Otto Schaefer, CM (October 2, 1919 – November 2, 2009) was a German-Canadian doctor (MD) known for his work with Inuit in Canada. Dr. Dr. h. c. Schaefer is considered one of the great pioneers of Arctic medicine,[1] who authored over 100 papers on Northern health, and was one of the founders of the "circumpolar health movement".[2]
Schaefer, originally Schäfer, was born in Betzdorf, Germany, and had six brothers and two sisters.[3] He studied at the University of Heidelberg, graduating in 1944.[4] He came to Canada in 1951.[3] After working in the Northwest Territories as a medical officer, he took a fellowship in internal medicine at the University of Alberta.[4]
From 1964 until 1985, Schaefer was the director of the Northern Medical Research Unit. He founded the Canadian Society for Circumpolar Health, and published over 100 papers on Arctic health.[4]
Schaefer was a member of the Order of Canada (1976)[3] and was recognized by a number of honours including awards from the Province of Alberta and government of the Northwest Territories, and honorary degrees.