Alumni Achievement Award 2004 - Jim Kile

Medical officer honoured by the University of Waterloo

By Carole Lanoue, Communications Advisor, Public Affairs, Canadian Forces Health Services Group
September 2004 Vol 5 No. 8

Lieutenant-Colonel James (Jim) Kile, Senior Staff Officer (SSO), Medical Officer, Attraction and Retention, was recently bestowed from the University of Waterloo, the Applied Health Sciences Alumni Achievement Award. The award was given at the spring convocation on June 16, 2004.

This prestigious annual award recognizes graduates of the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences in three categories: outstanding professional accomplishments, distinguished community and humanitarian services, and excellence in academic achievement.

"This award carries immense meaning for me. I am honoured to be recognized by such a distinguished group, and I was equally proud to receive it in uniform," said LCol Kile.

LCol Kile joined the Canadian Forces in 1989. He began his career as a clinical associate in internal medicine at NDMC. Other experiences included teaching PAs at CFMSS, working as a flight surgeon on the USS Enterprise Aircraft carrier, functioning as Base and Brigade Surgeon in Petawawa, and providing medical coverage during the Governor General of Canada's recent circumpolar visit.

He graduated with his B.Sc and M.Sc in Kinesiology in 1985 and 1987, respectively, at the University of Waterloo. He earned his MD at the University of Toronto and completed special competency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Ottawa.

LCol Kile has lectured extensively in Canada and abroad on humanitarian medicine and peacekeeping. His presentations generally highlight the global need and role for medical professionals in untraditional settings.

It was during his service as Battalion Medical Officer during the UNPROFOR mission in the Former Republic of Yugoslavia, that LCol Kile and his UMS staff took on extensive humanitarian challenges. Along with the volunteer help of many of the Canadian soldiers, he and his staff provided wide-ranging medical and material support to several displaced person camps. His greatest career challenge lies ahead as he has recently been appointed Task Force Surgeon for Roto 3 of Op Athena.

Update: In 2010, Dr. Kile was awarded the prestigious Order of Military Merit.