Basil Boulton

Medical practice and teaching career In 1969, Zhu v. Zhu (1998 BCSC): Boulton's evidence was considered in assessing damages sustained by a child in a motor vehicle collision. Rhoule v. Walters (1997 BCSC): Boulton's report was considered in assessing damages from severe dog bite or bites to a child. Forsythe v. Hai (1993 BCSC): Boulton's evidence was involved in the court's finding that there was no sexual abuse of a three-year-old child.

Leadership and advocacy for child health In 1977, Boulton led a campaign to improve pediatric and maternity services in the Victoria, B.C. region. As a result, all child health services throughout the region were coordinated years before regional Health Authorities were formed.

In the 1990s, Boulton participated in a service mission as part of a Christian Medical and Dental Society delegation providing supplies and expertise to doctors in Cuba. and the Sail and Life Training Society, a Christian organization providing learning experiences to young people on tall ships. He chaired the British Columbia Medical Association's Child and Youth Health Committee, The Medal "was awarded to Canadians who have made outstanding and exemplary contributions to their communities or to Canada as a whole. The award focuses both on the achievements of those people who, over the past 50 years, have helped create the Canada of today, and on the achievements of younger Canadians who are actively contributing to our future." 2004 - British Columbia Medical Association (BCMA) Silver Medal of Service. 2006 - Wallace Wilson Leadership Award of the University of British Columbia Medical Alumni Association.

Awards granted posthumously include: 2008 - Canadian Paediatric Society's Certificate of Merit. These awards "recognize members who have made exceptional contributions to the health of children and youth at a regional level." 2008 - British Columbia Medical Association's Excellence in Health Promotion Award, given for "extraordinary results in promoting health and wellness in British Columbia".

Boulton's family was instrumental in creating the Basil Boulton Memorial Scholarship, awarded annually to a third or fourth year Island Medical Program student interested in pediatrics or international health. The Island Medical Program is the University of British Columbia's MD undergraduate program delivered in collaboration with the University of Victoria, the provincial government and health authorities.

Quotations

On a bill of health care rights for children and youth "Adults are deeply affected by their childhoods. Many chronic diseases originate in childhood, and lifelong disabilities may be prevented with good perinatal and pediatric care. Issues of growth and development influence later mental health and intellectual capacity. Health care provisions built on an understanding of children and youth can avoid or lessen many of these problems.... A Bill of Health Care Rights for Children and Youth will assist Ms Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, BC's new Children's Representative. The bill will provide a level playing field for children and youth who must depend on services directed and provided by government. The consequences of failing to rise to the challenge of providing adequate health care to these children are profound." - Each of once us was once a child, 2007.