Dr. Alan K. Laws Travel Award

Alan Laws was born in Warwick, Australia and graduated as the gold medalist from the University of Queensland in 1961. He undertook anesthesia training in England and moved to Toronto in 1966 as a Research Fellow, working with Dr. Barrie Fairley, a clinical anesthetist at the Toronto General Hospital. As a clinician-scientist, he studied the effects of anesthesia on respiratory mechanics.

Alan had an intense interest in teaching, especially at the postgraduate level. He held morning trouble rounds that became a model for other hospitals. He became very involved in the examination process, becoming Chair of the Royal College Written Test Committee from 1977-88 and Chief Examiner in Anesthesia from 1980-87. Under his leadership, the examinations became more clinically oriented, a process that has continued to this day.

Alan was distinguished by his exceptional intellect, insight into clinical medicine, and ability to convey complex information to residents effectively. He was also an avid traveler with a broad range of experiences. Following his untimely death in January 1995, over 120 friends, family members, and colleagues contributed to a Memorial Trust Fund in his honor. This fund supports a senior resident's travel to experience anesthesia practices in other settings.

The award provides financial support for trainees in the department to engage in academic activities. It is one of two prestigious awards presented by the Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine in memory of Dr. Alan K. Laws.