Founder. Innovator. Life saver.
Dr. Greg Powell
Founder. Innovator. Life saver.
November 24, 1947 — April 30, 2025.
Celebrating the legacy of the man who redefined emergency care in Canada.
Our Founder’s Story – The Beginning
Dwight Gregory “Greg” Powell was born on November 24, 1947, in Welland, Ontario, to Ruth and George Powell — the first Canadian couple permitted to marry overseas under amended WWII military marriage rules. The eldest of three, Greg moved to Devon, Alberta, as an infant and later graduated high school in Edmonton (1965). He then went on to study medicine at the University Of British Columbia, and in 1969 as a second-year med student he decided to use his medical elective time to join the Flying Doctor Service in Darwin, Australia.
During this time, Greg briefly visited Saigon during the Vietnam conflict and observed a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital at the peak of the Vietnam War. It was there that he witnessed rapid helicopter evacuation and critical care for severely injured soldiers, arriving straight from the field to the operating room. This left a lasting impact, inspiring his future work in critical care and air ambulance services.
After earning his medical degree from UBC, Greg pursued family medicine training in Calgary, then advanced to McGill University — then the country’s only emergency medicine training program.
Having been inspired by his time in Australia observing the air ambulance program, an interest in flying led him to earn his Private Pilot License with the Calgary Flying Club at just 26 years old.
“This was an unforgettable experience which molded my thought for critical care and helicopter ambulance in my future and developing career,” he says. “I saw severely injured soldiers undergo rapid surgical intervention after being flown into the unit by helicopter – and amazing survival despite the extent of the injuries due to this rapid response.”
A Legacy of Life-saving Innovation: Emergency medicine to the Founding of STARS
Late 1970s – Pioneering Emergency Medicine in Calgary
Dr. Powell, now Director, Emergency Medicine at Foothills Hospital in Calgary, AB was also the only formally trained emergency physician in the city. During this time, in collaboration with the University of Calgary, they launched the Emergency Medicine Residency training program.
Early 1980s – Building a National Specialty
Dr. Powell played a pivotal role in the founding of the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians. He collaborated with both the Royal College and the College of Family Physicians to help formalize emergency medicine as a recognized specialty in Canada. Throughout his career, he also advocated nationally for the development of university-level emergency medicine programs.
Mid 1980s – Inspired by his past
Motivated by his Vietnam experience and witnessing firsthand the rural medical gaps for critical care, Dr. Powell envisioned a helicopter-based emergency transport service. Combining his passion for medicine and aviation, he founded a new model of care.
1985 – STARS Takes Flight
Dr. Powell became the founder of the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service (STARS), formerly “Lions Air Ambulance Service,” using helicopters to transport critically ill patients with highly trained crews. With the financial support of the Lion’s Club, STARS flew its first mission in December of 1985, a critically ill infant to tertiary care in Calgary, AB.
Mid ’80s – Early ’00s – Community Support and Expansion in Western Canada
With his wife Linda by his side, Dr. Powell travelled across Alberta to share the STARS mission, sparking grassroots support and leading to the creation of the STARS Foundation. As survival rates improved in southern Alberta, demand grew — prompting provincial expansion to Edmonton and Grande Prairie, and later to Regina, Saskatoon and Winnipeg.
Accolades Reflecting a Life of Service
- Alberta Centennial Medal (2005).
- Named one of Alberta’s Physicians of the Century by the Alberta Medical Association and College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (2006).
- Invested as an Officer of the Order of Canada (2007).
- Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012).
- Induction into Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame (2018).
- Induction into the Alberta Order of Excellence (2021).
With humility, Dr. Powell reminds us: ‘We stand on the shoulders of others.’
His legacy, like his success, was built with gratitude for those who came before.
Personal Reflections: The Man Behind the Missions
Dr. Powell and his wife, Linda, have been steadfast supporters and volunteers for STARS, embodying a shared commitment to community service.
Following his retirement, Dr. Powell continued to advocate for organ and tissue donation, influenced by his personal health journey.
Recognize the seeds that are planted as you journey through your life, because you never know when you’re going to reach back in your memory and pull together an idea, a concept and make it happen – all because you paid attention to what was going on around you when you were young.”
Dr. Powell passed away on April 30, 2025 at Foothills Hospice in Okotoks with his wife, Linda, and his family by his side. He was 77.