From Pediatrics to Medical Genetics
An Irish Doctor’s Journey
by R. Brian Lowry

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A chronicle of R. Brian Lowry’s long and full life, From Pediatrics to Medical Genetics: An Irish Doctor’s Journey spans Lowry’s experiences in wartime Belfast through his more than six decades devoted to medicine, and his role in the pioneering of medical genetics in Canada. Lowry’s memoir highlights the importance of resilience, cheerfulness, and gratitude—as well as family and sports—and his seminal role in the field of medical genetics in Canada. It is at once a piece of medical history in the fields of pediatrics and genetics, a record of World War II experiences (pre-, during, and post-war), and a memoir for family members and future generations.

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R. Brian Lowry, MD, DSc, FRCPC (Canada), FCCMG, DCH (London) is Professor Emeritus, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He has been awarded the Physician of the Century Award by the Alberta Medical Association and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, the People First Award from the Calgary Health Region, which recognized his commitment to person-centred care, as well as the first Distinguished Service Award, from the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research. Lowry began his journey in medicine at Queen’s University Belfast and was a resident in Belfast, Birmingham, Dublin, Toronto, and Vancouver. After completing pediatric certification in Vancouver, he moved permanently to Canada in 1959, where his career prospered. He joined the University of British Columbia faculty, and later the University of Calgary, as well as the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Alongside his professional life, Brian Lowry remains a devoted father and lifelong sportsman. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, with his wife Jane.

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R. Brian Lowry