John Allan Cairns, C.M., O.B.C.
West Vancouver, British Columbia
John Cairns has made major international contributions to cardiology, notably demonstrating the benefits of aspirin for patients with unstable angina, helping millions worldwide. As dean of medicine at the University of British Columbia, he led efforts toward its two-fold expansion. He also served with several academic societies and holds many elected fellowships, including with Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, for which he served as president.