Eldon R. Smith became Chief of Cardiology at the University of Calgary in 1980. He later served as Chairman of Medicine and Associate Dean before becoming Dean of the Faculty in 1992. He has been President of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society and the Association of Canadian Medical Colleges. He is Director and President of the Peter Lougheed Medical Research Foundation and a Trustee of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research. He has received numerous awards and recognitions including the 125th Anniversary of Canada Medal, the CMA Medal of Service, and the Order of the University of Calgary. Dr. Smith has published more than 250 papers and book chapters and currently serves as Editor in Chief of the Canadian Journal of Cardiology. Dr. Smith was named to the Order of Canada in 2005.