BIOGRAPHY

A native of Camrose , Alberta , Dr. Modry received his B.Sc. and M.D. Degrees from the University of Alberta ; and his M.Sc. Degree and training in General Surgery and Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at McGill University with separate certification for each by examination from Quebec , Canadian and United States licensing authorities.  Following three more years of training in transplantation immunology, heart and lung transplantation and cardiovascular surgery at Stanford University Medical Centre, Dr. Modry returned to Alberta , and joined the medical staff at the University of Alberta Hospitals.  Presently, he is a Clinical Associate Professor in both the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Critical Care Medicine, and continues as the Director of the Heart and Heart/Lung Transplantation Program and the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit.

Dr. Modry implemented Western Canada 's first heart and lung transplantation program, and performed the first heart transplant in July 1985, the first combined transplant of the heart with both lungs in August 1986, the first single lung transplant in December 1989 and the first double lung transplantation procedure in November 1990. The success of the heart and lung transplant program set the stage for the implementation of the very successful liver transplantation program, which facilitated the subsequent development of the renowned islet cell transplant program. Presently, the Capital Health Authority's Heart and Lung Transplantation Program is the largest and most successful in Canada , and one of the largest in North America . 

Dr. Modry has received numerous awards including several educational traveling fellowships, the Vanier Award for the Outstanding Young Canadian in 1985, the `Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada in recognition of significant contributions to compatriots, community and to Canada' in January 1993 and the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal for  the Province of Alberta `in recognition of significant contribution to their fellow citizens, their community, and to Canada' in February, 2003. In September 2005, Dr. Modry received 'The Alberta Centennial Medal', in recognition of outstanding service to the people and Province of Alberta . Dr. Modry serves on numerous hospital committees and the Alberta Provincial Government's Finance Committee. He has been a Director of a number of public companies, and a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation. Dr. Modry continues as the President of the AMA Section of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery and the President and Chairman of the Society of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons of Alberta. Dr. Modry's academic interests pertain to outcome measures of various therapeutic strategies in heart and lung transplantation and cardiac surgery aimed at eliminating morbidity and mortality.

Dr. Modry's goal of a complete absence of morbidity and mortality in cardiac surgery underscores his pursuit of excellence in medical, business, community, political and spiritual activities.