Alumni awards of distinction recipients - 2025 - Advancement

View the list of all award recipients from 2009 to 2024 (PDF, 121 KB).

Congratulations to the 2025 Alumni Awards of Distinction recipients!

On Friday, October 3rd, the Faculty of Medicine proudly honoured six alumni for their outstanding contributions to medicine in Canada and around the world.

The awards, presented during the Homecoming welcome evening, celebrate leaders, innovators, and educators who have made a real impact in their fields.

This year’s recipients were recognized in three categories:

Lifetime Achievement Award – honouring alumni whose extraordinary careers have left a lasting mark on their fields.
Exceptional Leadership Award – recognizing alumni demonstrating outstanding leadership and dedication to their communities.
Rising Star Achievement Award – celebrating promising young graduates making significant contributions to medicine.

These accomplished graduates inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals and reflect the Faculty’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and community impact.

Read on below to learn more about each awardee and their remarkable achievements.

Exceptional Leadership Award

The Exceptional Leadership Award is presented to alumni who have demonstrated professional excellence, leadership and dedication to the community. The recipient is a true champion in the realm of medicine who demonstrates excellence as a community leader.

Recipients:

Dr. Harold Dion

Dr. Harold Dion is a distinguished family physician and a nationally recognized leader in primary care and infectious disease management. His career reflects an unwavering commitment to patient-centered care, medical education, and public health advocacy—hallmarks of exceptional leadership.

Born in Murdochville, Québec, and educated in Elliot Lake, Ontario, Dr. Dion earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Ottawa in 1980 and completed his Family Medicine certification at McGill University in 1982. He began his career at the Kirkland Medical Group, where he provided comprehensive care across emergency medicine, obstetrics, intensive care, and surgical assistance. He then practiced at Clinique Médicale Le Rigaud in Montréal, focusing on family medicine, geriatrics, and sports medicine. Some of Dr. Dion’s most impactful work took place at Clinique Médicale l’Actuel in Montréal - a centre of excellence for the treatment of HIV, hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections, and substance use disorders - where he served from 1988 to 2018.

Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Dion has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of family medicine in Canada. He has served on the Board of Directors and executive committees of both the Collège des médecins de famille du Canada and the Collège québécois des médecins de famille, influencing accreditation, professional development, and clinical guidelines. His contributions as an accreditor and advisor have strengthened the quality and integrity of medical education and practice across the country.

A prolific author and public educator, Dr. Dion has written extensively for both professional and lay audiences, including books such as La Santé au Masculin and SOS Docteur. His work has appeared in peer-reviewed journals and public health publications, and he has served as editor-in-chief for several influential outlets. His media presence—through radio, television, and public speaking—has helped demystify complex health issues and promote wellness nationwide.

Dr. Dion’s dedication to mentorship is equally inspiring. Since 1985, he has supervised medical students, family medicine residents, and infectious disease trainees, and has led workshops and lectures on sexual health, sports medicine, and clinical practice. His impact on medical education continues to resonate through the careers of countless healthcare professionals.
His leadership has been recognized through numerous prestigious awards, including the Prix d’excellence du Collège québécois des médecins de famille, the Prix Dr Jean-Pierre Despins, Fellowship of the College of Family Physicians of Canada, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal. His career exemplifies the values of service, innovation, and leadership—making him a truly deserving recipient of the Alumni Award of Distinction for Exceptional Leadership.

Dr. Jennifer Phillips

Dr. Jennifer Phillips is a celebrated Scientific Director and Scientist at the University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR) at The Royal, where she is a leader in shaping the institute’s vision, strategic priorities, and the integration of research and clinical care. She nurtures partnerships across the broader academic and healthcare communities to accelerate discovery and promote engagement and collaboration.

Beyond The Royal, Dr. Phillips is an esteemed leader in the broader research community.
She is the co-lead of the Mental Health Pillar of the University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute (uOBMRI) and has previously served as the inaugural Interim Director of Research for the University of Ottawa Department of Psychiatry and as Co-Chair of the Research Committee at Suicide Prevention Ottawa. She also serves on the Scientific Advisory Committee for the Precision Child and Youth Mental Health (PCYMH) Collaboratory at CHEO which champions life-changing, individualized care for young patients.

Dr. Phillips is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology at the University of Ottawa, and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Carleton University. She holds a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Ottawa and a BSc from Brock University. Her expertise is in clinical neuroscience, with a focus on depression and suicide prevention.

Dr. Phillips’ ongoing, innovative research investigates the biology of depression using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and peripheral biomarkers; leverages electronic medical record data and machine learning to predict suicidal behaviour; and assesses the efficacy of ketamine to treat depression and suicidal ideation in patients resistant to other forms of treatment. Dr. Phillips has said that exploring this line of research " gives us more hope that this may be a strategy for people who have not responded to other forms of treatment in the past.”

