The uOttawa Faculty of Medicine delivered a night of magic and medicine to a packed ballroom at their 4th annual Abracadabra gala.
Guests were invited to enter a world of “Imagination and Discovery” on Saturday night at the Trillium Ballroom of Shaw Centre, where a mesmerizing mix of lights, music, food and surrealism saw clinicians, researchers, students and the public join in a celebration of the wide range of talent across the Faculty.
Part of the weekend’s homecoming celebrations hosted by the Faculty, the Abracadabra gala entertained alumni and other guests with Shaw’s gourmet cuisine, intriguing entertainers, and glasses raised in salute to the faculty’s fine work.
Showcased on the night was the uOttawa Brain and Mind Research Institute (uOBMRI), Ottawa’s largest collection of basic researchers and clinician scientists focused on brain and mind related health. Guests were moved by the personal stories featured in a gripping video that outlined how the uOBMRI is striving to revolutionize the way patient care is delivered.
The party continued into the night and featured a live performance by Juno Award-winning Canadian electro-pop band Dragonette.
View our photos of the evening’s celebrations.
Other Homecoming events of the weekend included a Dean’s Reception where guests mingled with Dr. Jacques Bradwejn, a delicious brunch where alumni and friends reunited with good food and laughter, and an awards ceremony honouring recipients of prestigious awards.
Prestigious Awards Handed Out
The following awards were handed out in a ceremony on Saturday morning:
Rising Star Achievement Award
This Rising Star Achievement Award recognizes an outstanding uOttawa alumnus who has demonstrated professional excellence and exceptional leadership while making significant contributions in health care and medicine. This award serves to honour young alumni with 10 to 20 years of professional experience in their medical specialty.
Recipient: Dr. Ravinder Singh, MD 2001
Dr. Ravinder Singh is a Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Surgeon. He is the Chief of Surgery, and Head of Service, General Surgery at North Bay Regional Health Centre. Dr. Singh has been a member of the Board of Directors for the Ontario Association of General Surgeons since 2015, and was previously the President of the North Bay and District Medical Society. Dr. Singh has also received the Canadian Association of General Surgeons Covidien Surgical Leadership Fellowship Award, as well as the Resident Award for Teaching Excellence from the Canadian Association of General Surgeons.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award serves to honour alumni who have accomplished a lifetime of significant contributions and achievement in health care and medicine. This award is presented to an alumnus or alumna who is recognized as a leader in their respective field, has demonstrated professional excellence and dedication to their community.
Recipient: Dr. Yvon Lapierre, MD 1961
After completing his classical studies at Le Collège Saint-Jean in Edmonton, Dr. Lapierre began his studies at the University of Ottawa, earning his BA in 1957 and his MD in 1961. He then completed his specialty training in Psychiatry at l’Université de Montréal before joining the uOttawa Faculty of Medicine as Lecturer in 1970. He became Assistant Professor in 1973, Associate Professor in 1976 and Full Professor in 1981. During his tenure at the University of Ottawa, he held a cross appointment in the Departments of Pharmacology and Cellular and Molecular Medicine, as well as an Adjunct Professorship in Psychiatry at Queen's University.
In 1986, Dr. Lapierre became Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychiatrist-in-Chief at the Royal Ottawa Hospital. He received the Faculty Award of Excellence in 1994, a measure of recognition of which he was always tremendously proud. While he received many honours elsewhere, he always felt that the honour given to him by his faculty colleagues was the most rewarding. Dr. Lapierre retired in May 2000.