Ruth Collins-Nakai

Ruth L. Collins-Nakai (born March 27, 1949) is a retired Canadian cardiologist, educator, researcher, physician leader, healthcare advisor, and public health advocate.

Education She was born in Pincher Creek, Alberta, the second of four children of physician parents Lorne and Rhonda (Boughton) Collins. Collins-Nakai completed her undergraduate and medical degrees at the University of Alberta (MD 1972), followed by an internship at McGill University (1972–73), a pediatrics residency and fellowship at the University of Alberta (1973–74 and 1976–77, respectively), and a pediatric cardiology fellowship at Harvard Medical School, (1974–76). She later obtained a Master's of Business Administration from the University of Alberta (MBA 1998). Over the course of her career, she co-authored a number of preclinical and clinical research articles in cardiology, and was the sole author for opinion pieces on various aspects of healthcare, in highly ranked scientific journals. as well as seatbelt legislation and the banning of smoking on commercial airlines. President of the Alberta Medical Association (first woman), (first woman, 1999–2002). Collins-Nakai was the fourth female president of the Canadian Medical Association (2005–2006). including two terms as president.

Honours

Collins-Nakai received Teacher of the Year Pediatrics awards at the University of Alberta in 1988 and 1997. She was selected in 2005 as one of Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award in the category of Professional by WXN (Women's Executive Network), Toronto. In 2006, she was bestowed with a Distinguished Honor from the American College of Cardiology: Master of the American College of Cardiology (MACC) In 2009, she was inducted into the City of Edmonton's Hall of Fame (Community Service) and in 2012 she received the Queen Elizabeth ll Diamond Jubilee Medal. She was appointed Honorary Lt Colonel for 1 Field Ambulance, Canadian Forces in 2013, was promoted to Honorary Colonel in 2019, and stepped down from that role in 2023, receiving the Canadian Health Services Command Commendation. She was given an Annual Achievement Award by the Canadian Cardiovascular Society in 2015. She received the Order of Canada on November 18, 2016. and from MacEwan University in 2024.

Personal life She was married to Dr Someshwar Singh Nakai for 46 years until his death in December 2021. They have a daughter and a son.