ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. JR Hewson (“JR”) is a retired academic anesthesiologist and pioneer in Critical Care Medicine (CCM) who has done it all—clinical practice, teaching, research, and founding a worldclass intensive care unit. In his role as an intensivist/critical care physician, he has served as CCM’s national president (Canada), as its global secretary-general, and as a director on numerous boards; he has chaired countless medical committees and lectured across Canada and around the world.
But there’s another side to JR, a creative side. Over the years, he has written three novels and a two-act play. In recent times, he’s become an award-winning actor in community theatre. Back in his college days, JR had a dance band, and more recently, for several years, he demonstrated his musical expertise as the in-house pianist at a major hotel, in Toronto. He volunteers as a tutor in adult literacy and numeracy at Literacy South Halton in Burlington and is the vice-president of its board of directors. He currently sits on the board of L'Arche Hamilton, serving the developmentally challenged adult community in Hamilton. He maintains that growing up with a mentally challenged brother was pivotal in preparing and developing his empathy and patience. This he carried on through his medical career and personal life. JR parented in every possible way; biologically, through adoption and by fostering 2 young girls, one with severe hearing disabilities. He believes that we are, or should be our brothers' (and sisters') keeper. That’s why he volunteers and why he vigorously champions the transmission of intellectual life skills to his fellow citizens.
JR has two beloved sons and adores his 3 grandchildren. He lives in Burlington, west of Toronto, near the sandy shores of Lake Ontario. On sunny days he can be seen cruising in his 1939 MG TB British sports car.
