Patricia Baird facts for kids

Patricia Ann Baird, OC OBC, born on October 11, 1937, is a British medical geneticist. She has done a lot of important work in Canada. Her research focuses on how medical technology and what is right and wrong (ethics) are connected.

Early Life and Learning

Patricia Baird was born in Littleborough, England. Her parents were Harold and Winifred Cainen Holt. She went to Queen Mary School for Girls in Lytham, England.

When she was 17, she moved to Canada. She was accepted into McGill University in Montreal. She earned her first degree, a Bachelor of Science, in 1959. Later, in 1963, she received her medical degree (M.D., C.M.) from the same university.

Her Work and Discoveries

Patricia Baird is now a special professor called a University Killam Distinguished Professor Emerita. She works in the Department of Medical Genetics at the University of British Columbia.

In 1978, she became the head of the Medical Genetics department. Under her leadership, the department became famous around the world for its research. She was the first woman to lead a medical department at the University of British Columbia. She was also the first woman elected to the university's Board of Governors.

In 1991, she became a Vice-President for the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research. In 1989, she led a special group called the Royal Commission on New Reproductive Technologies. This group looked into new ways of having babies and the ethical questions they raised.

Awards and Special Recognitions

Patricia Baird has received many important awards for her work.

In 1992, she was given the Order of British Columbia. This is a high honor in the province of British Columbia.

In 2000, she was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. This award recognized her important contributions to science and public policy. It also honored her work in helping women advance in their careers.

In 2001, she became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. This means she is recognized as one of Canada's top scholars and scientists.

In 2013, she won the Harry R. Painton Award. She shared this award with her co-authors, Hope M. Draheim and Susan M. Haig. They won for their paper about how genetic diversity has changed in Least Terns. This paper was published in a science journal called The Condor.

Personal Life

Patricia Baird married Robert Merrifield Baird in 1964. They have three children together: Jennifer, Brian, and Bruce Baird.