Media advisory - Six visionary health leaders to be inducted into The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

KINGSTON, ON, April 22, 2014 /CNW/ - On Thursday, April 24 six Canadians will be inducted into the world's only national Hall of Fame dedicated to celebrating the contributions of medical heroes who have impacted the lives of Canadians and others around the globe. 575 health care and business leaders from Kingston and across the country will come together to honour these outstanding individuals.

WHO	Dr. Max Cynader, CM (Vancouver, BC) – world renowned neuroscientist
	Dr. Adolfo de Bold, OC (Manotick, ON) – father of cardiovascular endocrinology
	The late Dr. Walter C. 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, OC (Hamilton, ON) – transformed treatment for cardiovascular disease
WHAT	The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame 16^th Induction Ceremony for more than 575 senior health care , business and academic leaders
	Hosted by Queen's University, Faculty of Health Sciences
	Presented by BMO Harris Private Banking
WHEN	Thursday, April 24, 2014 from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.
	Media photo/Interview opportunity: 5:00 – 5:30 p.m.
WHERE	Rogers K-Rock Centre, 1 Tragically Hip Way, Kingston ON

Available Resources

1. Laureate bios & information about The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame available: www.cdnmedhall.org
2. Hi-resolution photos of the newly inducted laureates and tribute videos available 10:00 p.m. (EDT) Thursday, April 24^th www.cdnmedhall.org/induction

About The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame
Established in 1994 and located in London, Ontario, The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame is the only national Hall of Fame in the world dedicated to celebrating medical heroes. By creating an enduring tribute to those men and women who through discovery and innovation have contributed to better health in Canada and the world, The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame inspires the pursuit of careers in the health sciences fostering future innovators and leaders.

About BMO Harris Private Banking
BMO Harris Private Banking is a team of remarkably talented and passionate professionals with diverse expertise who are dedicated to creating a profound impact on the lives of their clients.  Backed by the heritage, stability and resources of BMO Financial Group, professionals at BMO Harris Private Banking are responsible for the successful management of wealth by providing expert advice and highly personalized services in banking, investment management, estate, trust, succession planning and philanthropic services - all in a coordinated and confident approach. 

ABOUT THE INDUCTEES

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. Described as a creative and energetic leader, he has been instrumental in the creation of the new Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, incorporating clinical research into patient care. Dr. Cynader was born in Berlin, Germany and held numerous positions at Dalhousie University in Halifax before moving to British Columbia in 1988.

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. As one of the most important cardiovascular discoveries in the past 50 years, Dr. de Bold revolutionized the understanding of heart physiology and function resulting in improved therapies and diagnostic tools for a number of heart conditions. Originally from Paraná, Argentina, Dr. de Bold completed his MSc and PhD at Queen's University and was subsequently appointed to their academic staff. He moved to Ottawa in 1986 where he served as the inaugural Director of Research at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.

One of Canada's great builders of academic medicine, the late Dr. Walter C. Walter Mackenzie, transformed the University of Alberta's Faculty of Medicine, instrumental in the development of numerous medical and surgical programs.  A visionary, Dr. Mackenzie foresaw the concept of academic health centres and played a pivotal role 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 Surgeon Commander. Born in Glace Bay, Cape Breton in 1909, Dr. Mackenzie received his medical degree from Dalhousie University, surgical training at McGill University and the Mayo Clinic before moving to Alberta.

Dr. T.J. (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. Dr. Murray served as Dean of the medical school at Dalhousie University from 1985 – 92. 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 now widely adopted by medical schools throughout North America. A noted leader 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.  Dr. Worton's national and international leadership roles include four years on the Board of the Human Genome Organization (HUGO), 12 years as Associate Director of the Canadian Genetic Diseases Network, six years as Head of the Canadian Genome Analysis and Technology Program and four years as Founding Scientific Director of Canada's Stem Cell Network.

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 and improved the overall standards and quality of health sciences research globally. Playing a pivotal role in the development of a nationwide network of Canadian cardiovascular researchers, Dr. Yusuf developed a global strategy for cardiovascular disease prevention. A leader in the development of health research policy, his passion currently focuses on countries that are unable to pay for life-saving drugs. He is at the forefront of research that will transform the developing world. An insightful leader, and Rhodes Scholar from India, 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.

SOURCE: The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

Sharon Lomas, Communications and Media Relations, 519.319.0908 / [email protected]