Three Members of U of T Medicine Community Appointed to Order of Canada
Governor General David Johnston has appointed a molecular biologist, a peace builder and a former astronaut, all with ties to the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto, to the Order of Canada.
Drs. Thomas Hudson, Arnold Noyek, and Dafydd Rhys (Dave) Williams were granted Canada’s highest civilian honour for their lifetime achievements.
“We are extremely proud of their accomplishments,” said Catharine Whiteside, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine. “From the biology of disease, to building peace around the world and exploring the frontier of space, the extraordinary range and impact of their activities is an inspiration to our students, other faculty members and all Canadians.”
Noyek’s appointment as an Officer recognizes his work setting up programs that screen for hearing problems in thousands of children, and his contributions to peace through international health and education partnerships. The U of T alumnus and Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery is the founder of the Canada International Scientific Exchange Program, a volunteer organization that promotes educational exchanges and knowledge-sharing among many countries, particularly in the Middle East.
“Arnold Noyek’s work has made huge contributions both to training health professionals in skills critical to health screening and health promotion, and to creating goodwill and international understanding in a region of the world that desperately needs it,” said Howard Hu, Dean of the Dalla Lana Faculty of Public Health, where Noyek is also a Professor.
Thomas Hudson was appointed as an Officer for his breakthroughs in genome science and leadership in the field of cancer research. Hudson is a Professor in the Departments of Molecular Genetics and Medical Biophysics, and is President and Scientific Director of the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research. The institute runs several major programs including the Ontario Health Study, which looks at how lifestyle, environment and family history combine to affect our health over many years.
Dave Williams was appointed as a Member for his contributions to space exploration and his leadership in enhancing astronaut health and welfare. He was part of two space shuttle missions, and also lived and worked in an underwater ocean lab. Williams is a former lecturer in the Department of Surgery, who completed a residency in emergency medicine at U of T. He is the President and CEO of Southlake Regional Health Centre.
