St. Michael’s physicians named to Order of Canada

By Madison Thakore

Drs. James Waddell and Mitchell Halperin have been appointed members of the Order of Canada, one of the nation’s highest honours.

Dr. Waddell was recognized for “his sustained leadership within the field of orthopaedic surgery and for his dedication to advancing best practices in orthopaedic care across Canada.”

In addition to his more than 40 years as an orthopaedic surgeon at St. Michael’s Hospital, Dr. Waddell has made considerable contributions to the field extending beyond our hospital walls: he has previously served as the Chair of the Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation, been a member of the Steering Committee for Bone and Joint Canada and led expert panels for Health Quality Ontario.

“Dr. Waddell has dedicated more than 40 years to our trauma centre and surgical services, and held leadership positions at the hospital, including surgeon-in-chief and medical director of the Trauma Program,” said Tim Rutledge, president and CEO of the Providence, St. Joseph’s and St. Michael’s health network. “Nationally, his leadership is evident through his work as past president of the Canadian Orthopaedic Association and chair of the Expert Panel for Orthopaedic Surgery for Health Quality Ontario.”

Dr. Halperin is a leading educator and researcher with the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, as well as a renal physiologist at St. Michael’s Hospital. As an internationally recognized leader in the field, his past accomplishments include being a lifetime honorary member of the Royal Society of Canada, past recipient of the American Society of Nephrology’s Robert G. Narins Award and past professor at the University of Toronto.

“In the 50 years Dr. Halperin has been with St. Michael’s, he has been responsible for building up the Division of Nephrology and has become a renowned researcher and educator in the field of nephrology. His dedication to pursue excellence through teaching is well-respected internationally and has deservingly resulted in more than 300 invited lectures and visiting professorships over the course of his career,” said Dr. Rutledge.

“The Order of Canada is a tremendous honour and acknowledgement of both Dr. Waddell and Dr. Halperin. Both have made considerable contributions to advancing patient care in their respective fields. We at St. Michael’s and the network are incredibly proud of their appointment,” said Dr. Rutledge.

Congratulations also to Jon Love, a major supporter of the St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation, who was appointed a member of the Order of Canada for his leadership in business and contributions to education and health care. Love, alongside his wife, Nancy, and the Barford family, supported the development of the future Barlo MS Centre in the new Peter Gilgan Patient Care Tower at St. Michael’s Hospital.

The Order of Canada, awarded on behalf of the Governor General of Canada, is appointed to individuals who showcase outstanding achievements through dedication in service and contributions to their communities and the country as a whole. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, made 105 new appointments to the Order of Canada on June 29.

About St. Michael’s Hospital

St. Michael’s Hospital provides compassionate care to all who enter its doors. The hospital also provides outstanding medical education to future health care professionals in more than 29 academic disciplines. Critical care and trauma, heart disease, neurosurgery, diabetes, cancer care, care of the homeless and global health are among the Hospital’s recognized areas of expertise. Through the Keenan Research Centre and the Li Ka Shing International Healthcare Education Centre, which make up the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, research and education at St. Michael’s Hospital are recognized and make an impact around the world. Founded in 1892, the hospital is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto.