McDade, Dorothy

ENCAENIA, MAY, 2010
DOROTHY MCDADE
to be Doctor of Science

There are those who through their leadership and selflessness enrich the lives of others. Dr. Dorothy McDade is one such. She has spent a lifetime serving others, both through her role as a medical specialist and through her many volunteer activities.

Dr. McDade was born in New Market, N.B., the youngest of eleven children. A graduate of Fredericton High School, she received a B.Sc. from UNB (1957), an M.Sc. in Medical Technology from Wayne State (1959), and an MD (cum laude) from the University of Western Ontario (1964). Having completed a residency in internal medicine at the Montreal General Hospital (1964-69), she was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1969 and served on its Atlantic Canadian Advisory Committee (1978 - 1986).

Throughout the busy years of her practice in Fredericton, Dr. McDade was a member of the York-Sunbury-Queens Medical Society, including being on the executive for five years and president for one. In 1987, she was elected to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of New Brunswick, serving on the Council for six years and becoming president in 1993. She was four times chair of the department of medicine at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital and, over the years, mentored interns for the Dalhousie University Medical School. And yet, she always had time for individual patients, educating them on healthy living and giving seminars on the prevention of diabetes.

In recognition of her service to her patients and to her profession, she was awarded the Dr. Garfield Moffatt Medal in 1992 for exceptional standards as a practicing physician in the Province of New Brunswick.

In spite of her challenging career, Dr. McDade has always made time to serve both her alma mater, UNB, and her community. In 1993, Dr. McDade was appointed to the UNB Board of Governors, and for the next six years sat on both the Properties Committee and the Joint Board Senate Residence Committee. She also participated actively in organizing alumni functions, including hosting events in her own home. She has been a dedicated member of the women’s alumnae association — proudly celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. In 2008, in recognition of their contribution to the overall alumni life of UNB, both she and her husband, John Bliss, were recognized by the UNB Associated Alumni with its highest award, the Award of Honour.

In addition to her many contributions to the university, Dr. McDade, with her husband, has generously supported organizations such as the Chalmers Hospital Foundation, the Fredericton Area United Way, and UNB scholarships and bursaries.

As physician, community leader, and dedicated alumna, Dr. McDade stands before us as an exemplary model of service to others.

From: Honoris Causa - UA Case 70, Box 4