McGillians awarded in recognition of contributions to Canada, provinces, territories, regions and communities, or outstanding achievements abroad that bring credit to Canada
A host of members of the McGill community, including President Deep Saini, have been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal. The medal is conferred on individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.
In total, 30,000 medals are being awarded, with nominations coming from government officials and organizations across the country.
FMHS recipients (in alphabetical order; descriptions of their contributions are based on their award citations where available):
- Gerald Batist, MD, Director, McGill University Centre for Translational Research in Cancer and Professor, Department of Oncology
- Michael Dahan, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Thomas Duchaine, PhD, Professor and Chair of the Department of Biochemistry
- Heather Durham, PhD, Professor in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery
Heather Durham is a neuroscientist whose lab investigates the mechanisms behind motor neuron diseases and peripheral neuropathies, to identify therapies that help vulnerable cells defend themselves. Durham is a recipient of the William Fraser Leadership Award from ALS Canada, was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 and is a Fellow of the Cell Stress Society International. “Her leadership in building the Canadian ALS research network has been unparalleled, playing a key role in securing the largest research funding partnership in Canadian ALS history.” – The ALS Society of Canada, the nominating organization. - Angela Genge, MD, Professor in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery
Dr. Angela Genge has been the Director of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) clinic at The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital) since 1998 and the Executive Director of the ALS Global Center of Excellence in Patient Care since 2014. She is an international leader in clinical trial design and development for rare neurological conditions with an emphasis on ALS and motor neuron disease (MND). “Angela’s efforts have not only provided hope to people affected by this devastating disease but have also inspired others to join the fight against ALS.” – The ALS Society of Canada. - Lucy Gilbert, Chair of the Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology and Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
In recognition of her pioneering work in the early detection and treatment of ovarian and uterine cancers. She is the Robert Kinch Chair in Women’s Health at McGill, a position dedicated to advancing research in women’s health, particularly in poorly served areas like reproduction, infertility, gynecologic oncology and women’s health in aging populations. - Terry Hébert, PhD, Assistant Dean, Biomedical Science Education, a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics
- Mark Karanofsky, MD, Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine
In recognition of his commitment to community service as the Director of the Jewish General Hospital’s Goldman Herzl Family Practice Centre and of his contributions to the Jewish General Hospital and at the Donald Berman Jewish Eldercare Centre as a clinician and physician leader. A family physician since 2004, he has cared for over 1,500 patients in hospitals, long-term care facilities and clinics. - Mary Lattas, Assistant Dean, Health Professions Education
- Joanne Liu, MDCM, School of Population and Global Health
In recognition of her role as pioneer and humanitarian leader, who has dedicated her life to saving lives in global crises. Through her role at Médecins Sans Frontières and her expertise in pediatric emergency medicine, she has been an influential voice for global health and humanitarian justice. - Owen Luo, MDCM, internal medicine resident, McGill University
- Caroline Massicotte, MD, Department of Family Medicine, Centre intégré de santé et des services sociaux de l’Outaouais
- Heidi McBride, PhD, Professor in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery
Heidi McBride studies the cell biology of mitochondrial dysfunction to the complex pathogenesis of motor neuron and other degenerative diseases. In 2022 McBride was inducted into The Royal Society of Canada. She is Group Leader of the Rare Neurological Diseases Research Group, a recipient of the YWCA’s Woman of Distinction Award, and a Canada Research Chair Tier 1 in Mitochondrial Cell Biology. “Her groundbreaking research on Parkinson’s disease has transformed our understanding of mitochondrial function and disease.” – Parkinson Canada, the nominating organization - Lucie Opatrny, MDCM, president of RUISSS McGill and President and Executive Director of the McGill University Health Centre
- Ronald Postuma, MD, Professor in the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery
Dr. Ronald Postuma is a neurologist at The Neuro and Director of the Division of Neurology at the McGill University Health Centre. His research interest focuses upon Parkinson’s disease, particularly on detecting early stages of disease, examining the impact of non-motor symptoms on disease subtype and prognosis. He co-directs the National Residents Course in movement disorders, serves on the executive of the educational committee of the Movement Disorders Society, and is co-chair of the MDS task force on the definition of Parkinson’s. “His leadership roles and contributions to Canadian institutions like McGill University and The Neuro have been instrumental in propelling Canada’s prominence in neurological research.” – Parkinson Canada - Guy A. Rouleau, MD, PhD, Director of The Neuro
Dr. Guy Rouleau’s work focuses on discovering the underlying causes of genetic diseases to facilitate the development of accurate diagnostic tests and treatments. His landmark achievements include his contribution to the identification of dozens of disease‐causing genes. Among his many recognitions are the Prix du Québec – Wilder Penfield from the Government of Québec, the Prix d’excellence of the Collège des médecins du Québec, and the Canada Gairdner Wightman Award from the Gairdner Foundation. He is an Officer of the National Order of Québec, an officer of the Order of Canada, a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and a fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. “Dr. Rouleau is an internationally recognized ALS researcher whose landmark genetic discoveries have profoundly shaped the field.” – The ALS Society of Canada - Fahimy Saoud, MD, Department of Family Medicine
In recognition of her commitment to community engagement. She has spent more than a decade as an emergency physician at the Lachine Hospital and in 2023 was appointed Interim Medical Director of Long-Term Care Services at CHSLD Pavillon Camille Lefebvre while also providing primary care in the Montreal North region.
Did you or a colleague receive a King Charles Medal? Let us know and we’ll update our list!