View the winners from other years

Researcher of the Year – Biomedical: Dr. Katey Rayner

Dr. Katey Rayner is one of Canada’s top junior scientists, who was recently appointed as a member of the College of the Royal Society of Canada. Dr. Rayner’s research career has focused on developing a better understanding of how inflammation triggers cardiometabolic disease. Her findings have contributed significantly to the understanding of metabolic and inflammatory cardiovascular diseases that affect millions of Canadians annually. Dr. Rayner is an Associate Professor in the Department of BMI and Scientist at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.

Researcher of the year – Clinical: Dr. Rebecca Auer

Dr. Rebecca Auer is a researcher who has achieved national and international stature in surgical oncology, cancer clinical trials and cancer immunology.Dr. Auer’s research examines how surgery results in a level of innate immune dysfunction much more profound than the suppression caused by the cancer itself, or by chemotherapy. She has instituted clinical trials testing therapies to prevent or reverse this immune suppression.Dr. Auer is a Professor in the Department of Surgery and Senior Scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.

Researcher of the Year – Public Health and Epidemiology: Dr. Melissa Brouwers

Dr. Melissa Brouwers has made significant global contributions to field guideline research over the past twenty years. Dr. Brouwers has recently completed her two-decade long Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation Research Program (AGREE). Translated into twenty languages, the AGREE II is the most popular evaluation tool designed to support the reporting, development and evaluation of practice guidelines. Dr. Brouwers is Professor and Director of the School of Epidemiology and Public Health.

Researchers of the Year –  Innovation and Education: Dr. Doug Archibald & Dr. Susan Humphrey-Murto

Two leaders in the field of health care education, who are active in academic publishing and in mentorship roles:Dr. Doug Archibald and Dr. Susan Humphrey-Murto.

The Director of Research and Innovation in the Department of Family Medicine, Dr. Archibald is involved in many research initiatives, with a particular interest in educational technology and program evaluation. Dr. Archibald is Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Investigator at the Bruyère Research Institute. Dr. Humphrey-Murto is an international expert on consensus methods, and was recently awarded a Tier II Clinical Research Chair. Dr. Humphrey-Murto is Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine and cross-appointed to the Department of Innovation in Medical Education.

Early-Career Researcher of the Year – Biomedical: Dr. Carolina Ilkow

Dr. Carolina Ilkow is a scientist who has published ten articles since joining the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology in 2016. Dr. Ilkow’s research program focuses on the development of innovative biotherapeutics for cancer treatment. Immunotherapies are the latest innovation in cancer treatment and much of Dr. Ilkow’s work addresses various aspects of oncolytic viruses, a rapidly advancing class of cancer immunotherapy. Dr. Ilkow is an Assistant Professor in BMI and Scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.

Early-Career Researcher of the Year – Clinical: Dr. Luke Lavallée

Dr. Luke Lavallée is an investigator who was recently awarded the Department of Surgery’s new Junior Clinical Research Chair in Urologic Oncology. Dr. Lavallée has demonstrated an exceptional research track record since joining the University of Ottawa in 2015. Among his accomplishments, Dr. Lavallée established an advanced prostate cancer clinic and research program to ensure all patients in Eastern Ontario are receiving the most effective, safe and cutting-edge treatments. Dr. Lavallée is Assistant Professor of Surgery and Associate Scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.

Early-Career Researcher of the Year – Public Health and Epidemiology: Dr. Jodi Edwards

Dr. Jodi Edwards is a rising star in the field of cardiovascular epidemiology and brain-heart connections.In her research, Dr. Edwards addresses a major health challenge: risk assessment and predictive modeling for the brain-heart interface. Her investigations focus on identifying novel cardiac markers of stroke and dementia risk; women’s heart and brain health; and testing new technologies for risk detection. Dr. Edwards is Assistant Professor in the School of Epidemiology and Public Health and Scientist at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.