In recognition of her pivotal contributions to mental health research, Dr. Phillips has received grant funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, and the University of Ottawa Medical Research Fund.

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award honours a lifetime of significant contributions to the community and achievement in health care and medicine. Recipients are leaders in their respective fields and have demonstrated professional excellence and selfless dedication over their years of work.

Recipients:

Dr. Marie “Bernadette” Garvey

Dr. Marie “Bernadette” Garvey is a Professor Emeritus in Medicine and in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology at the University of Toronto and St. Michael’s Hospital, where she has played a groundbreaking role in clinical hematology and laboratory medicine.

Educated in a one-room schoolhouse in Mono Mills, Ontario, she earned a BSc before graduating in medicine from the University of Ottawa in 1960 where she was one of the few women in the program. She then completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Toronto. After obtaining her fellowship in Internal Medicine from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in 1965, she trained in hematology and coagulation at Tufts New England Medical Centre and Walter Reed Army Medical Centre, supported by the NIH.

Dr. Garvey has spent her trail-blazing career focusing on coagulation disorders. She served as Director of the Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chief of the Division of Hematology, and Deputy Chief of Medicine at St. Michael’s Hospital, becoming the first female Chief of Staff. She chaired the Provincial Advisory Committee on AIDS, led the development of St. Michael’s AIDS clinic and one of the city’s first palliative care units, and established the first Adult Hemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre in Toronto — now Canada’s largest. Her work directing a twinning program with the nation of Jordan and lecturing throughout the Middle East have earned recognition from the King of Jordan himself.

Dr. Garvey has had a major influence on the medical community in Canada over the years. She has published over 100 papers in peer-reviewed journals and served on more than 70 hospital and university committees, including the Board of Directors of Canadian Blood Services. She chaired numerous NIH review committees, including over 100 site visits for large research grants, and was the first Canadian to chair a major NIH research review committee.

Her greatest inspiration has come from her patients. Early in her career, a young boy with acute leukemia asked her to fix his ears, a moment that has stayed with her, reminding her of the trust and need patients place in physicians.

Dr. Garvey has had a remarkable career befitting the honor of the lifetime achievement award. She is truly a pioneer and a role model to women in medicine. As one of the few women in her department for many years, Dr. Garvey has both witnessed and nurtured the integration of women in the profession. She is a guiding light to young female physicians pursuing their ambitions and the fulfillment that comes with the remarkable careers they have chosen.

Dr. Marc Rodger

Dr. Marc Rodger was appointed the Chair of the McGill University Department of Medicine, Physician-in-Chief, McGill University Health Center and the Harry Webster Thorp Professor of Medicine in January 2020 and re-appointed on January 1, 2025.

Dr. Rodger obtained his MD (Magna Cum Laude) in 1992 from the University of Ottawa after completing his BSc in Physiology at McGill. He completed his post-graduate medical training at UBC and the University of Ottawa in Internal Medicine, Hematology, Thrombosis. He completed an MSc in Epidemiology in 2000.
Prior to his move to McGill, Dr. Rodger was a Full Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Ottawa and a Senior Scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) and Head, Division of Hematology situated in the Ottawa Blood Disease Center (OBDC) at The Ottawa Hospital. He was previously Deputy Director and Director (acting) of the Clinical Epidemiology Program at the OHRI (2007-2009).

Dr. Rodger remains grateful for his time at the OBDC and the invaluable influence of his colleagues in hematology, “I would like to dedicate this award to my blood buddies in Ottawa, the hematology group who were supportive of me and my research and were collaborators in in many of these very successful projects.” The OBDC houses over 35 hematologists/scientists and 100 staff. OBDC members teach at all levels of medical training, conduct leading research with productivity that surpasses almost all Divisions of Hematology worldwide and provide world class care to over 30,000 patients per year.

Dr. Rodger’s teaching, clinical care, and research focuses on venous thrombosis. He founded the Champlain LHIN Regional Thrombosis Program providing world class Thrombosis care with easy access for the 1.4 million people in Canada’s capital. The Ottawa Thrombosis Fellowship program has trained over 20 Thrombosis experts, many of whom have become leaders locally, nationally, and internationally.

Dr. Rodger co-founded and co-directed the Canadian Venous Thrombosis Clinical Trials and Outcomes Research (CanVECTOR) Network from 2015-2020. This CIHR funded network includes over 145 members in over 25 research sites across Canada. Dr. Rodger founded and is the past Chair of International Network of Venous Thrombosis Clinical Research Networks (INVENT). INVENT includes 11 national research networks with over 450 investigators in over 150 research sites throughout the world.

