Ruth Collins-Nakai, CM, MD, MBA, FRCPC, FCCS, MACC, ICD.D, DSc (Hon), Professor Emerita Pediatric and adult congenital cardiologist “Dr. Ruth” joined the faculty of the University of Alberta in 1977, serving in various academic positions, including Professor of Pediatrics and Associate Dean of Medicine of the Faculty of Medicine where she established the Heritage Pediatric Cardiology Program. The recipient of many awards, Dr. Collins-Nakai has worked at local, provincial, national and international levels in healthcare, education, research and philanthropy, and has served as a consultant, and as board director on such boards as Alberta Health Services and Genome Alberta, and in various leadership initiatives, often as the first woman. She served as Honorary Colonel for 1 Field Ambulance, Canadian Armed Forces until 2023. While she no longer does clinical work, she serves on several biotechnology and philanthropic boards and strives to serve her community well. She was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada in December 2016.