Vasogen Inc. (Vasogen), a Canada-based biotechnology company, has appointed Dr. Eldon R. Smith as chairman of its board of directors. Dr. Smith will succeed Terrance H. Gregg. Smith, a Vasogen board member since 1998, is professor emeritus at the University of Calgary, Alberta, where he served as the dean of the faculty of medicine subsequent to being head of the department of medicine and the division of cardiology.
Dr. Smith is a distinguished clinician and research scientist, who has made major contributions to the Canadian cardiology and medical communities and, in recognition of his outstanding achievements, he was appointed as an officer of the Order of Canada.
In October 2006, Dr. Smith was appointed to chair the steering committee responsible for developing a new Heart Health Strategy to fight heart disease in Canada. Dr. Smith has served as president of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society, chairman of the Scientific Review Committee of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, and president of the Association of Canadian Medical Colleges.
Dr. Smith is a graduate of Dalhousie University Medical School and completed cardiology and research training at the National Heart Institute, London, UK, and the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Smith also serves on the boards of Canadian Natural Resources Limited and Aston Hill Financial Inc.
Gregg’s resignation from Vasogen’s board is due to the requirements of his role as president and chief executive officer of DexCom, Inc.