Ron Stewart lauded

Ron Stewart is named a "Hero of Emergency Medicine."

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has recognized Ronald Stewart, MD, FACEP, director of the medical humanities program at Dalhousie University, Halifax, as a “Hero of Emergency Medicine.”

The campaign, which is part of ACEP’s 40th anniversary, recognizes emergency physicians who have made significant contributions to emergency medicine, their communities and their patients.

“Emergency physicians are on the front lines of America’s health care system, providing the essential community service of emergency care,” says ACEP President Linda L. Lawrence, MD. “The dedication, passion and commitment Dr. Stewart has shown embodies the vision of ACEP’s founders and the ideals of our specialty.”

Dr. Stewart became an ACEP charter member in 1972 while practicing in Nova Scotia, just before joining the second class of emergency medicine residents at the LA County/USC Medical Center in Los Angeles. Following his residency, he was appointed the first medical director within the Los Angeles paramedic program. He then initiated the University of Pittsburgh’s emergency medicine residency program, served as medical director of Pittsburgh’s Department of Public Safety and developed Pittsburgh’s EMS system. He then served as Minister of Health for Nova Scotia.

Dr. Stewart is a prolific researcher, and has published on numerous topics, including pain management, trauma, cardiac care and EMS. He has received numerous awards, including the “Mills Award” and the “Canadian Citizenship Award.” He received Canada’s highest honor in 1993 when he was admitted to the Order of Canada, and more recently to the Order of Nova Scotia. Both credited him with helping “create a new medical specialty.”