2023 INDUCTEE Stephen Blizzard, MD Health Policy, Leadership in Organizational Development, Patient Care
October 17, 1928
(Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago)
June 9, 2020
MD, University of Western Ontario (1963)
2021: Creation of the Dr. Stephen Blizzard Trailblazer Award – an Alumni of Distinction Award at Schulich School of Medicine, Western University
2013: Trinidad Icon Award
See All AwardsAwards & Honours:
2021: Creation of the Dr. Stephen Blizzard Trailblazer Award – an Alumni of Distinction Award at Schulich School of Medicine, Western University
2013: Trinidad Icon Award
2008: Cambridge Publishing “Professional of the Year” in the field of aviation medicine
2008: Harry Jerome Award from Black Business Professionals
2007: Dr. Forrest and Pamela Bird Lifetime Scientific Achievement Award
2004: Dr. Wilbur Franks Award for Advancement in Aerospace Medicine
2001: Canadian Peacekeeping Medal
1991 – 1993 President CAMA
1992: Member on International Academy of Aviation and Space Medicine (only 275 members worldwide)
1982: Recognized by the Montreal Association of Black Business and Professionals
1979: United Nations Peacekeeping Medal
1977: Received Canadian Forces Decoration
1968: Earned Pilot Wings T-33 Silver Star
Pilot, physician and decorated peacekeeper who overcame systemic racism to become a much-honoured authority on aviation medicine.
Advanced technologies, such as aviation, create unique health challenges. As a military pilot, Stephen Blizzard developed standards and practices in aviation and aerospace medicine still used today, including publications such as Flight Times and Flight Duty Times in Canada, and the globally used Patient Care in Flight, covering pilot fatigue, jet lag, and inflight care. As an active-duty officer, Dr. Blizzard served in Operation Magnet mission, airlifting Vietnamese refugees to Canada, the United National Peacekeeping mission in Egypt, and as an advisor to the Air Force in Zimbabwe. A first-generation Black Canadian, and with the integral work and support of his wife Merle, Dr. Blizzard overcame systemic racism to become a pilot, physician, and decorated peacekeeper, serving as President of the International Civil Aviation Medical Association, the Canadian Society of Aerospace Medicine, and the Canadian Aerospace Medicine and Aeromedical Transport Association. He served with the NATO Advisory Group on Aerospace Research and Development and became a member of the prestigious International Academy of Aviation and Space Medicine. Much honoured and decorated, his courageous legacy lives on in such awards as the Dr. Stephen Blizzard Trailblazer Award, commemorating a lifetime of exceptional achievement.
Key Facts
Developed comprehensive standards for Civil Aviation Medical Examiners in “Flight Times and Flight Duty Times in Canada” and “Patient Care in Flight.” These pioneering publications include authoritative assessments of pilot fatigue, jet lag, and the proper provision of inflight care.
Served as Squadron Leader, Major and Deputing Commanding Officer, Royal Canadian Armed Forces National Defence Medical Detachment (RCAF). First doctor on-site as part of Operation Magnet mission, airlifting Vietnamese refugees from Kuala Lampur to Canada.
Served terms as President of the International Civil Aviation Medical Association, the Canadian Society of Aerospace Medicine, and the Canadian Aerospace Medicine and Aeromedical Transport Association.
Served with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Advisory Group on Aerospace Research and Development. Only non-American member of the Aerospace Medical Delegation to visit the Soviet Union’s Russian Space Program in 1990.
Recipient of United Nations Peacekeeping medal. United Nations Emergency Force II (1973-1979): Egypt.
Appointee to the International Academy of Aviation and Space Medicine. Members are selected for their merit and their contribution to Aviation and Space Medicine, regardless any characteristic. Membership is limited to 275 with representation from leaders in the specialty from all regions of the world.
Fun Fact: Stephen was an avid music enthusiast, passionate about Trinidad’s calypso and steel pan. He also had a huge collection of Jazz, Cuban and Brazilian music.
Professional timeline
Impact on lives today
Dr. Blizzard made lasting contributions to the field of aviation medicine addressing special challenges of both civilian and military aviators working in conditions of risk resulting from stress and fatigue. His experience as an officer in the Canadian Armed Officers made him a vital resource in leadership positions in many prestigious civil aerospace organizations. His personal story as a Black Canadian overcoming obstacles of racism is an inspiration for future generations of individual courage and determination.
2023
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Stephen Blizzard is posthumously inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame
His medal was received by his son Carlos Blizzard who represented him at the Ceremony in Halifax, Nova Scotia
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The Dr. Stephen Blizzard Trailblazer Award is created at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University.
Dr. Roberta Bondar named first recipient. Award honours alumni who blaze a trail in their field and exemplify excellence in education, advocacy, and humanitarian initiatives.
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President of the Canadian Aerospace Medicine and Aeromedical Transport Association
Leadership in Organizational Development -
Dr. Stephen Blizzard becomes president of the International Civil Aviation Medical Association and the Society of Aerospace Medicine
Leadership in Organizational Development -
Retires from military and joins the Department of Civil Aviation Medicine as senior consultant and acting Director
Health & Humanities -
First doctor on-site as part of Operation Magnet, a mission to airlift Vietnamese refugees from Kuala Lampur to Canada
Service Abroad, Patient Care -
Returns to Canada and rejoins Canadian Armed Forces as Squadron Leader, Major and Deputy Commanding Officer, RCAF National Defence Medical Detachment
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Dr. Blizzard earns his wings on Canadian Forces Base Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Completes jet and ground training part-time while working full-time as Base and Flight Surgeon
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First resident in surgery at the National Defence Medical Centre. Later designated Base Surgeon and Flight Surgeon at multiple military base postings throughout Canada
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Immigrates to Canada and becomes a faculty member of the Ontario Veterinary College
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Earns a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery at The University of Edinburgh
1948
A lifetime of dedicated humanitarianism and excellence in aviation aerospace medicine
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