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Accomplishments
Graduated
from the University of Glasgow with M.B., Ch.B. and
D.P.H. degrees
Performed
post-graduate work in public health at the University of
Glasgow
Served with
the Royal Air Force Medical Corps in Normandy and
Belgium during the Second World War
Came to
Canada in 1949 as one of the first Medical Directors for
the Canadian Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service
Instrumental in the establishment
of a strong blood system in Edmonton, Alberta and
Canada
Served as
Medical Director of the Edmonton Blood Transfusion
Service from 1949 – 1979
Served as
Transfusion Director at the University of Albdrta
Hospital for many years
Established
and taught a program for blood bank medical laboratory
technologists; graduates of his program were used to
staff Red Cross Transfusion Services across Canada
Performed many
research projects recognized world wide, most notably
with pioneering work on the –D– and Fy3
phenotypes and the Diego and Lutheran blood groups
Collaborated
with medical community to establish an effective blood
supply for many new medical procedures in Alberta,
including open heart surgery and cancer treatment
Collaborated
on projects to establish the use of Rh Immune Globulin
prophylaxis for the prevention of hemolytic disease of
the newborn due to anti-D
Awarded
the Alberta Government Achievement medal
Published 28
scientific papers. Selected publications:
Buchanan DI, Patterson M, Turc JM. Diego
antibodies. Transfusion 1983 Jan-Feb;23(1):80.
Buchanan DI, Makelki D, Marsh S, Gangopadhyay
KC. Genetic independence of the Lutheran
and Diego blood group loci. Transfusion 1977
May-Jun;17(3):277-9.
Buchanan DI, Sinclair M, Sanger R, et al. An
Alberta Cree Indian with a rare Duffy antibody,
anti-Fy 3. Vox Sang 1976;30:114-21.
Buchanan DI, Dierich KP, Salter E. Isoleuko-agglutinins
as a complication of repeated blood transfusion.
Can Med Assoc J 1962 Jul 7; 87:16-20.
Buchanan DI. Blood genotypes-D-/-D- and Cde/-D-;
transfusion therapy and some effects of multiple
pregnancy. Am J Clin Pathol 1956 Jan; 26(1):21-8
Personal attributes
Commitment to establishing a safe and effective blood supply
for the people of Edmonton, Alberta and Canada
Scientific knowledge that resulted in ground-breaking
discoveries
Humble manner of teaching and mentoring for physicians and
technologists
Compassionate and supportive to patients, donors and
employees
Worked with the First Nations People of Alberta where his name
lives on as a great man
Involvement with all people, regardless of race or religion
Anecdotes
Dr. Buchanan always supported those who worked with him,
encouraging them to be the best they could be. This
extended past the work environment and he supported the
personal lives of the employees. Whether by home visits
to a sick child or personally paying employees when the
pay cheques were late arriving, Dr. Buchanan was always
there for everyone.
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Dr. Buchanan’s work with the First Nations People started as
research into the rare blood groups discovered in some
families. His involvement with the families again
extended past the scientific – helping the families in
times of financial and medical crisis – once even
purchasing a wedding gown for someone about to be
married. He ensured that the rare blood types were
always available when needed.
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Dr. Buchanan was proud to be an Albertan. When presenting a
paper at a meeting of the International Society of Blood
Transfusion in Finland, he included pictures of the
family featured in the paper at a pow-wow in Alberta.
When rare blood was sent to California, he ensured that
it was noted that the blood came from an Albertan donor.
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It is interesting to hear of Dr.
Buchanan's award. The 2 people who were my greatest
mentors in Blood Banking (Pearl Colpitts and Elgey
Loring) worked for Dr. Buchanan for 5 years at the
Edmonton Red Cross ('56-'61, I believe).
They often spoke about him and
continued to correspond with Sheila for many years. They
left there to "come home" (as we Maritimers do!) and
they established the Blood Bank as a separate department
here at the Moncton Hospital. All of the knowledge and
wisdom they had gained working for him, they passed on
to us so he has had an influence in our lab as well.
They used to tell me about the -D-
cases as well as the others but I think perhaps they had
worked on that one more. Elgey passed away in June but I
am going to forward the info on to Pearl. She will be so
pleased. He was definitely one of their heroes! --Anne
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I met Dr. Buchanan when I moved from
Winnipeg to Edmonton in 1977. The thing that struck me
most were his eyes, which radiated kindness and wisdom,
yet twinkled, suggesting a mischievous grin might break
out at any minute. If you have ever met someone who
radiates peace and serenity, you will know what I mean.
All of my new
transfusion colleagues in Edmonton considered the man to
be a saint. If you look at this
selection of his publications, please note that many
of his co-authors were technologists. In a field all too
often marked by elitism and pecking orders, Dr. Buchanan
always treated technologists with respect and honored
their expertise.
He's definitely a "oner"
and it was a real privilege to know him, albeit for too
short a time. --Pat |
