Class of 1979 alumnus, Dr Stephen Philips, emigrated to Canada in 1981 and served for 33 years on Dalhousie University's Faculty of Medicine in Halifax, Nova Scotia, retiring in December 2021.  In November 2021, he presented the Hnatyshyn Lecture - Canada's most prestigious annual lectureship in the field of stroke. Presenters are selected from a pool of highly qualified nominees by the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Stroke Consortium, and the Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery.  The Lectureship is awarded to an individual who has made substantial and durable contributions to stroke prevention, treatment, and systems of care in Canada. 

You can watch the lecture here.  

In the Q&A below, Dr Philips reflects about his career path, his move from the UK to Canada and his proudest achievements. 

How did it feel to be selected to present the Hnatyshyn Lecture?

It was a great honour to be recognized by peers in this way at the end of my career. 

What do you enjoy about your field of work and what do you find most challenging?

The most satisfying aspect is seeing the result of successful recanalization treatment for what was threatening to be a catastrophic stroke.  Second, is the team of talented, dedicated, and resourceful people I work with every day.  The biggest challenge is winning in the competition of priorities in the health care system; we have lots of ideas about how to move stroke care forward but find it difficult to engage the health authority leadership in the planning process.  

What advice would you give to a current student at St George’s who is keen to get into a similar area of work as you?

Great choice!  Keep the focus - this is the era of neurology and neuroscience!   

Which aspects of your degree are relevant for your current role?  

Clinical problem solving.

How did you find the transition from living in the UK to moving to Canada? 

More difficult than I thought it would be!  I was reminded more than once of the Churchill-ism: two great nations separated by the same language.  It took me about a year to settle into the rhythm of life in Nova Scotia.  And then there was the climate adjustment - no Spring as I knew it growing up in southwest England.  Canadians - it seems - are either in winter, getting over winter, preparing for winter, or wishing it was winter!  But I have deep roots here now.

Do you have any advice or a message for current students at St George’s?

Your education and training will stand you in good stead for whatever you choose to do.

Do you have any advice or a message for students considering studying at St George’s?

Go for it!  You will not regret studying one of the greatest professions at a medical school steeped in so much history in one of the most vibrant cities in the world.

Who were your most influential teachers at St George's?

I like everything neuro during my pre-clinical studies at King's College.  Then at St George's, the teaching of Peter Storey (neuropsychiatrist), Pauline Monroe (neurologist), and Jamie Ambrose (neuroradiologist) helped clinch my decision to go into Neurology.