Six Canadian Giants in Health Join Canada’s Medical Hall of Fame

OTTAWA, June 17, 2022 – On Friday, June 17, the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) will induct six new Laureates whose contributions have led to extraordinary improvements in human health. These trailblazers underpin Canada’s role as a world-class leader in medicine and health science, and their outstanding accomplishments range from providing equitable health care for Indigenous People everywhere, to being known as a pioneer in the immunology of surgical infections.

Mona Nemer, CM CQ PhD FRSC, Chief Science Advisor of Canada and Professor at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies. The 2022 Induction Ceremony is presented by the Canadian Medical Association with Medical Student Sponsor, MD Financial Management inc.

“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.”

“It is a distinct honour to host this prestigious and important ceremony,” said Bernard Jasmin, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ottawa. “The Hall’s inductees have made tremendous contributions to the advancement 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.”

“What a great opportunity to celebrate the illustrious careers of the 2022 CMHF Laureates who have made significant contributions to improving the health of many. Their work has had a positive impact on multiple fronts,” said Lucie Thibault, PhD, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Ottawa. “Congratulations to all laureates and thank you for your many contributions to health and healthcare!”

The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame 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. Pioneers in their field, they are role models and an inspiration to young Canadians to pursue careers in the health sciences. 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.

For more detailed bios and photos: https://cdnmedhall.ca/laureate-induction-ceremony

ABOUT THE CANADIAN MEDICAL HALL OF FAME
The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) celebrates Canadian heroes whose work advances health in Canada and the world, and fosters future generations of health professionals through the delivery of local and national youth education programs and awards. This enduring tribute to our country’s rich medical history is showcased on our virtual hall online at www.cdnmedhall.ca and in an exhibit hall in London, ON.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA FACULTY OF MEDICINE
Welcome to the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, the first and largest bilingual medical faculty in Canada. Our learners have access to state-of-the art facilities and specialized institutions as they learn alongside world-class physicians and scientists. Consistently ranked among the top 10 medical schools in Canada, our faculty is among the top faculties of medicine in the world for research impact in biomedical and health sciences.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES
The Faculty of Health Sciences is made up of five academic units: Nursing, Nutrition Sciences, Rehabilitation Sciences, Human Kinetics and the Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences. The Faculty excels in its research endeavour thanks to the efforts of over 100 researchers working in a variety of disciplines, from molecular biology to metabolism, from human kinetics to social sciences of health. Innovative and dynamic, the Faculty of Health Sciences is focused on the future. Come join us!

ABOUT THE CANADIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
The Canadian Medical Association leads a national movement with physicians who believe in a better future of health. Our ambition is a sustainable, accessible health system where patients are partners, a culture of medicine that elevates equity, diversity and wellbeing, and supportive communities where everyone has the chance to be healthy. We drive change through advocacy, giving and knowledge sharing – guided by values of collaboration and inclusion.

ABOUT MD FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT INC.
With more than 50 years of physician-focused experience, MD Financial Management Inc. (MD) is dedicated to providing financial peace of mind to Canada’s physicians and their families, so they can enjoy what matters most to them while achieving their career and life goals. MD had more than $59 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2021. MD Management Limited was the first of the MD Group of Companies to be founded, in 1969. MD Financial Management Inc. wholly owns or has a majority interest in the MD Group of Companies. It provides financial products and services, is the fund manager for the MD Family of Funds and offers investment counselling services. For a detailed list of the MD Group of Companies, visit md.ca.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Laura Neil, Director of Communications | Canadian Medical Hall of Fame
Cell: 519-221-0094 | lneil@cdnmedhall.ca

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