Dr. Rodger was co-Editor in Chief of Thrombosis Research, a major sub-speciality journal in his area of research. He performs reviews for more than 20 journals including top medical journals. He has participated in peer review committees for CIHR, Heart and Stroke and is an international advisor for the German Ministry of Education and Research’s Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis.

“It's a huge honour to receive, you know, a lifetime achievement recognition from University of Ottawa, my alma mater, where my heart is, where I grew up as a physician and as a scientist and as a leader.”

Rising Star Achievement Award

This Rising Star Achievement Award recognizes outstanding alumni who have made significant contributions to health care and medicine. This award honours young alumni with 10 to 20 years of professional experience in their medical specialty.

Recipients:

Dr. Tanya Shaw

Dr. Tanya Shaw is a Reader & Head of Anatomy at King's College London (UK). She specialises in cutting-edge research in wound repair and scarring, with a focus on cell differentiation and extracellular matrix.
Dr. Shaw earned her Honours BSc in Physiology at the University of Western Ontario, and PhD in Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Ottawa, researching ovarian cancer under the supervision of Professor Barbara Vanderhyden. She then moved to the UK, where she began working on wound repair as a postdoctoral fellow with Professor Paul Martin at the University of Bristol. She established her independent research group at St George’s, University of London (2009-2014).

In 2014 Dr Shaw joined King’s College London, where she is now a team leader in the Centre for Inflammation Biology and Cancer Immunology, in the School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, and is a member of the Anatomy teaching department. She was Head of the Anatomy Teaching department from 2021-2025, and since 2024 has been Head of the Department of Inflammation Biology.

The Shaw Group’s research interests revolve around the understanding underlying scarring in of the cell and molecular mechanisms. Dr. Shaw is particularly inspired by the understanding that healing tissues in part re-enact embryonic development. She feels fortunate to be working closely with experts in the field of Developmental Biology to bring new insight. The team is also intrigued by the contributions of nerves to successful healing and is currently working with neuroscientists to investigate the mechanisms for (and one day treat) the debilitating itch and pain associated with pathological scars called keloids. Although Dr. Shaw mostly studies skin, her work is expanding to encompass other fibrotic conditions.

Dr. Shaw’s exciting and pioneering work is a source of hope for patients with a range of conditions. The discoveries her team are making in relation to keloids and their connection to other ailments open the door to new research, treatments, and, ultimately, a better quality of life for countless patients. She is truly deserving of the Rising Star award for her substantial contributions in the advancement of health outcomes and patient care.

Dr. Saadia Sediqzadah

Dr. Saadia Sediqzadah is an esteemed psychiatrist, clinician-investigator and Continuing Medical Education (CPPD) Lead in the Department of Psychiatry at St. Michael’s Hospital and a passionate champion for the health and well-being of under-represented patients.

Dr. Sediqzadah obtained her MD from the University of Ottawa in 2015 and holds a MSc degree in Health Policy and Management from the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health (HSPH). While at Harvard, she was an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Fellow. During her residency training, she was awarded the Zofia Pakula Social Justice Award from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto.

Dr. Sediqzadah is a fierce advocate for refugees and other marginalized populations. The daughter of refugees, she joined a national movement to advocate for the reinstatement of refugee health services in 2012. In July 2019, Dr. Sediqzadah published a personal essay about her experience as a caregiver to her family member with schizophrenia, shedding light on the difficulties balancing her roles as a loving and knowledgeable caregiver. As the only psychiatrist of Afghan descent in Canada, she provides essential support to the Afghan diaspora in the Greater Toronto Area. Her advocacy efforts have garnered considerable national media coverage including The Globe and Mail, CBC Radio and CTV.

Her clinical practice is primarily outreach oriented, providing psychiatric care to patients who are homeless, in the shelter system, or in Toronto Community Housing. She is the psychiatrist lead for the Starting Treatment Early in Psychosis Service (STEPS) program, which serves transitional aged youth (ages 14-35) with psychotic illnesses. She also provides psychiatric care to youth shelters in Toronto via Inner City Health Associates.

Dr. Sediqzadah’s clinical and academic interests centre upon severe and persistent mental illness and marginalized populations. Much of her academic work is rooted in social justice and advocacy. In the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto, she is a Co-Lead for the Underserved/Marginalized Populations Selective and Curriculum for psychiatry residents. In that role, she developed a groundbreaking curriculum on themes including racism in mental health care, providing care to trans and non-binary populations, and police involvement in mental health care. Dr. Sediqzadah’s dedication promoting positive mental health outcomes for long-ignored populations demonstrates the professional excellence and exceptional leadership that make her a Rising Star.