Research Theme:
Human Interfacing Devices,Research Interests:
Medical device development
Biography:
A celebrated Vancouver biomedical engineer, James McEwen’s leadership and expertise have spread far beyond the Lower Mainland, benefitting Canadians and people around the world.
Best known for the microprocessor-controlled automatic surgical tourniquet system he invented, Dr. McEwen and his team have developed numerous medical devices that have changed the way health care is delivered in Canada and internationally. The tourniquet system is now standard equipment in operating rooms worldwide and is used in an estimated 20,000 surgical procedures every day. It works to protect patients by improving the precision, speed and safety of surgery.
A UBC alumnus, Dr. McEwen is considered one of the founders of the Canadian biomedical engineering industry. He helped establish several medical technology companies, invested in many others and was a driving force behind the creation of biomedical engineering programs here at UBC and at Simon Fraser University.
James McEwen was appointed to the Order of British Columbia, BC’s highest form of recognition, in 2021.