Inspiration – Col. Chris Hadfield
Inspired by Canadian Astronaut Colonel Chris Hadfield, this Daily Doodle captures a moment that I will never forget. It was the evening of the Dr. Bob Ewert Memorial Lecture and Dinner in Prince George, British Columbia, and Col. Chris Hadfield was the keynote speaker. Not only is he a remarkable individual, he is an incredible inspirational speaker.
During his speech, he showed photographs that he took from space and as an artist, I looked at these images in awe. Absolutely beautiful. The background of this Daily Doodle is based on his photograph of the Australian Outback. What a wonderful blend of earthly colours and shades of blue. So Gorgeous.
The Twitter logo represents how Col. Hadfield harnessed the power of social media to reach out to millions, sharing his unique perspective from outer space, allowing us to imagine being in his shoes. Col. Hadfield brought a humanizing component to space exploration, mixing art, science and music and shared it with the world in real time and through social media.
During the Bob Ewert Lecture, Col. Hadfield, Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris and a group of Northern Medical Program students performed a rendition of David Bowie’s Space Oddity. It was amazing!
The star in the Daily Doodle represents the incredible honor that I received this evening. I was presented with Rising Star Health Service Award for my contributions to the healthcare in the North. The award was presented by Mayor Lori Ackerman on behalf of the donor, the Northern Medical Programs Trust.
During my acceptance speech, I talked about how life has taken me to many different places and at several moments, I have stopped to ask myself “How did I get here?” “How did I get to this point in my life?”. From industrial design to medicine…
One question that I am frequently asked is, ”Why medicine? With all your artistic talent, Why Medicine?” Because – I want to integrate my background in industrial design with my career in medicine to create creative solutions and to advance the medical field. Throughout medical school and after graduating, my goal will always be to add a splash of art, creativity and imagination to health care in the North.
My life has taken me to many interesting and different places, from judo, design, cancer, art, medicine and research. But, how did I get here today? It is the support and encouragement of my family, friends, mentors and the Faculty of Medicine that I am here today, receiving this honor and award.
I am so grateful to the wonderful faculty and staff of the Northern Medical Program and the UBC Faculty of Medicine for their continuous support both academically and artistically and recently with my health. Thank you so much. And, thank you to the community of Prince George and to all the patients who participate in my medical education. You have taught me so much and for that, I am forever grateful.
Lastly, thank you to the donors of this award, the Northern Medical Programs Trust.
It is an honor to be named this year’s Rising Star.
Thank you to my Arts and Humanities in Medicine mentors, Dr. Shaun Robinson, Dr. Carol-Ann Courneya and Dr. Andrew Seal.
Thank you Col. Chris Hadfield for mentioning me during your speech. It is such an honor and it is a moment that I will never forget…
About Dr. Bob Ewert Memorial Lecture and Dinner
“This premier event is held annually to honour Dr. Bob Ewert, the first medical specialist in Prince George, and is a fundraiser for the Northern Medical Programs Trust. The NMPT supports students today who will improve the quality of health care in northern, rural communities tomorrow. ” – UNBC Website
References and Links:
- Photograph of Outback From Orbit by Col. Chris Hadfield
- “Dr. Bob Ewert Lecture and Dinner” – UNBC Website
- Youtube video of Col. Hadfield, Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Mike Morris and a group of Northern Medical Program students rendition of David Bowie’s Space Oddity
- The Prince George Citizen Newspaper “Rising Star Draws Praise” by Arthur Williams
April 5, 2014 – “Source of Inspiration – Col. Chris Hadfield” Daily Doodle by Michiko Maruyama
Congratulations Michiko; I am absolutely delighted that you have been honoured with the Rising Star award. It is well-earned and well-deserved!
Michiko this is wonderful. Warmest congratulations from Hilde and myself 🙂
It is an award well deserved! Congratulations again
What a wonderful presentation and inspiration to students and faculty everywhere,even in space.It all starts in the mind.If you can think it ,you can draw it .If you can draw it you can build it or repair it,if you can build or repair it you can change the world! Dr Shaun M Robinson,M.D.,F.R.C.S. Urol