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As he accepted the Award to a standing ovation from his colleagues in the dermatology community, a smiling Dr Pace declared he was deeply moved and honoured to have been chosen CDF Practitioner of the Year. He was accompanied by his wife Betty and daughter Carla at the presentation ceremony, which took place during the Annual Canadian Dermatology Association Convention in Vancouver. The Canadian Dermatology Foundation was established in 1969 with the goal of advancing the specialty of dermatology through funding original research into diseases of the skin. |
William Pace of London, Ontario was recently honoured by the Canadian
Dermatology Foundation as Practitioner of the Year 1999. The award
was established in 1991 to honour Canadian Dermatologists whose
major income is derived from clinical practice and who have made
significant contributions to dermatology and the community at large.
Known as the Father of Benzoyl Peroxide, Dr Pace revolutionized
the treatment of acne and is acknowledged internationally for this
therapeutic innovation. In 1963 he recognized that benzoyl peroxide,
the active ingredient in an ointment then used for folliculitis,
was also effective in acne. Today, benzoyl peroxide is found in
scores of acne medications, both over the counter and prescription
and is probably considered first line treatment for mild to moderate
acne. Dr Pace also introduced benzoyl peroxide lotion as a treatment
for decubitus ulcers, a condition for which at the time there were
few therapeutic choices. Upon completing his internship at Hamilton
General Hospital, Dr Pace served as a medical officer in the RCAF
and subsequently earned an MSc in biochemistry. He started his career
in dermatology as a Resident in 1948 and pursued his studies in
both Canada and the USA. In 1952 he set up his practice in London,
Ontario and that same year joined the teaching staff at the University
of Western Ontario. During a distinguished academic career he became
Chair of the Division of Dermatology and Professor Medicine and,
since 1973, has been Professor Emeritus. In announcing the award,
Dr David McLean, President of the Canadian Dermatology Foundation,
acknowledged Bill PaceÕs accomplishments and stated that there could
be no dermatologist more deserving of the honour than a practitioner
and educator who had contributed so much to furthering dermatology
in Canada.
