Dr. Donald LeGatt is a respected clinical laboratory professional, scientist and educator who has achieved national and international recognition for his work in improving the health of Albertans and is one of Canada’s leading scholars in the field of drug monitoring. Known for his commitment to innovative approaches to solving problems related to clinical toxicology, Dr. LeGatt has made scientific contributions of international caliber in the area of therapeutic drug monitoring and has provided leadership in establishing clinical practice guidelines for the investigation of the poisoned patient.

Born in Regina and raised on a farm near Melfort, Saskatchewan, Dr. LeGatt completed his BSC and PhD in Pharmacy (Toxicology major), from the University of Saskatchewan in 1975 and 1979 respectively, and moved to Alberta with his wife, Denise, to pursue advanced training in the Neurochemical Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, at the University of Alberta. . In 1981, he became Head of the Toxicology and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Laboratory at University of Alberta Hospital, a position he still holds today. He is also a Consultant Toxicologist at DynaLIFEDx Laboratory, Edmonton.

As a Clinical Biochemist, Dr. LeGatt works with physicians and scientists to evaluate new instruments and develop tests to measure the newest drugs used to treat patients. His particular area of expertise is in the monitoring of drugs used by patients who have received organ transplants and the detecting of illicit drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine and cannabis in patients with addiction problems. His research has focused on understanding how drugs and medicines are broken down in the body and how to monitor the drugs to ensure that patients are receiving the appropriate dosages to treat their diseases effectively.

Don is a Founding Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Clinical Biochemistry and has been a member of the Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists since 1983, and of the International Association of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Clinical Toxicology since 1990. He received a Capital Health “Esprit de Corps” Recognition Award in 1997 for his supportive efforts during the period of massive laboratory services re-organization in Alberta. In 2004, Dr. LeGatt was awarded the Certificate for Meritorius Service of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta and in 2005, he received a Capital Health REACH Award for Innovation Excellence in recognition of his leadership accomplishments. In 2007, he was the recipient of Capital Health’s Long Service Award for his 25-year commitment to the provision of laboratory services in the region. His interest in toxicology has also led him to be a major player in the war on drug abuse in Alberta, particularly in regards to methamphetamine. He has given presentations on the topic throughout the province, speaking to health care professionals, law enforcement officers, social workers, hospital administrators and emergency-response personnel on the role of the clinical laboratory in this fight. His work with the drug-testing organizations of both the 1983 Universiade and the IAAF World Championships in Athletics reflect his interest in ensuring that amateur sport remain drug free. He has over 100 publications, abstracts and book articles to his credit.

Don has a long-standing history of excellence in teaching and mentoring as well. As an educator, he is known for his enthusiasm and wit and for his outstanding dedication to his undergraduate and graduate students, medical residents, physicians, and other health care professionals. In recognition of this, he received the 2005 Education Excellence Award from the Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists.

Don and Denise and their two children, Jeffrey and Lauren, have made Spruce Grove their home for the past 27 years. Denise is a hospital pharmacist at the Misericordia Hospital in Edmonton. Both Jeffrey, 24, and Lauren, 22, are employed by Capital Health, as a Respiratory Therapist and Occupational Therapist, respectively. Don enjoys cycling, gardening, and as a long-standing member of the St. Joseph and now Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, singing in his church choir.