John Esdaile, previously Director of the Division of Rheumatology at McGill University and, for the last 10 years, Head of the Division of Rheumatology at the University of British Columbia, has been a pivotal figure in rheumatology research in Canada. He has mentored many trainees who have gone on to make their own mark in the field of rheumatology, both in research and clinical practice. He has contributed 220 publications to peer-reviewed journals and established the Arthritis Research Centre of Canada at the University of British Columbia. A founding director of the Canadian Arthritis Network, he has recently become its Scientific Director and Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Esdaile was named Distinguished Investigator by the Canadian Rheumatology Association in 2005.