Proximate causes and technical faults are rarely the sole explanations for system failures. In many cases, a flawed organizational culture is at the heart of the problem.
Our health care system can learn from NASA’s 2003 disaster
Organizational Behaviour
Mythologies of Outer Space
I enjoyed reading ‘Mythologies of Outer Space’. The book reaffirms in my mind that the exploration of space cannot be regarded simply as a research and development undertaking. The hard part of future exploration will be managing the spectrum of partners and the diversity of interests so that we can explore safely, sustainably, equitably and peacefully.
Adversity is a key part of a purpose-filled life
I received a medical degree from McGill University many years ago. I chose McGill for my medical education because its Faculty of Medicine excels in teaching, research and clinical training.
A Month of Inspiration
The Canada Aviation and Space Museum has designated January as The Month of Inspiration. Here are a few of my thoughts about what motivated me to chose my career path, people who inspired me along the way, and how I find strength in trying times.
Preparing for the Next Global Crisis
We are now six months into the Covid-19 pandemic. The SARS-CoV-2 virus is unfortunately still prevalent and continues to inflict social and economic turmoil throughout our world. Rarely has an unseen threat created such havoc. The swiftness, scale and severity of the outbreak took us all by surprise. Initial responses of some jurisdictions were reactive, […]
Strategies to preserve relationships and productivity in times of stress
Home isolation measures are a means to control the number of COVID-19 cases. But living continuously in close quarters with family members can be challenging. Here are a few strategies that I learned as an astronaut about successfully living and working as a crew in space. They may be helpful to you.
Insights on Role Modelling
My wife and I were in Houston last month on business. We took the opportunity to visit with our son Elliot and daughter-in-law Yvette who live there. Elliot is a music performer (drums) and teacher. Yvette is a project officer. During our visit with them, Elliot recalled that I often spoke to him when he […]
Remembering Apollo 11
In my opinion, the Apollo 11 moon landing was the highlight of the 20th century. It took everything that humanity had – a culmination of a decade of technology development – to pull together this capability to get us off the planet.
Merging the Arts and the Sciences
Although I no longer serve as Chancellor of the University of Calgary, I remain in touch with my undergraduate school and help out when I can. I was pleased when Professor Mark Migotti of the Department of Philosophy invited me back to campus recently to meet with his Arts and Science Honours Academy students. The […]
To Soar with the Eagles
Last month I visited with the Masters students of International Space University. Each year the university, based in Strasbourg, France, offers a one-year graduate studies program to about 40 international students – young professionals who wish to learn more about the space program and who aspire to push back frontiers. This year’s students have completed […]