Education and early career
McAlindon was born in Edmonton, Alberta and raised in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He received a B.A. with honors in 1953, an M.D. in 1958, and an M.Sc. in anatomy in 1961, all from the University of Alberta. He then did postdoctoral research in rheumatology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
Academic career
In 1963, McAlindon joined the faculty of medicine at the University of Western Ontario as an assistant professor of medicine. He was promoted to associate professor in 1968 and full professor in 1972. He served as the head of the division of rheumatology from 1975 to 1985.
In 1977, McAlindon was appointed dean of the faculty of medicine at the University of Western Ontario. He served in this role until 1985, when he was appointed president and vice-chancellor of the university. He retired from these positions in 1994 and was named professor emeritus.
Research
McAlindon's research has focused on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of locomotor disorders, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and low back pain. He is the author of several textbooks and book chapters on these topics.
Awards and honours
McAlindon has received numerous awards and honours for his contributions to medicine and academia. These include the Order of Canada, the Fellowship of the Royal Society of Canada, the Fellowship of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, the Fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians (UK), and the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (UK).
In 2001, the University of Western Ontario established the Harold R. McAlindon Centre for Musculoskeletal Research in his honour. The centre conducts research on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.
Personal life
McAlindon is married to Janet McAlindon, a retired nurse. They have four children and nine grandchildren.