Fonds 1111 - Cornelia Baines fonds

Professor Emerita at the University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health, Dr. Cornelia “Corrie” Johanna Baines (1935-2025), née van Erk, was a physician, epidemiologist, researcher, and educator. Most notably, Dr. Baines was one of the two lead investigators of the Canadian National Breast Screening Study, and an expert witness on the health impact of wind turbines for the Ontario Task Force for Environmental Health.

Dr. Baines completed her Medical Degree (MD) at the University of Toronto in 1960 before practicing as a physician at the Toronto Western Hospital. After her time at the Toronto Western Hospital, she completed a Master of Science (MSc) in Epidemiology, specializing in Design, Measurement and Evaluation, at McMaster University, Hamilton in 1980. Her areas of research included the effect on health of wind turbines, the influence of conflicts of interest on health policy, and the efficacy of breast cancer screening.

Dr. Baines was a Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences for 40 years until her retirement. She also held positions at the University of North Carolina, Toronto Western Hospital, and Oxford University. In addition to her academic career, she was a Senior Fellow of Massey College and a Director of the Canadian MedicAlert Board for over a decade. Dr. Baines also volunteered her time to many organizations including the Ontario Forestry Association, Canadian Professors for Peace in the Middle East, and the Grey County Historical Society, amongst others.

Dr. Baines was married to Dr. Andrew D. Baines who is best known for his nephrology research and for developing the Stowe-Gullen Stream of the Vic One Program at Victoria College. The couple met and married while in medical school at the University of Toronto. They have two kids: Nicole and Nigel. Dr. Baines passed away in August 2025.

Dr. Cornelia Baines and Dr. Anthony Miller led the National Breast Screening Study (NBSS), a randomized controlled trial aimed at evaluating the role and impact of screening mammography and physical examination in reducing mortality from breast cancer for women aged 40-49. The study also aimed to determine whether mammography provides additional benefit beyond routine physical breast examinations for women aged 50–59. This study, which involved the participation of nearly 90,000 women across Canada, influenced public policy around the implementation of breast cancer screening programs in Canada and abroad.