Neena Kanwar receives Honorary Diploma in Health Sciences

TORONTO, Feb. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - Neena Kanwar, a philanthropist, entrepreneur and champion for patient care, is this year's recipient of The Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences' prestigious Honorary Diploma of Health Science.

Michener Honorary Diplomas of Health Science are awarded to individuals who demonstrate leadership and commitment to applied health care and who are dedicated to the advancement of applied health sciences education. A private reception will be held in her honour in March 2012 and the Honorary Diploma will be conferred at Michener's annual graduation ceremony on June 23, 2012.

Neena Kanwar is co-founder, President and CEO of KMH Cardiology and Diagnostic Centres, the largest provider of Nuclear Cardiology services in North America. Under Ms. Kanwar's leadership KMH is recognized for expanding diagnostic health services across Ontario and the USA and reducing wait times by delivering high quality, accurate diagnostic procedures on a timely basis. Ms. Kanwar is also the founder and past president of the Independent Diagnostic Clinics Association and has served as a Director on the Boards of both St. Michael's Hospital and the Sherbourne Health Care Corporation.  She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto and a Registered Nuclear Medicine Technologist Diploma from The Michener Institute (formerly Toronto Institute of Medical Technology).

"The Michener Institute is very proud to bestow the Honorary Diploma on an alumna this year," says Blair Baxter, Chair of Michener's Board of Governors. "Her innovative contributions to the field of diagnostic imaging serve to inform medical practices and education today."  In 2004 Ms. Kanwar was also recognized by The Michener Institute's Alumni Association as an Alumna of Distinction.

Ms. Kanwar has continually taken a leadership role in the area of independent health facilities, approaching successive governments to implement innovations and enhance rules and regulations governing the sector. She has advanced the understanding of professional care through various research projects, educational seminars/conferences, research papers and participation on committees focused on enhancing health care and community development. A dedicated community builder, Neena and the Kanwar family have supported many worthwhile causes.

The contributions Neena Kanwar has made to health care research and education align with Michener's core values—especially embodying excellence and transforming lives—and make her an outstanding candidate for this honour. Recipients are selected by Michener's Board of Governors.

Past honourees of Michener's Honorary Diploma of Health Science are Dr. Vivek Goel, Dr. Marlene Scardamalia, Dr. C. Joseph Kurian, Dr. Donald Stuss, Mrs. Sonja Bata, Dr. Amitai Ziv, Dr. Robert Byrick, Dr. Daniel Klass, Dr. Sheela Basrur, Dr. David Naylor, and Dr. Diana Schatz, founder of The Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences.

About The Michener Institute
The Michener Institute for Applied Health Sciences is Canada's only post-secondary institution devoted exclusively to applied health science education. Since 1958, Michener has educated applied health professionals who serve a vital role in the country's health care sector in such fields as medical laboratory science, medical radiation sciences, respiratory therapy, chiropody, diagnostic cytology, genetics technology, ultrasound and cardiovascular perfusion.

Interprofessionalism, patient-centred learning and simulation-enhanced education are essentials of the Michener academic experience for over 5,000 full-time, part-time and continuing education students. The Michener Institute is publicly funded by the Province of Ontario, through the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and further enriched through partnerships with universities, private sector companies and leading health care organizations. For more information, visit www.michener.ca.

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