WILBERT J. KEON

Wilbert J. Keon is a member of the Senate of Canada and presently is the Deputy Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology. He was a practicing academic surgeon from 1969 to September 2001, and founded the University of Ottawa Heart Institute in 1969 where he was the Chief Executive Officer until April 2004. Dr. Keon was Professor and Chairman of the University Of Ottawa Department Of Surgery for fifteen years and was the first Canadian surgeon to implant a total artificial heart as a bridge to transplant. Dr. Keon has held appointments and elected offices in 36 national and international professional associations including Past-President of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society and past Vice-Pesident of the Medical Research Council of Canada. He has been honoured by his profession with numerous awards as well as by his country as an Officer of the Order of Canada.