Dr. Eddy Lang
Task Force members, many of whom are practicing physicians and nurse practitioners, still find time in their busy lives to volunteer to help create clinical practice guidelines. Dr. Eddy Lang, an emergency physician and a Task Force member for more than 8 years, exemplifies this commitment to making a difference in the health sectors in Canada and globally. Read on to find out what drives him to contribute.
Why did you join the Task Force?
EL: Two reasons. As an emergency physician I see the burden of preventable conditions and diseases on a daily basis. I consider it a great honour to be part of this esteemed group charged with creating guidelines for preventing illness through screening or other interventions. I have always had a strong academic interest in guidelines and evidence-based medicine and it is the opportunity to work with a group considered at the forefront of guideline development that led me to apply.
What guidelines have you chaired?
EL: Falls prevention, screening for depression in pregnancy and post-partum and depression in adults.
What other groups are you involved in?
EL: I am a member of the Guidelines International Network (GIN) and have participated in conference planning and other committees. I also chaired the 2022 International Preventing Overdiagnosis meeting that was held in Calgary.
In my day job, I am an emergency physician and professor at the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary.
What drives you to contribute to the Task Force and other groups?
EL: In my clinical work, I see the unintentional harms that come with well-intentioned screening and testing interventions every day. I also see how and when early diagnosis can be life-saving and delayed diagnosis is harmful. The opportunity to be part of a rigorous evaluation of these is a passion and a privilege.
Why do you like being on the Task Force? What would you say to entice someone to join?
EL: It’s an incredibly collegial group and the work is very intellectually stimulating and multidisciplinary. Although there is clearly a time commitment involved, I would say that the satisfaction that comes from participating is well worth it.
What are your hobbies?
EL: My wife and I maintain balance in our lives by training and competing with our local Masters’ swim team. We actually met during undergrad at McGill on the university swim team and continue to share this passion which has allowed us to compete in countries as diverse as Montenegro, Portugal and Israel.
Thank you, Dr. Lang for your commitment to advancing evidence-medicine and guidelines.