Dafydd Williams

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Dafydd Rhys "Dave" Williams (born May 16, 1954) is a Canadian physician, public speaker, CEO, author, and a retired astronaut. He is known for his contributions to space medicine and his participation in two Space Shuttle missions as a mission specialist. Williams was the first non-American to hold a senior management position within NASA, serving as the Director of the Space and Life Sciences Directorate at the Johnson Space Center.

Early Life and Education

Williams was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. He showed an early interest in space and science, which was nurtured by the Apollo moon missions. Williams pursued his education in science and medicine, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, and a Doctor of Medicine degree from the same institution. He further specialized in emergency medicine and completed his residency at the University of Toronto.

Career in Medicine

Before joining the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and NASA, Williams had a distinguished career in medicine. He worked as an emergency physician and was involved in medical research and education. Williams contributed significantly to the field of emergency medicine in Canada and was instrumental in the development of emergency medicine as a recognized specialty in the country.

Astronaut Career

Williams was selected by the CSA as an astronaut in 1992. His first spaceflight was on the STS-90 mission aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1998, as part of the Neurolab team. This mission focused on the effects of microgravity on the brain and nervous system. Williams' second spaceflight was on STS-118, aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 2007. During this mission, he participated in three spacewalks, setting a then-record for the total number of spacewalks conducted by a Canadian astronaut.

Post-NASA Career

After retiring from spaceflight, Williams took on several leadership roles, including serving as the President and CEO of Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket, Ontario. He has also been a prolific public speaker and author, sharing his experiences in space and insights on leadership, teamwork, and innovation.

Personal Life

Williams is an avid adventurer and athlete. He has completed marathons, triathlons, and has a passion for underwater exploration. Williams is also a qualified commercial and military pilot and flight surgeon.

Legacy and Honors

Williams' contributions to space exploration and medicine have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Order of Canada. His work has inspired many in the fields of science, medicine, and space exploration.

See Also

• Canadian Space Agency
• Space medicine
• Space Shuttle program