Dr. Shepherd is a Full Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto and served as the University Division Director for Medical Oncology from 1997 to 2003.
In recognition of her contributions to cancer research and treatment, she received the Order of Ontario in 2007. In 2012, she won the British Thoracic Oncology Group International Award for Contributions to Lung Cancer Research, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Whiteman Award and Visiting Professorship and a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal. In 2015, she was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada. She received a Giants of Oncology Award for Lung Cancer in 2016, and most recently in 2018, she won a Gairdner-Wightman award.
Dr. Shepherd has designed and led more than 100 clinical trials over the past three decades and her studies have changed treatment and outcomes for patients with lung cancer at a global level. She has authored or co-authored more than 550 peer-reviewed publications and 35 book chapters.