OMA members recognized for leadership, research and pioneering contributions
Five Ontario physicians are among the 2025 appointees to the Order of Canada, one of our country’s highest civilian honours.
“I am delighted to congratulate my fellow Ontario physicians on their appointments to the Order of Canada,” said OMA President Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman. “This is a truly well-deserved recognition of the impact they’ve made across our country.”
The order recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. Gov. Gen. Mary Simon announced the new appointments on Dec. 31.
We congratulate the following Ontario physicians for their contributions in thoracic surgery, pediatric neurology and more:
Toronto
For his transformative contributions to thoracic transplant surgery, as well as to regenerative medicine and health-care leadership. This is a promotion within the order.
“I am truly honoured to receive this recognition of our work in Canada, at University Health Network, in lung transplantation and ex vivo lung perfusion. This technique is now being expanded to other organs, positively impacting patients around the world.”
Sydenham, Ont.
For his landmark research advancing the understanding of infectious, inflammatory and pain-related urologic diseases.
“I am overwhelmed and humbled by this unexpected honour. Any achievements I might have accomplished during my career were only possible due to the support of my life partner, Karen, the guidance of my mentors, the collaboration of my medical colleagues, the enthusiasm of my students, the dedication of my research team and, most of all, by the lessons learned from my patients, particularly the thousands who volunteered to take part in my clinical research studies.”
Mississauga
For his national leadership in transforming public health education and his enduring advocacy for Indigenous health and equity in Canada.
I am deeply honoured. I extend my sincere gratitude to the Ontario Medical Association for its unwavering support of my work with vulnerable communities – support that was essential to the accomplishments recognized by this award.
Toronto
For his pioneering contributions to pediatric neurology, including leadership in research, education and children’s movement disorders and brain investigative techniques.
“Even though I have been very privileged to have been involved in creative and productive projects in my career, I feel the most important work has been with my patients. I also have had great satisfaction in the work I have done for child neurology in many areas and at The Hospital for Sick Children. I am very proud of the support I have been able to give over the years to my trainees, staff and colleagues which has facilitated their careers. They and their successes are, I feel, one justification for this award.”
Toronto
For her leadership in infectious disease epidemiology and her pivotal role in shaping national and global responses to major outbreaks.
Appointees are invited to a ceremony to be invested into the Order of Canada and receive their medals.
The order is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System, celebrating the achievements and wide-ranging contributions of more than 7,600 people since its creation in 1967.
See the news release to learn more about their contributions.