UBC Pharm Sci professor and dean emeritus, Dr. John McNeill, was today appointed as a Member (C.M.) of the Order of Canada in recognition of his ground-breaking research into the links between cardiac disease and diabetes. The Order of Canada—established in 1967—is one of the highest honours awarded to Canadian citizens and is presented annually by the governor general in recognition of significant service to the nation. This year there were 114 new appointees to the Order of Canada, including 8 Companions, 21 Officers, 1 Honorary Member, and 84 Members.
Dr. John McNeill received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Alberta and his doctoral degree in pharmacology from the University of Michigan. Upon joining the University of British Columbia in 1971, Dr. McNeill served as associate professor and chairman in the Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, before joining the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences as professor (1975–) and dean (1985–1996).
Dr. McNeill's research focuses on the effects of drugs on the heart, particularly those associated with diabetes. He has attempted to elucidate the biochemical mechanism of action of a number of drugs that produce a positive inotropic effect. He has also been interested in the mechanisms of action of drugs that interact with cardio stimulant agonists to enhance or block their effects. Dr. McNeill is an elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, and the International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences where he holds a Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Dr. McNeill’s appointment to the Order of Canada is an outstanding achievement and recognition of his many important contributions to the pharmaceutical sciences,” says Dr. Michael Coughtrie, professor and dean, UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences.
“On behalf of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences I offer my sincere congratulations to Dr. McNeill and the other 2020 Order of Canada appointees.”