Appointed physicians will be invested at ceremony in Toronto later this year
Eight of our members have been appointed to the Order of Ontario for 2025, receiving the province’s highest civilian honour.
The order is awarded annually to those who have shown excellence and achievement in their field of work and made lasting contributions to the province.
On behalf of the Ontario Medical Association, I want to congratulate these outstanding physicians on receiving the Order of Ontario,
President Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman said.
This honour reflects not only their extraordinary contributions to medicine, but also their deep commitment to patients, communities and the health of our province. We are incredibly proud to count them among our members.
We congratulate our members, who are among the 30 most recent recipients of the order.
| Recipient | Citation notes |
|---|---|
| Retired Maj.-Gen. Dr. Jean-Robert Bernier — Manotick | For his influence in the development of medical defences against weaponized and natural health threats, innovative mental health strategies and global health research partnerships. |
| Dr. Jamaica Cass — Amherstview | For her leadership in Indigenous health and medical education, and guidance in systemic change through governance and curriculum reform. |
| Dr. Robert James Cusimano — Toronto | For his groundbreaking and internationally recognized work in cardiac surgery that has redefined care for malignant cardiac tumours. |
| Dr. Philip J. Devereaux — Hamilton | For his landmark trials that influenced international guidelines on cardiovascular risk management, bleeding prevention and postoperative monitoring. |
| Dr. Morris Freedman — North York | For his globally renowned work in advanced early diagnosis and treatment through innovative models, research and education. |
| Dr. Kathleen Gartke — Ottawa | For her pioneering work in orthopedic surgery including pain-reduction techniques as one of Canadas first female orthopedic surgeons. |
| Dr. Bernard Lawless — Toronto | For his achievements and expertise in health system planning for trauma surgery and critical care medicine strategy, resulting in strengthened health-care resilience and saving lives. |
| Dr. John L. Semple — Toronto | For his groundbreaking work in reconstructive surgery, including advanced tissue reconstruction techniques and establishing a program addressing systemic inequalities. |
Read more about their extraordinary career accomplishments.
The 2025 appointees will be invested by Lt.-Gov. Edith Dumont at a ceremony in Toronto later this year. According to the province, 933 residents have been appointed to the order since it was established in 1986.
Appointments are made on the recommendation of an independent advisory council who reviews and evaluates all nominations from members of the public and chooses nominees based on merit of accomplishments.
At the investiture ceremony, members are invested with the order’s medal — a distinguishing mark or emblem worn to signify membership — and are given the post-nominal letters (letters placed after a person’s name) to indicate the honour held by the individual.