Roy J Shephard, MD (Lond), PhD, DPE is Professor Emeritus of Applied Physiology in the University of Toronto. After completing his training in medicine and physiology, he pursued graduate work in cardiorespirology at Guy’s Hospital, University of London. He then served in the Royal Air Force High Altitude Research Unit, Farnborough, Hants, the Department of Preventive Medicine and Applied Physiology of the University of Cincinnati, and the Chemical Defence Research Establishment at Porton Down before accepting an appointment in Toronto, as Professor of Applied Physiology and Director of the newly established Physical Fitness Research Unit.

A 34 year career at the University of Toronto included a Professorship in the Department of Public Health Sciences and Directorship of the School of Physical and Health Education. He is the author or part-author of over 100 books and more than 1000 peer reviewed journal articles. His research has covered a wide range of topics in Population Health, Health Promotion, Preventive Medicine, Applied Physiology, and Exercise Immunology, including specific studies of athletic injuries. His contributions have been recognized by many honours and awards, including Honorary Degrees from the Université de Montréal and Ghent University, and the Presidency and Honour Awards from both the American College of Sports Medicine and the Canadian Association of Sports Sciences.

He has now moved to the west coast of British Columbia, where he continues his writing and editorial work for a large number of scientific journals.