DR. Arun Kumar Garg was presented the highest award of the University of British Columbia’s Department of Pathology, the Dr. Dave Hardwick Lifetime Achievement Award, on May 18 by Prof. Michael Allard. The award is named after Dr. Hardwick, a giant in B.C. medicine who was head and professor of the Department of Pathology for many years at UBC.

“A honor by one’s peers, is the best recognition,” says Garg. “And I am very humbled and thrilled to receive this award. I have had the privilege of being mentored by three great giants of leaders like Drs Cam Coady, Don Rix and Dave Hardwick in the field of laboratory medicine and pathology in the province of British Columbia.”

Garg notes that each one of them played a significant role in his career. He adds, “I am especially proud as this also is a recognition of the communities I am part of. Communities, are responsible for support and nurturing of an individual and my thanks to all who have provided that support. Young people of the future may see hope and opportunity in this recognition and strive for excellence and support to build a healthy civil society and strong community.”

Dr Garg is a global physician with interest and aspirations in integrated health and medicine.

He is Consultant Medical Biochemist at Fraser Health, Clinical Professor at the University of British Columbia, and a Clinical Service Adjunct Professor at Simon Fraser University.

He is founding Program Medical Director of South Asian Health Institute at Fraser Health. Garg conceptualized and founded the Canada India Network Society in 2010. To build economic, trade, educational and cultural links between Canada and India through healthy civil society. A CINI 2018 is planned for June 8 to 11. He is also Director of the Global Office in the Department of Pathology in the Faculty of Medicine at UBC.

Garg is founding member of Canadian Physicians with Interest in South Asia (PISA) of BC, and the Canadian Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (CAPIH). He is an executive member of Global Association of Physicians of Indian origin (GAPIO). He has served in many leadership positions including president of Doctors of British Columbia. He has been the recipient of many awards and honors, including an honorary doctorate of technology from the British Columbia Institute of Technology and Dr. Don Rix Gold Medal for Leadership of Doctors of British Columbia, Dr Cam Coady Service Award and now the Dr. Dave Hardwick Lifetime Achievement Award.

Garg holds a Doctorate in Philosophy in Biochemistry from the University of Saskawatchen and Doctor of Medicine form the University of British Columbia. He is a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and College of American Pathologists.