany United Church Executive Board. Gloria has published many articles and has written the history of BCORNG and ORNAC. She recently published a book “Remembering Nurses Who Served: WW1, WW2, Korea and Vietnam”. This book provides the life stories of 200 VGH graduates, before joining, during and following discharge from the service.
Gloria was President of the Vancouver Photography club and has won several provincial awards; volunteered at the YWCA, Vancouver with the Youth Group and through the YWCA career program, was a mentor for grade 12 girls; enjoyed oil painting, camping , fishing and especially the mountain cabin for skiing; wrote 13 volumes of the family history.
AWARDS
"Innovative Nurse of the Year"; Registered Nurses Association BC (RNABC, 1973) ‘For producing the first written Standards of Patient Care in the Operating Room’; RNABC -1987 Award of Excellence Nursing Practice; ORNAC 1988 prestigious Isabella Adams Award - Excellence in Nursing Practice; RNABC 1990 Award of Excellence Nursing Education; BCORNG 1992 Award Excellence in Perioperative nursing; YWCA 1994 ‘Woman of Distinction – excellence in nursing education’; ORNAC 1997 ‘Drake Thompson Editorial Award; VGH Alumni 2005 ‘Appreciation Award’; ORNAC 2009 ‘Recognition Award for valuable long service’; CNSA 2020 ‘Anna Hamilton Award for outstanding volunteer service to NS Archival community’.
Iris Shea
Iris is a graduate of the Victoria General Hospital School of Nursing, class of January, 1962. She spent the first 18 years of her life in Jollimore, a community on the western side of the Northwest Arm of Halifax. Widowed, Iris has a daughter and son who live and work in London, England.
Publications
Co-authored with Dr. Joyce Hemlow (now deceased) three family history articles in the Nova Scotia Historical Review, Vol. 13, Number 2, 1993; Vol. 16, Numbers 1 and 2, 1996.
Contributed to: Halifax Street Names, an Illustrated Guide, edited by Shelagh MacKenzie and Scott Robson, Halifax, Formac, 2002.
From 1999 to present, Iris has written a monthly article in Chebucto News entitled "Discovering Our Past", local history from Armdale to Pennant.
With co-author Heather Watts, published Deadman's: Melville Island and Its Burial Ground, Glen Margaret Publishing, 2005. The book is available from the author as a fundraiser for Mainland South Heritage Society.
Created booklets entitled "Discovering Our Past" Vols. I, II and III, using local history articles from Chebucto News;
Websites - Created/manages two websites:
www.nursinghistorynovascotia.com (Nursing History Nova Scotia).
www.memorialtowerhalifax.ca - A history of the Memorial Tower at the Dingle in Fleming Park, including articles on Sir Sandford Fleming, his journals and his family; early history of Fleming Park; and an article on restoration work on the Memorial Tower.
Iris worked as a Registered Nurse at the Victoria General Hospital, Halifax, NS, and as Head Nurse on 5 North; as staff nurse in Port Alberni, British Columbia; Fort Churchill, Manitoba; Calgary, Alberta; and Duncan, British Columbia over a period of 20 years, returning to Halifax in 1982. She worked part time at Northwood as a Nurse Coordinator and Nursing Supervisor from 1982 until 1991. She graduated from the Gerontology Program at Mount St. Vincent University in 1989. During those years she was a long distance runner, competing in marathons, triathlons, and the Run Nova Scotia Series. She and her husband, Michael, owned and operated three Subway Restaurants in Halifax from 1990 to 2004.
Iris became interested in her family history upon her return to Halifax in 1982. As a member of Mainland South Heritage Society she began researching and writing about the communities from Armdale to Pennant (including Jollimore).
Iris lives in Herring Cove, Nova Scotia, with her Labradoodle, Sandford ( Sir Sandford of Fleming Park}. She continues to share her research, and histories and genealogies of the communities from Armdale to Pennant; is a volunteer with Urban Farm Museum Society of Spryfield; is a former Board Member of the Council of Royal Nova Scotia Historical Society and is on the boards of Mainland South Heritage Society, Association of Health Sciences Archives and Museums of Nova Scotia, and Nursing History Nova Scotia Society. Iris is on the membership committee of the Victoria General Hospital School of Nursing Alumni.
Iris is a graduate of the Victoria General Hospital School of Nursing, class of January, 1962. She spent the first 18 years of her life in Jollimore, a community on the western side of the Northwest Arm of Halifax. Widowed, Iris has a daughter and son who live and work in London, England. Publications
Co-authored with Dr. Joyce Hemlow (now deceased) three family history articles in the Nova Scotia Historical Review, Vol. 13, Number 2, 1993; Vol. 16, Numbers 1 and 2, 1996.
Contributed to: Halifax Street Names, an Illustrated Guide, edited by Shelagh MacKenzie and Scott Robson, Halifax, Formac, 2002.
From 1999 to present, Iris has written a monthly article in Chebucto News entitled "Discovering Our Past", local history from Armdale to Pennant.
With co-author Heather Watts, published Deadman's: Melville Island and Its Burial Ground, Glen Margaret Publishing, 2005. The book is available from the author as a fundraiser for Mainland South Heritage Society.
Created booklets entitled "Discovering Our Past" Vols. I, II and III, using local history articles from Chebucto News;
Websites - Created/manages two websites:
www.nursinghistorynovascotia.com (Nursing History Nova Scotia).
www.memorialtowerhalifax.ca - A history of the Memorial Tower at the Dingle in Fleming Park, including articles on Sir Sandford Fleming, his journals and his family; early history of Fleming Park; and an article on restoration work on the Memorial Tower.
Iris worked as a Registered Nurse at the Victoria General Hospital, Halifax, NS, and as Head Nurse on 5 North; as staff nurse in Port Alberni, British Columbia; Fort Churchill, Manitoba; Calgary, Alberta; and Duncan, British Columbia over a period of 20 years, returning to Halifax in 1982. She worked part time at Northwood as a Nurse Coordinator and Nursing Supervisor from 1982 until 1991. She graduated from the Gerontology Program at Mount St. Vincent University in 1989. During those years she was a long distance runner, competing in marathons, triathlons, and the Run Nova Scotia Series. She and her husband, Michael, owned and operated three Subway Restaurants in Halifax from 1990 to 2004.
Iris became interested in her family history upon her return to Halifax in 1982. As a member of Mainland South Heritage Society she began researching and writing about the communities from Armdale to Pennant (including Jollimore).
Iris lives in Herring Cove, Nova Scotia, with her Labradoodle, Sandford ( Sir Sandford of Fleming Park}. She continues to share her research, and histories and genealogies of the communities from Armdale to Pennant; is a volunteer with Urban Farm Museum Society of Spryfield; is a former Board Member of the Council of Royal Nova Scotia Historical Society and is on the boards of Mainland South Heritage Society, Association of Health Sciences Archives and Museums of Nova Scotia, and Nursing History Nova Scotia Society. Iris is on the membership committee of the Victoria General Hospital School of Nursing Alumni.