Dr. Walter Rosser is the former head of the Queen's family medicine department.

The former head of Queen’s family medicine department has been named to the Order of Canada.

Walter Rosser stepped down as head of the department three years ago and is now semi-retired. He was cited for his leadership in the discipline of family medicine and primary care research, and for his contributions to the establishment of practice-based research networks in Canada.

In 1994, Dr. Rosser helped with the idea of creating family health teams, which now serve two million patients. He also helped established practice-based research networks across Canada. While most illnesses are addressed and dealt with at family practices, data about those ailments wasn't being recorded or shared until four years ago.

Dr. Rosser said he was honoured to be named a member of the Order of Canada.

“I don’t think there is a higher award you can get in the country,” Dr. Rosser said.

RBC chief executive officer and alumnus Gordon Nixon (B.Comm ’79) was also named a member of the Order of Canada for his contributions to banking in Canada, voluntarism and philanthropy.

Astronaut Julie Payette and TD Bank CEO W. Edmund Clark, who both received honorary degrees from Queen’s, were also named to the Order of Canada.

Established in 1967, the Order of Canada recognizes Canadians for outstanding lifetime achievements. New appointments are made twice yearly with award ceremonies taking place three times a year. Over the last 40 years, more than 5,000 people have been invested into the order.

Click here for details on the Order of Canada.