Dr. Michael Klein has profoundly shaped Family Medicine and maternity care through his pioneering research that transformed obstetric practices, his leadership in fostering collaborative, transdisciplinary education and his numerous accolades, including the Order of Canada. Originally from the U.S., he fled to Canada in 1967 because he refused to be a military physician during the Vietnam War. He was Head of the Department of Family Medicine and the Herzl Family Practice Centre at the Jewish General Hospital for seventeen years and Head of the Department of Family Practice at Children鈥檚 and Women鈥檚 Hospitals in Vancouver for ten years. He has been recognized for his groundbreaking contributions and lasting influence on primary care research.
Credentials and highlights
Positions: Family Physician, Pediatrician, Neonatologist, Maternity Care Researcher, Maternity, Primary Care and Organizational Consultant.
Year: Joined the Department in 1975
Award Category: Clinician-scientist
Nominated by Marion Dove, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine:
鈥淚 am honored to recognize Dr. Michael Klein's extraordinary contributions to Family Medicine and maternity care. His pioneering research fundamentally transformed obstetric practices by revealing that routine episiotomy often caused the very complications it aimed to prevent. This pivotal work led to a significant reduction in unnecessary interventions and improved outcomes for countless women.鈥�
Dr. Klein's leadership extends beyond research. He has developed transdisciplinary educational programs integrating family physicians, obstetricians, midwives, nurses, and doulas, fostering collaborative care models that have become standard practice.
Dr. Klein's accolades, including the Order of Canada, reflect his profound impact in the field of Family Medicine and his mentorship continues to inspire new generations of healthcare professionals.鈥� I am privileged to count Dr. Klein among our esteemed colleagues, whose unwavering dedication has undeniably shaped the landscape of Family Medicine and maternity care.鈥�
Congratulations!
To learn more about Dr. Klein, please visit:
The Department of Family Medicine is celebrating its 50th anniversary and over the course of this year, we will tell the stories of our people, our places and our partners who have worked with us to serve our communities by leading in Family Medicine education, research and care. As part of our celebrations, we are asking faculty, clinicians, researchers, residents, students, and admin staff to nominate heroes who have greatly helped shape the community. Please nominate using .
