Six visionary health leaders named Canada’s 2014 Hall of Fame inductees
The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame is proud to announce the 2014 inductees. Their passion and innovative, visionary leadership has improved health worldwide. The six inductees announced today will join the ranks of 101 laureates who have gone before them in receiving this prestigious national honour.
Dr. Max Cynader, CM (Vancouver, BC) – world renowned neuroscientist
Dr. Adolfo de Bold, OC (Manotick, ON) – father of cardiovascular endocrinology
The late Dr. Walter Mackenzie, OC (Edmonton, AB) – builder of academic medicine
Dr. T. J. (Jock) Murray, OC (Halifax, NS) – world leader in Multiple Sclerosis research and care
Dr. Ronald Worton, OC (Oakville, ON) – discovered the gene for Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Dr. Salim Yusuf (Hamilton, ON) – transformed prevention/treatment for cardiovascular disease
Dr. Max Cynader is a world renowned neuroscientist in the area of vision and brain development. His scientific discoveries, biotechnology companies, and community outreach have led to new treatments and improved public understanding of the importance of brain health. As a tireless proponent of multi-disciplinary brain research, Dr. Cynader is the Founding Director of the Brain Research Centre at the University of British Columbia and Vancouver Coastal Health – one of Canada’s foremost neuroscience research communities. Described as a creative and energetic leader, Dr. Cynader has been instrumental in the creation of the new Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, which will incorporate clinical research into patient care. Dr. Cynader was born in Berlin, Germany. He held numerous positions at Dalhousie University in Halifax before moving to British Columbia in 1988.
An innately curious scientist, Dr. Adolfo de Bold is the “Father” of the field of cardiovascular endocrinology. Best known for his transformative discovery of the cardiac hormone atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in 1981, he demonstrated that the heart is not only a pump but an endocrine organ. Originally from Paraná, Argentina, Dr. de Bold completed his MSc and PhD at Queen’s University and was subsequently appointed to their academic staff. His landmark finding is one of the most important cardiovascular discoveries in the past 50 years. Dr. de Bold’s exceptional scientific contributions revolutionized the understanding of heart physiology and function resulting in improved therapies and diagnostic tools for a number of heart conditions. Dr. de Bold moved to Ottawa in 1986 where he later served as Vice-President Research at The Ottawa Hospital and was the inaugural Director of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, one of the premier cardiovascular research institutes in the world. A distinguished teacher, Dr. de Bold has trained numerous exceptional researchers, providing a truly enduring contribution to biomedical science.
One of Canada’s great builders of academic medicine, the late Dr. Walter Mackenzie transformed the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Medicine. During his tenure he was instrumental in the development of numerous medical and surgical programs. A visionary leader, Dr. Mackenzie foresaw the concept of academic health centres and played a pivotal role in the early discussions with Premier Peter Lougheed regarding the formation of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research. His reach extended well beyond Alberta and Canada, having received numerous national and international awards. Dr. Mackenzie served in the Second World War moving to the rank of Commander Surgeon. Born in Glace Bay, Cape Breton in 1909, Dr. Mackenzie received his medical degree from Dalhousie University. He then pursued his surgical training at McGill University and the Mayo Clinic before moving to Alberta. Dr. Mackenzie remained a teacher and surgeon throughout his stellar career and is remembered fondly as a true gentleman, scholar, and international medical statesman.
Dr. Thomas John (Jock) Murray is a world leader in Multiple Sclerosis and neurological research, resulting in major advances in the understanding of the disease. He founded and directed the Dalhousie University Multiple Sclerosis Research Unit where for 20 years his thoughtful and compassionate care had a profound impact on students and patients alike. Also recognized as an outstanding humanitarian and medical historian, Dr. Murray is an impassioned champion for the integration of the humanities into medical education, a concept that is now widely adopted by medical schools throughout North America. Born and raised in Pictou, Nova Scotia, Dr. Murray served as Dean of the medical school at Dalhousie University from 1985 – 92, where he also received most of his medical training. His commitment to creating a better balance between the art and science of medicine was trend-setting for medical schools throughout North America. A noted leader in societies and associations at home and abroad, Dr. Murray was a member of the Working Group on Presidential Disability formed by and reporting to President Clinton in 1996.
A trailblazer in disease gene discovery, Dr. Ronald Worton and his team discovered the causal gene for Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. This seminal breakthrough in medical genetics at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto resulted in greater understanding of the disease and revolutionized diagnosis and patient care. A native of Winnipeg, educated at the University of Manitoba, University of Toronto, and Yale, Dr. Worton returned to Toronto in 1971 where he spent 25 years as an exemplary scientist, holding several positions at SickKids including Geneticist-in-Chief. A well respected national and international leader, Dr. Worton was also the first CEO and Scientific Director of the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute which grew to become one of Canada’s premier health research institutes during his tenure. Described as a visionary, always willing to contribute more than his share, Dr. Worton retired in 2008 after an exemplary career as a medical research scientist and scientific leader.
Dr. Salim Yusuf has transformed the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease with the impact of his research saving millions of lives around the world. He has revolutionized thinking of clinical trials resulting in improved overall standards and quality of health sciences research worldwide. An insightful leader, Dr. Yusuf is the Vice-President of Research at Hamilton Health Sciences and established the Population Health Research Institute at McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences where he serves as Director. Recognized for his pivotal role in the development of a nationwide network of Canadian cardiovascular researchers, Dr. Yusuf developed a global strategy for cardiovascular prevention and is a leader in the development of health research policy. A Rhodes Scholar from India, Dr. Yusuf is an outstanding mentor and has had a profound impact on the careers of many leading Canadian and international researchers. His current passion is the prevention of cardiovascular disease in countries that are unable to pay for life-saving drugs. He is at the forefront of research that will transform the developing world.
“These remarkable Canadian’s have earned their place of honour among our most distinguished medical heroes. Each has truly made a difference in the lives of people in Canada and around the world. Their passion and commitment to the advancement of knowledge provides inspiration to all who follow in their footsteps,” said Dr. Stewart Hamilton, Board Chair of the Hall of Fame. “As fellow Canadian’s we can be extremely proud.”
The 2014 Induction Ceremony, presented by BMO Harris Private Banking, will be held in Kingston, Ontario on April 24. Five hundred academic, health care and business leaders from across Canada will gather for this evening of celebration which will also mark the 20th anniversary of The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, joining Honorary Co-Chairs Dr. Daniel Woolf, Principal & Vice Chancellor of Queen’s University, Senator Hugh Segal, Senate of Canada, and Co-Chairs Dr. Richard Reznick, Dean of Health Sciences and Dr. Tom Harris, Vice-Principal Advancement at Queen’s University.