As Dr. Kevin Calder was completing his residency in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Dalhousie, he was unaware of the exciting year ahead of him. In May 2012, he was the recipient of the Dr. Jock Murray Award for Resident Leadership in Global Health. This annual award recognizes a Dalhousie resident for their involvement in and commitment to global health.
Kevin also began a one year international fellowship with Operation Smile to expand his clinical experience. Operation Smile is a not-for-profit volunteer organisation that organises medical missions to provide treatment for children in the developing world. It was founded 30 years ago and its headquarters are in the United States. (To learn more please visit the Operation Smile website)
The Dr. Jock Murray Award included a financial prize which allowed Kevin to purchase a portable surgical headlight to use throughout his fellowship during cleft lip and palate surgeries in India, Ethiopia and the Philippines.
Operating in Silay city, Philippines during Operation Smile’s 30 ear anniversary, “The Journey Home”
In 2013, Dr. Calder will continue his global health work with Operation Smile in Cambodia, Madagascar, India, Vietnam and Peru. He will work with an international and interdisciplinary team of surgeons, nurses, dentists, speech-language pathologists and patient care coordinators. In his own words;
Rural community near Mek’ele, Ethiopia with local shepherd boys, October 2012
I am learning so much and doing what I love to do – I could not be happier!
Dr. Calder’s work does not end here. He is also researching the various cleft lip surgical techniques and evaluating surgical outcomes to identify the best repairs to tailor each surgery to each child to maximize benefit.
Dr. Calder, in postop room, with a child whose cleft lip he repaired.
I am so pleased to have trained at Dalhousie. I have been well trained for the work that I am now doing and loving. I am grateful for the support of the Global Health Office and to have been honored as the recipient of the Dr. Jock Murray award in Global Health for residents. I encourage any and all to join a cause in your personal or professional life that inspires you; chances are you will inspire others.
His talents go outside the borders of medicine, research and global health. He has written and composed an album with Jason Mingo which was released in October 2012. You can hear his album, “On Empty” on iTunes or YouTube.
Starting a career in global health at Dalhousie is taking Kevin Calder to new places, expanding his clinical experience and bringing evidence based surgery forward. We look forward to checking in with Kevin in 2014 to be inspired by hisactivities and accomplishments.
lalibella, Ethiopia
To nominate a faculty member, a resident or a student for one of the 2013 Global Health Awards please visit our Global Health Awards Page and get your nomination in by March 28, 2013!!
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