Early-Career Researcher of the Year – Innovation and Education: Dr. Kori LaDonna

Dr. Kori LaDonna is an Assistant Professor, known both for her own research and for mentoring others.Although her career is in its early stages, Dr. LaDonna’s work is already gaining international recognition, including her recent workshop on Imposter Syndrome.The research grants received by Dr. LaDonna since joining the Faculty of Medicine in 2017 places her in the top 5% of Canadian researchers in medical education. Dr. LaDonna is Assistant Professor in the Department of Innovation in Medical Education.

Publication of the Year – Biomedical: Dr. Baptiste Lacoste

Dr. Baptiste Lacoste is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine whose journal article reviews four years of research. Dr. Lacoste's article, "Vascular contributions to q16p11.2 deletion autism syndrome modeled in mice", focuses on ground-breaking research activities and was published in the prestigious journal Nature Neuroscience. This excellent work will be cited for many years to come and will generate many future studies by research groups around the world. Dr. Lacoste is also Scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.

Publication of the Year – Clinical: Dr. Ian Stiell

Dr. Ian Stiell is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine who conducted a very complex, placebo-controlled clinical trial that involved 11 hospitals. Dr. Stiell’s paper, ‘Electrical versus pharmacological cardioversion for emergency department patients with acute atrial fibrillation: a partial factorial randomized trial’ was published in the renowned clinical journal The Lancet. This publication has had broad international attention and may profoundly change management of acute atrial fibrillation. Dr. Stiell is also Senior Scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.

Publication of the Year - Public Health and Epidemiology: Dr. Peter Tanuseputro

Dr. Peter Tanuseputro is a physician who studies the health of vulnerable populations.

Dr. Tanuseputro’s study “Rates of emergency department visits attributable to alcohol use in Ontario from 2003 to 2016: a retrospective population-level study” appeared in Canada’s top general medical publication, the Canadian Medical Association Journal. His findings have captured the attention of policy makers and promoted discussions on the societal norms of excess alcohol consumption. Dr. Tanuseputro is Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine, Investigator at the Bruyère Research Institute and the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.

Publication of the Year – Innovation and Education: Dr. Sylvain Boet

Dr. Sylvain Boet is a clinician-researcher who is among the most prolific in his field of medical education. His article "Cognitive aids with roles defined for obstetrical crises: a multisite before-and-after cohort study" was published in the prestigiousCanadian Journal of Anesthesia. This study evaluates the practical performance of teams in emergency situations, in a real clinical setting, a type of approach that is particularly innovative in the field of medical education research. Dr. Boet is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine and a Scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.

Educator of the Year – Preclerkship: Dr. Christopher Tran

Dr. Christopher Tran is an endocrinologist whose lectures, according to one MD student, are more engaging than most Netflix shows! With his approachable demeanour, Dr. Tran creates an atmosphere that enables learners to ask questions and clarify concepts, facilitating a profound understanding of the subject. His new, ’flipped classroom’ pilot project featuring short, animated videos, shows his creative approach to teaching and his true investment in his students’ success. Dr. Tran is Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine.

Educator of the Year – Clerkship/Residency/Fellowship/Continuing Education: Dr. James Watterson

Dr. James Watterson is a superb hands-on educator and advocate for all learners in the Department of Surgery. Dr. Watterson has dedicated an exceptional amount of time improving upon the Competency-By-Design transition in the surgery Department, and across the country. His downloadable CBD e-book is currently being used throughout the University of Ottawa, and he has spoken internationally on the topic, to great acclaim. Dr. Watterson is Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery.

Educator of the Year – Basic Sciences: Dr. Lisa D’Ambrosio

Dr. Lisa D’Ambrosio is a professor described by one student as “nothing short of phenomenal”. In addition to being an excellent educator, Dr. D’Ambrosio is always available to her TMM students for discussion about their career trajectories and professional choices. When COVID-19 hit, Dr. D’Ambrosio’s expertise helped TMM professors rapidly move to online teaching and evaluation. As one student commented: ‘keep killing the teaching game!’ Dr. D’Ambrosio is a Replacement Assistant Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology.

