Sylvia Olga Fedoruk

Sylvia Olga Fedoruk. Born Canora, Saskatchewan May 5, 1927. Fedoruk grew up in rural Saskatchewan, and was taught by her father in a one-room schoolhouse. Later, while living in Windsor, Ontario, during World War II, she was encouraged to go into science by her English teacher and she entered the University of Saskatchewan’s medical program. Fedoruk graduated in physics in 1951, and for 35 years she was chief medical physicist for the Saskatchewan Cancer Foundation. During this time, Fedoruk was involved in the development of both the Cobalt 60 unit and one of the first nuclear scanning machines. She established her reputation for achievement in nuclear medical research early in her career. She was instrumental in the development of the first cobalt radiation unit which is now in side use as a chemotherapy treatment for cancer. She was the first woman named to the position of Chancellor at the University of Saskatchewan. She was also the first woman trustee of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and in 1973 she was the first woman appointed to the Atomic Energy Control Board of Canada. She was Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan from 1988 to 1994. A balanced achiever she enjoys sports and is a member of Canada’s Curling Hall of fame. She was appointed to the Order of Canada in 1986.