UBC coach, athlete, teacher and medical doctor introduced the concept of sport medicine to Canada and co-founded the UBC Sports Medicine Clinic. Participated in the Olympics as both an athlete and a coach, is inducted into three halls of fame and has been awarded the Order of Canada.
Doug Clement's association with UBC originated in his youth. He became familiar with the campus as his father was member of UBC's Engineering faculty plus as a student at King Edward High School, Doug participated in football and track competitions at UBC's old Varsity Stadium.
Clement emerged as an outstanding track athlete while at high school, selecting the University of Oregon from among the schools offering him a track scholarship. Doug attended Oregon from 1952 until 1955, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree.
It was while at Oregon that Clement was selected to Canada's 4x400-meter relay team, representing his country at the 1952 Olympics at Helsinki. Two years later he was member of Canada's team at the 1954 British Empire Games in Vancouver, winning the silver medal as a member of the 4x400 team.
It was also while at Oregon that Clement became associated with that school's track coach, Bill Bowerman, a man who would have a profound influence on Clement's life. "He is why I am in medicine" states Clement. Bowerman had urged Clement to do more than teach physical education - to explore new territories, such as medicine. During the ensuing years Bowerman provided the young Canadian with vital information, inspiration and support. It is interesting to note that Bowerman also introduced the concept of "jogging" for health benefits to North America which led to him being the co-founder of NIKE.
Doug pursued Bowerman's advice and in 1955 returned to Vancouver to attend UBC medical school, graduating with an MD in 1959. While a medical student, Clement competed for UBC in both track and rugby. He played for the Braves and Thunderbirds rugby teams in addition to participating in open competitions with the Blue and Gold track team. It was also while at UBC Clement made his second appearance as an Olympian, running the mile relay for Canada at the 1956 Olympics. In Edinburgh in 1958, he again represented Canada at the British Empire Games, retiring from competition shortly after to concentrate on his studies.
Following his graduation from UBC in 1959, Dr. Clement began his general practice in Richmond, B.C. It was during this time Clement became a leading proponent of exercise as a contributor to the prevention of heart disease.
In 1962, Doug, with his wife Diane, co-founded what was to be one of the premier track clubs in Canada, the Richmond Kajaks. With the Kajaks, Clement coached track athletes to top rankings both in Canada and the world for the next 31 years. The Clements were intent upon "producing the right kind of conditions for groups and individuals to excel to the best of their abilities".
In 1968, Clement began compiling from his practice case studies of a specific and intriguing nature, publishing his accounts and findings. It was from these humble beginnings the discipline of sports medicine was born in this country. Clement became so interested and knowledgeable in this aspect of medicine that he limited his practice to sport and exercise-related problems and issues. A vanguard in this field, he not only practised, researched and studied sport medicine, but taught this specialty at Simon Fraser University from 1976 to 1979 and at UBC from 1979 through the 1990s, gaining professor status in 1990.
In addition to launching his UBC teaching career in 1979, Clement along with several of his long-time UBC associates founded the free enterprise Sports Medicine Clinic located on the UBC campus. With 1,200 patients per week, Doug and his team of doctors, some of whom are former UBC athletes, are Canada's sport medicine specialists. Directly from this enterprise, the largest of its kind in the country, emanates the new wave of doctors practicing this discipline, the positive effects being felt across the country.
From the years 1980 to 1987, Cement, in addition to his teaching and medical practice, was UBC's middle distance track coach. He coached at least 10 athletes to the Olympic level including UBC's Simon Hoogewerf, Tom Howard and Ken Elmer. His success as a coach with both the Richmond Kajaks and UBC earned him the Longines Wittnauer Award (awarded for coaching one of the top three athletes in the world).
As an athlete, Clement represented Canada at two Olympic and two British Empire games. He has since, however, been selected to Canada's team for at least 30 subsequent international sporting events, including many Olympic, Pan American, Commonwealth and World Championship games, in the capacities of coach, general manager and member of the medical staff.
In 1992, Clement was honoured to be appointed to the medical team of the Vancouver Canucks. Treating hockey players is no different from treating track and field athletes according to Clement. "They are all highly motivated and driven to succeed - people going for the top!"
Clement authored or co-authored 65 articles published in medical and sports journals while also contributing to books and films in addition to TV and radio presentations. He has been a guest lecturer in five different countries. And in to the 2000s, Clement still orchestrates many of Vancouver and Canada's most important track meets.
Dr. Clement, UBC athlete, coach, educator, medical innovator, Olympic representative and mentor, has been acknowledged with the Sports Medicine Council and UBC Lifetime Achievement Awards, the Vanier Outstanding Young Men Award, the Sport BC Coach of the Year Award and the Order of Canada. In addition to the UBC Sports Hall of Fame Clement is also an inductee in the BC Sports Hall of Fame and the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame. However, he quickly acknowledges the fact that his achievements have not been accomplished single-handedly but have been the result of a team effort, the support and contributions of athletes, colleagues, associates and family.
This Inductee is also in the
BC Sports Hall of Fame.
Researched and written by Fred Hume, UBC Athletics Historian