Mentor of the Year – Clinical: Dr. Dar Dowlatshahi

Dr. Dar Dowlatshahi is a neurologist who invites trainees and junior faculty to ‘pop into his office’ whenever they need support. Dr. Dowlatshahi is an internationally recognized stroke expert, who promotes an open and inquisitive research environment and is clearly proud of the work his mentees have accomplished. He is quick to introduce his trainees to world leaders and to cultivate their careers any way he can. Dr. Dowlatshahi is Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine and Senior Scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.

Mentor of the Year – Basic Sciences: Dr. Bernard Thébaud

Dr. Bernard Thébaud is a neonatologist who excels in providing emotional and practical support to his mentees. Dr. Thébaud nurtures learners and junior faculty from across several disciplines and at various stages in their careers. He creates a stimulating learning environment for anyone fortunate enough to work in his lab, and has inspired more than 100 mentees to explore exciting and fulfilling careers. Dr. Thébaud is Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Senior Scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.

Outstanding Service Award: Dr. Phil Wells

Dr. Phil Wells is a leader who is ahead of his time in recognizing the value of wellness, equity, diversity and inclusion. Dr. Wells is completing an incredibly successful 12-year tenure as the Chair and Chief of the Department of Medicine. He has provided outstanding leadership to over 450 faculty responsible for clinical care, education and clinical research. In addition, he has appointed a physician Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and a Vice Chair of Wellness.

Award for Leadership in Wellness: Dr. Kay Anne Haykal

Dr. Kay Anne Haykal is a leader in family medicine who is committed to promoting the health and well-being of her colleagues. As Assistant Dean, Student Services, Dr. Haykal is responsible for the health and well-being of 659 medical students and leads the faculty mentorship program. When the pandemic hit, Dr. Haykal quickly implemented a wellness monitoring program and support groups with weekly virtual meetings for all medical students. Dr. Haykal is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine.

Award for Leadership in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Dr. Nedra Lander

Dr. Nedra Lander is a faculty member who has contributed to initiatives at the EDI office since its inception in 1992. Along with the late Dr. Danielle Nahon, Dr. Lander moderated workshops on harassment and intimidation for residents and medical students; hosted events on promotion and mentoring for female faculty and female postdoctoral fellows in her own home; and ran the Women Faculty Mentoring program. Dr. Lander is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry.

Social Accountability Award: Dr. Simone Dahrouge

Dr. Simone Dahrouge is a researcher who is making a tremendous impact to improve health services delivery for vulnerable populations. Compelling evidence of Dr. Dahrouge’s commitment to social accountability is the leadership role she has taken in supporting the engagement of patients in research. In 2016, she established the Patient Engagement Resource Centre (PERC), a virtual provincial support service to promote the authentic partnership between patients and primary health care researchers. Dr. Dahrouge is Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine.

Professionalism Award: Dr. Alykhan Abdulla

Dr. Alykhan Abdulla is an exceptional family physician who always treats those around him with respect and fairness, regardless of their status or role. Dr. Abdulla has modelled our faculty’s values for the residents, medical students, and nurse practitioners he supervised. Through volunteer work, he has helped foreign trained physicians gain a better understanding of our healthcare system and for many, successfully compete for an IMG residency position. Dr. Abdulla is Assistant Professor in the Department of Family Medicine.

Internationalization and Global Health Award: Dr. Nicole Rouvinez-Bouali

Dr. Nicole Rouvinez-Bouali is a pediatrician whose work has improved the care of newborns in many countries and on several continents. As the clinical director of a global development alliance, Dr. Rouvinez-Bouali has developed a comprehensive program of studies targeting the main causes of neonatal mortality in order to improve newborn care in Benin. Despite the many challenges to be overcome, there is now an impact on neonatal morbidity and mortality rates. Dr. Rouvinez-Bouali is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics.

Award for the Promotion of the Francophonie: Dr. Marie-Hélène Chomienne

Dr. Marie-Hélène Chomienne is a clinician-researcher with a particular interest in health inequalities among Francophones in minority communities. Dr. Chomienne initiated the hospitalist model at the Monfort Hospital; a program that began with 2 hospital physicians in 2004, and now has over 20 physicians. At the international level, she set up the apprenticeship in Benin in Francophone Africa. Dr. Chomienne is an assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine and a clinical researcher at the Institut du Savoir Montfort.