Otto Schaefer

Otto Schaefer, (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, who authored over 100 papers on Northern health, and was one of the founders of the "circumpolar health movement".

Life Schaefer, originally Schäfer, was born in Betzdorf, Germany, and had six brothers and two sisters. He studied at the University of Heidelberg, graduating in 1944. He came to Canada in 1951.

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.

Schaefer was a member of the Order of Canada (1976) and was recognized by a number of honours including awards from the Province of Alberta and government of the Northwest Territories, and honorary degrees.