[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Community_of_Distinction.jpg” caption=”Pictured clockwise from top left, James Anderson, Howard S. Barrows, Barber Mueller, and David (Dan) Offord were inducted today into the Faculty of Health Sciences Community of Distinction.”]Three champions of McMaster's philosophy of medical education and a renowned child psychiatrist have been recognized for their significant contributions to the development of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

James Anderson, Howard S. Barrows, Barber Mueller, and David (Dan) Offord were inducted today into the Faculty of Health Sciences Community of Distinction. Click here for short biographies of the inductees.

The photographs and biographies of the four are displayed in a gallery on a second floor wall in McMaster's Health Sciences Centre. All were chosen for their leadership and distinguished contributions through innovative scholarship and outstanding research.

The wall also contains a permanent gallery on the History of Health Care in Hamilton.

“These are four special people, four revolutionaries who created history – a history that the current faculty is intent on moving forward and repeating the path of success,” said John Kelton, dean and vice-president of the Faculty of Health Sciences and dean of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine.

“All of the inductees helped to create an inimitable and much better medical school and to create the foundations of a unique Faculty of Health Sciences.”

Up to five individuals are selected annually to join the Community of Distinction. Those eligible include alumni and anyone who is, or has been, faculty or staff of the Faculty. Membership of the selection committee includes the Faculty's dean and representatives of its staff and alumni.

Click here to view the complete Community of Distinction.

James Anderson MD was the founding chair of the Department of Anatomy (1966-1975) and a member of the Faculty until 1988. He helped develop the unique educational programs of the Faculty of Health Sciences. Known for his appreciation of the principles of self-directed learning, his expertise in both anatomy and anthropology, as well as a sharp wit, he engendered admiration and affection among colleagues and students. His skill as a charismatic educator and tutor extended beyond the University to leadership roles in the community, including the launch of Cool School, an alternative school for Hamilton youth. He was honoured as Hamiltons Citizen of the Year in 1974.

Howard S. Barrows MD made an indelible mark on the now-renowned problem-based learning method developed at McMaster's medical school. As a visiting professor, then a faculty member from 1971 to 1980, Barrows pioneered educational tools and learning methods that have defined modern medical training. His innovations included standardized patients and performance-based testing. His creativity in a career that spanned more than 40 years is internationally recognized and continues to influence the training of health care professionals at institutions world-wide.

C. Barber Mueller MD came to McMaster University as the founding Chairman (1967-1972) of the Department of Surgery during the formative years of the university's medical school. His vision was influential in the development of the McMaster philosophy of medical education. His exemplary skills as a surgeon, combined with a devotion to teaching in a kind, thorough manner, earned him many academic and professional honours during a 45-year career. Dr. Mueller's dedication and contributions to knowledge, education and clinical care have created a legacy at McMaster and helped set the standards of modern surgery.

David R. (Dan) Offord MD was one of the world's authorities on child psychiatry and a passionate advocate for children and youth. As a professor at McMaster (1978-1999), and through his many leadership roles in children's mental health research and treatment, he displayed scholarship and practical clinical concern for all children while maintaining an affable demeanor. Offord earned many distinctions, including the Order of Canada, and established the Faculty of Health Sciences as an international leader in child psychiatry research. The Offord Centre for Child Studies at McMaster University was named in honour of its founding director.