Lawson Scientist Expands His Field of Research

BENCH TO BEDSIDE, Lawson Health Research Institute

Abstract

When we think of “field research,” we picture scientists gathering samples and specimens from their natural environment. For Lawson’s Vivian McAlister, the field is a battlefield. In 2007, McAlister joined the Canadian Armed Forces. “I joined to assist in the endeavor overseas as a surgeon,” he says. “I believe that if soldiers are in harm’s way they have to have surgeons available to help in the medical care.” Since then, he has deployed to Afghanistan four times, and once to Haiti.