Community of Distinction honours two medical trailblazers
Alan McComas and Barbara Cooper were inducted into the Faculty of Health Sciences' Community of Distinction during a ceremony last Friday.
The founder of McMaster’s School of Rehabilitation Science and an internationally renowned neurophysiologist were inducted into the Faculty of Health Sciences’ Community of Distinction Nov. 8.
Barbara Cooper was the first dean of the School of Rehabilitation Science, while Alan McComas cultivated an international reputation for his pioneering work in neurophysiology. Both had a significant impact on the development of the Faculty of Health Sciences.
The inductees were joined by colleagues, family and friends for the celebration in the Ewart Angus Centre, where their plaques have been added to the wall of tribute. The Community of Distinction honours those who have made distinguished contributions in scholarship and research which have brought recognition and raised the profile of McMaster and the faculty.
Barbara Cooper, PhD
Barbara Cooper was the first associate dean and director of the School of Rehabilitation Sciences from 1991 to 1996. Her leadership and vision were seminal to the early development of the school, and provided a strong foundation for its current level of excellence and international stature. A McMaster faculty member from 1981 until retirement as a professor emeritus in 2000, she was also a champion of research. Cooper took national roles in rehabilitation program development, and established a northern studies program to promote an affinity for rural practice. An accomplished visual artist, she was also an expert of colour use in environmental design.
Alan McComas, MD
Alan McComas was an award-winning physician when he was recruited to McMaster’s medical school in 1971 as its first head of neurology. The neurophysiologist was a proud ambassador for the University as he became recognized internationally for his research on the neurophysiology of muscle disease. His method for the calculation of a number of viable motor units in muscle is considered the gold standard for this measurement. A captivating presenter, he was renowned as a mentor and extensively published. McComas was the chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences from 1988 to 1993 before he retired as professor emeritus in 1996.
