About Dr. Geoffrey Taylor
Dr. Geoffrey Taylor was a trusted and deeply respected leader in the field of infectious diseases. He was widely regarded not only for his clinical expertise, but for the quiet, steady way he led by example.
Education and Global Perspective
Dr. Taylor completed his undergraduate education at the University of Regina, medical degree at the University of Saskatchewan, internal medicine in New Zealand, and infectious diseases training at the University of Alberta. He also trained in epidemiology and public health at McGill and Tufts Universities. After involvement in outreach opportunities in Fiji early in his career, he maintained a Global Health focus through a longstanding relationship with the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) AIDS Training Program and Makerere University in Uganda.
He served as Assistant Dean, Global Health in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry (FoMD) from 2006–2009.
Dr. Taylor co-founded the Northern Alberta HIV Program and established the first hospital Infection Control Unit in Alberta. He was a founding member and integral part of the Canadian Nosocomial Infection Surveillance Program, a force for development of national surveillance of hospital-acquired infections and antimicrobial resistance in Canada.
Leadership Rooted in Excellence and Respect
Within the local medical community, he was revered for his clinical acumen and sound judgment. As one colleague shared, “Dr. Taylor is a pillar of infectious disease care in this city.” Yet those who worked closely with him often described him in even simpler terms: he “walked the talk,” embodying the very best qualities of leadership. As Director of the University of Alberta’s Division of Infectious Diseases from 2009 to 2013, and as Chair of the provincial infection prevention and control (IPC) committee, Dr. Taylor cultivated a culture of excellence, collaboration, and respect.
He also held key national leadership roles with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Examination Board in Infectious Diseases, including:
- Member (1996–1997)
- Chair (1998–2000; 2010–2016)
- Member (2016–2018)
Dr. Taylor’s influence extended far beyond his local community. He played a pivotal role in organizing province-wide infection prevention surveillance data in Alberta, an achievement that contributed to advancements across Canada. He was invited to speak across Canada, Asia, and Africa, as well as through global virtual education initiatives. His extensive scholarly contributions, including peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and national guidelines, reflect a career dedicated to advancing infection prevention and improving patient care.
A Gift for Mentorship and Teaching
Despite his many accomplishments, Dr. Taylor remained a devoted mentor and educator. He had a rare gift as a mentor. With a single, well-placed question, he could distill complex problems into their essential “bottom line,” guiding learners toward their own discoveries. His mentorship left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege to learn from him.
Dr. Taylor’s commitment to education was evident in his longstanding support of trainees at the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease (AMMI) Canada meetings, where he consistently encouraged participation, reviewed research, and celebrated the achievements of others. He guided countless students and physicians, fostering the next generation of leaders in infectious diseases. His calm presence, wisdom, and commitment to excellence continue to guide those who learned from him.
The Power of Presence in Patient Care
Dr. Taylor’s greatest impact was often found in the moments that seemed the simplest: a distinctive, understated clinical style of leaning back, raising an eyebrow, and saying very little. Patients from all walks of life would lean in, open up, and place their trust in him. In those quiet exchanges, Dr. Taylor demonstrated what compassionate, longitudinal care truly looked like: trust from the patient, and respect and attentiveness from the physician.
A Legacy of Integrity and Lasting Influence
Above all, Dr. Taylor was known for his integrity, humility, and steadfast commitment to doing the right thing. His thoughtful approach to patient care and his unwavering commitment to excellence are a legacy that continues in the countless students, physicians, and colleagues he inspired and in the patients whose lives he touched.
Dr. Geoffrey Taylor Lectureship Endowment
To honour Dr. Taylor’s remarkable legacy, the Dr. Geoffrey Taylor Lectureship Endowment has been established to support future generations in infectious diseases, infection prevention, and related fields.
By contributing to the Dr. Geoffrey Taylor Lectureship Endowment, you are helping to continue the work he cared so deeply about: advancing knowledge, supporting trainees, and strengthening patient care.
We invite you to consider making a donation and becoming part of this enduring legacy.