Prepared by Tiffany Barnes-Huggins
Marketing and Communications Officer
The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) recently inducted six new laureates whose contributions have led to extraordinary improvements in human health.
On June 17, 2022, the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Health Sciences hosted the 2022 CMHF Induction Ceremony. CMHF laureates are individuals whose outstanding contributions to medicine and the health sciences have led to extraordinary improvements in human health. Their work may be a single meritorious contribution or a lifetime of superior accomplishments.
“The Hall’s inductees have made tremendous contributions to the advancement of medicine,” said Dr. Bernard Jasmin, dean of the Faculty of Medicine. “Through the celebration of their accomplishments, we hope to inspire future generations of medical professionals and scientists to strive for continued excellence and innovation in the field.”
Dr. Lucie Thibault, dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences acknowledged and commended the laureates for their illustrious careers and their contributions to improving the health of many, “Their work has had a positive impact on multiple fronts.”
Dr. Mona Nemer, Chief Science Advisor of Canada and Professor at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, served as the Master of Ceremonies. She has made great strides in her work as a top scientific advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the ceremony, the Faculties of Medicine and Health Sciences were pleased to debut a video created in partnership with Ottawa’s five affiliated health science centres, introducing the Ottawa Academic Health Network. Similar to academic health networks in other regions, the creation of the Ottawa Academic Health Network would enhance the existing relationship between stakeholder institutions to share information, resources and expertise.
This year’s inductees are trailblazers in the field of medicine and health sciences with outstanding accomplishments that range from providing equitable healthcare for Indigenous People to being known as a pioneer in the immunology of surgical infections.
“Medical professionals sacrifice so much of their time and expertise to advancing health care, providing patient care, and helping their communities,” said Dr. Katharine Smart, President of the CMA. “The Canadian Medical Association is pleased to recognize these six deserving medical leaders for their tremendous accomplishments and contributions to the medical profession in Canada.”
The new CMHF laureates are:
- Sir John Bell, GBE BMBCh DM FRS FMedSci | Oxford, United Kingdom
Pioneered advances in the era of translation research, bringing ground-breaking laboratory discoveries into the world of practical medicine. - The Late Thomas A. Dignan, CM OOnt MD BScN | Thunder Bay, Ontario
Dedicated his life to improving the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, creating safe spaces for systemic change and mentorship. - Daniel Drucker, OC MD FRS FRCPC | Toronto, Ontario
Revealed the potential for gut hormones to achieve dramatic clinical outcomes in the treatment of life-limiting and life-threatening metabolic and intestinal disorders. - David J.A. Jenkins, OC DM DPhil DSc FRCPC FRSC FCAHS | Toronto, Ontario
Invented the glycemic index to classify carbohydrates and their effects on blood glucose levels, associated with the incidence of diabetes, stroke, and cardiovascular disease mortality. - Jonathan L. Meakins, OC MD DSc FRCSC FACS | Montreal, Quebec
Advanced safe and effective surgical technologies and demonstrated the relationship between weakened immune responses and poor surgical outcomes leading to significant improvements in clinical assessment and nutritional support for surgical patients worldwide. - Noralou P. Roos, OC PhD | Winnipeg, Manitoba
Unlocked the potential of big data systems analysis to clarify the social determinants of health helping inform effective policies in support of universal health care.
The sponsor for the ceremony was the Canadian Medical Association with Medical Student Sponsor, MD Financial Management. View more detailed bios and photos of the 2022 laureates.
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