Dr. Genest, who is Professor of Medicine and Director of the Centre for Innovative Medicine at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), has focused his research on cardiovascular risk factors, the genetics of coronary artery disease and the formation of high-density lipoproteins (HDL). His research has led to insights into the genesis of HDL.

The inaugural prize is awarded by the University of British Columbia to recognize Canadians who have made outstanding contributions to the treatment, amelioration or cure of heart disorders. The prize includes a
$50, 000 grant with the expectation that the recipients will continue their outstanding research focused on improving the lives of individuals with heart disease.

“In addition to everything Dr. Genest has already accomplished, it was his potential for a continuing future impact on the genetics and metabolism of HDL cholesterol that was most impressive,” said Alison Buchan, Vice Dean, Research and International Relations at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine, chair of the impact review panel and former Executive Associate Dean, Research, in the UBC Faculty of Medicine.

For the past 15 years, Genest has participated in the development of Canada’s cholesterol guidelines. For the past decade, he was head of cardiology at McGill University and prior to this, directed the Cardiovascular Genetics Laboratory at the Clinical Research Institute of Montreal. Today, he holds the McGill/Novartis Chair in Medicine at McGill. The impact review panel described Genest as being “in the prime of his career.”

Source: UBC press release