Schwann, Paul (1933-74)

Dr. Paul Schwann helped pioneer sports medicine in Saskatchewan. Born in Regina, he played junior football for the Regina Dales and junior hockey for the Regina Pats. He graduated from the University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine in 1958, and later interned at the Regina General Hospital. Schwann served as team doctor for the Regina Pats, the Regina Rams, O'Neill and Miller high schools, various University of Regina Cougar teams, and the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He was recognized by the Canadian Academy of Sports Medicine for his work in team sports in 1972. Dr. Schwann initiated fitness and athletic training programs, and developed the first testing for SaskTel employees; he believed that physical and mental fitness were crucial to healthy living in every workplace. Dr. Schwann died on October 4, 1974. In 1982, the Dr. Paul Schwann Applied Health and Research Centre at the University of Regina opened and became a nationally accredited human performance testing facility. The city of Regina named Schwann Place in University Park East in his honour.

Elizabeth Mooney