Drs. Heather Ross and Michael Jewett have been awarded the Order of Canada—one of the nation’s highest civilian honours. In addition, a previous recipient of the Order of Canada, Dr. Geoff Fernie, has been appointed to the Order of Ontario.
As pioneers in their respective fields, these researchers have altered the course of medical treatments, patient care and rehabilitation science. They have demonstrated dedication to the health of Canadians through their ground-breaking work, which has improved the lives of individuals across the country.
Dr. Ross was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada. She is a Clinician Investigator at Toronto General Hospital Research Institute and world-leading cardiologist. The honour recognizes her innovative solutions to predicting, detecting and following cardiac events using artificial intelligence and digital technologies.
Dr. Jewett was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada. He is an Affiliate Scientist at Techna and Surgical Oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. His appointment to the Order of Canada recognizes his ground-breaking work in surgical oncology, specifically for cancers of the urinary tract, and his dedication to patient-centred care.
Dr. Fernie was appointed a Member of the Order of Ontario. He is a Senior Scientist and the previous Director of the KITE Research Institute (the research arm of the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute). His membership in the Order of Ontario recognizes Dr. Fernie’s pioneering work in rehabilitation engineering. Dr. Fernie has developed a variety of innovative assistive technologies to help elderly people and people living with disabilities avoid injury, gain mobility and maintain independence. On commenting on the honour, Dr. Fernie said, “I think of this award as a ‘call to action’ for me to do even more. I must work harder to thank the people of Ontario by solving more problems to keep Ontarians healthy and safe.”
The Order of Canada was created in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. The Order of Ontario was later established in 1986 and is the most prestigious provincial honour recognizing individual excellence in various fields.
The full list of the appointments to the Order of Canada can be viewed here and those to the Order of Ontario can be viewed here.
Dr. Geoff Fernie is among 22 new appointments to the Order of Ontario.