The Academy of Exemplary Physicians welcomes new laureates 

The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences honoured eight outstanding physicians for their contributions to patient care, education and the medical community 

On November 20, the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences hosted the second edition of the Academy of Exemplary Physicians ceremony, in Holmes Hall. The event was attended by around 60 guests, including department chairs, physician-in-chiefs and families, who gathered to celebrate McGill’s commitment to clinical excellence.  

In her opening remarks, Lesley Fellows, MDCM, Vice-Principal (Health Affairs) and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, underlined the importance of the Academy of Exemplary Physicians in recognizing doctors who are role models for their peers and trainees whilst promoting the values McGill holds dear—excellence in clinical practice, education and research. “The Academy provides a high-profile platform to inspire and transfer knowledge between generations of physicians,” she noted. 

The 2024 Exemplary Physicians are: 

• Michael Bonnycastle, MD, Department of Medicine, St. Mary’s Hospital 

• Dario Garcia, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gatineau Hospital 

• Elizabeth Hailu, MD, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children’s Hospital 

• David Langleben, MD, Department of Medicine, Jewish General Hospital 

• Isabelle Leblanc, MD, Department of Family Medicine, St. Mary’s Family Medicine Centre 

• Caroline Massicotte, MD, Department of Family Medicine, Centre intégré de santé et des services sociaux de l’Outaouais 

• Chantal Poulin, MD, Department of Pediatrics, Montreal Children’s Hospital 

• Meira Stern, MD, Department of Family Medicine, Goldman Herzl Family Practice Centre 

Honouring the laureates 

During the ceremony, each laureate was introduced by their department chair or delegate, who highlighted their achievements before presenting them with an Academy lapel pin and an autographed copy of The Language of Medicine by Abraham Fuks, MDCM, former Dean and Professor in the Departments of Medicine, Pathology and Oncology, the driving force behind the Academy’s creation who sadly passed away on December 1 (read our tribute to Dr. Fuks).  

The honourees then addressed the audience, sharing their clinical philosophies. Here are a few of their insights: 

 “Our work in clinical practice is about uncovering our patients’ complex stories and providing care that truly addresses their lives.” – Dr. David Langleben 

“Being an exemplary physician goes beyond clinical expertise: it is about understanding the person in their context, advocating for their health and striving for equity in every aspect of patient care.” – Dr. Isabelle Leblanc   

“It’s through close collaboration with community leaders [in Outaouais] that we can create lasting improvements in population health.” – Dr. Caroline Massicotte 

The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt congratulations from Dean Fellows. “These physicians are the embodiment of what we value most: excellence in patient care, in education and in research,” she said. “Their commitment to the well-being of others sets a high standard for all of us.” 

The evening wrapped up with a cocktail dînatoire, where colleagues and family celebrated the honourees’ achievements. 

Congratulations to all the laureates! 

Click on any photo to launch a slideshow. Photos: Owen Egan and Joni Dufour