Two MCH physicians appointed to the Order of Canada

Two members of the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (The Institute), also physicians at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, were appointed to the Order of Canada today.

Dr. Nada Jabado, Senior Scientist in the Child Health and Human Development Program at The Institute and a Pediatric Hemato-Oncologist at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, was appointed Officer of the Order, for having revolutionized pediatric neuro-oncology with her discovery of oncohistones, linking mutations in regulatory histones (a type of protein found in chromosomes) to cancer. This groundbreaking work revealed histones’ role in developmental and neurodevelopmental diseases, driving new research, clinical trials and treatments, and reshaping cancer and epigenetics (the mechanism by which cells respond or not to the various genes carried by DNA) studies globally.

Dr. Sam Shemie, Associate Investigator in the Cardiovascular Health Across the Lifespan Program at The Institute and a specialist in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, was appointed Member of the Order. Dr. Shemie has spearheaded advancements in organ donation and transplantation in Canada and abroad. A key figure in policy and research, he has optimized deceased organ donation systems, influenced hospital culture and shaped ethical standards. His seminal work and leadership have led to widely adopted guidelines that have influenced international protocols.

These two appointments are among 88 new appointments announced today by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada.