JANUSZ POZNANSKI WOJCIECH M.D., F.R.C.P., F.A.C.P.

WOJCIECH JANUSZ POZNANSKI
WOJCIECH JANUSZ POZNANSKI M.D., F.R.C.P., F.A.C.P.
Wojciech Poznanski passed away at Hospice House in Vernon, BC on January 6, 2007 with his family at his side. He will be deeply missed by Nadine, his wife of 55 years, his children, Karine and Bernard (Julie) and his 5 grand-daughters, his niece, nephew and 2 grand-nephews, as well as Nadine's close relatives in Belgium and Switzerland.
Born in Warsaw, Poland in 1917, he graduated from the University of Warsaw (BSc Honours 1939). As World War II began, he joined the Polish Army and was taken prisoner early in the war. He spent 5 years in various prisoner of war camps in Germany until his escape in fall 1944. He later joined a Polish detachment of the American Army.
Wojciech entered medical school at the Université Libre de Bruxelles, receiving his medical degree in 1949 followed by 2 years of post-graduate studies in internal medicine. He married Nadine (née Chomé) in Brussels and immigrated to Canada in 1951.
Following a one year internship at Winnipeg Misericordia Hospital, Wojciech began his life work in medicine serving small isolated communities in nothern Manitoba. In 1955, he joined the medical clinic in Wainwright, Alberta, where his work focused on internal medicine.
A move to Ottawa in 1962 with his family enabled him to complete his postgraduate studies. He spent one year as Chief Resident in the Dept. of Medicine at Ottawa Civic Hospital, and one year as Senior Resident and Clinical Investigator in the Dept. of Metabolism and Endocrinology at Royal Victoria Hospital (McGill University) in Montreal (1963-64). Wojciech joined the medical staff of the University of Ottawa as a Consultant in Endocrinology and Metabolism. He was also appointed Chief of Medical Biochemistry and Head of Metabolism Research at Ottawa Civic Hospital. His research projects helped advance medical knowledge in diabetes and obesity. He remained in Ottawa as Associate Professor in both internal medicine and medical biochemistry until his retirement in 1982. Referred to at times as the 'Father of Medical Biochemistry' in Canada, his efforts helped establish the status of medical biochemistry as a postgraduate medical diploma.
Wojciech Poznanski was the recipient of a Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (1964) and of an Honorary Fellowship of the American College of Physicians and Surgeons (1967). He authored many articles and publications in Endocrinology. One of his medical memberships was an Honorary Fellow of the Alpha-Omega- Alpha Medical Fraternity. In recognition of his contribution to medicine in Canada, he received Queen Elizabeth's Silver Jubilee medal in 1977.
Following retirement, he served as physician at Wrinch Memorial Hospital in Hazelton, northern BC (United Church of Canada Medical Mission Services.) There, he tackled the BC wilderness, delivering medical services to a large region of small communities, including the Gitk'san and the Wetsu'wetn peoples for 3 years.
In 1985, Wojciech and Nadine came to 'retire' in Vernon, BC. Shortly after, he accepted the position of Medical Director of the Diabetic Day Unit at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Deeply aware of the needs of an aging population, he founded the Greater Vernon Adult Day Care Centre.
The years he endured as a prisoner of war profoundly affected and developed his commitment to human rights. This led him and Nadine to establish chapters of Amnesty International, in Hazelton and in Vernon.
Throughout his life, Wojciech was a devoted and very active member of the United Church. At Trinity United in Vernon, he took leadership roles in stewardship and outreach. His love of gardening led him to help conceive and plan the beautiful rock garden at the church.
After a life fully dedicated to his fellow human beings, may he now rest in peace.
A Celebration of Wojciech's life will be held at Trinity United Church on Saturday, January 13, 2007 at 3:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Vernon Hospice House, 3506 - 27th Avenue, Vernon, BC V1T 1S4 or to Amnesty International, 312 Laurier Ave East, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 1H9 will be gratefully received. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to BETHEL FUNERAL CHAPEL LTD., 5605-27TH STREET, VERNON, BC V1T 8Z5(250)-542-1187.