Four Health Sciences professors named to Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
Four professors with McMaster University’s Faculty of Health Sciences are joining the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) as fellows.
The induction, announced on Sept. 10, is among the highest recognitions of excellence in Canadian academic health sciences. CAHS is a distinguished and esteemed institution dedicated to advancing health research, knowledge and policy in Canada.
“I am delighted to see such accomplished and respected members of our Faculty receive this recognition from the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences,” says Paul O’Byrne, dean and vice-president of the Faculty of Health Sciences. “Many congratulations to Ronald, Martin, Margo and Gerry.”
The Fellows are:
Ronald Barr, professor emeritus in the Department of Pediatrics
Barr has an international reputation based on his research and impact on adolescents and young adults with cancer, the nutritional status and body composition of children with cancer, access to essential medicines for these groups and measurement of their health status and health-related quality of life. With a medical career spanning more than half a century, his extensive list of accomplishments in the field of pediatric oncology has resulted in improved education and training opportunities for cancer care professionals and significantly enhanced the outcomes for children and youth with cancer in our healthcare region, province, country and worldwide.
“I will enjoy sharing this marvellous news with colleagues in low- and middle-income countries where much of my work continues to be undertaken,” says Barr.
Martin Kolb, professor in the Department of Medicine and Pathology & Molecular Medicine
Kolb is a professor in the Departments of Medicine and Pathology & Molecular Medicine, the Jack Gauldie Boehringer Ingelheim Chair in Interstitial Lung Disease, a staff respirologist at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and research director at the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health. His research on interstitial lung diseases and pulmonary fibrosis is recognized internationally and has major impact for the current clinical practice guidelines in this field. He spearheaded a collaborative translational research program in Guangzhou, China and was chief editor for the European Respiratory Journal before and during the COVID-19 pandemic and established it as the second-best journal in respirology. His specialty clinic impacts hundreds of patients, providing treatment options that were non-existent prior to his career.
“It is a great honour and privilege to be inducted as fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. I am delighted to see that the CAHS has recognized my work to improve the health of patients in Canada and globally who suffer from rare lung disease that come with high morbidity and mortality, and I look forward to interacting with other scientists in the Academy,” says Kolb.
Margo Mountjoy, clinical professor in the Department of Family Medicine
Mountjoy is a sports medicine physician and clinical professor from McMaster University who has advanced the field of health care for athletes at the local, national, and international levels. Mountjoy’s publications have provided novel scientific advances, informed clinical guidelines documents, stimulated policy development, and underpinned knowledge translation initiatives to improve the health, safety, and well-being of athletes around the world. Through her influence on the International Olympic Committee, International Sport Federations, and the World Anti-Doping Association, she has advocated to reduce harassment and abuse in sport, recognize and prevent mental health issues in sport, and promote doping-free sport.
“Becoming a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences is truly an honor. I am pleased for the opportunity to impact and improve the health and well-being of Canadians through my work, and I look forward to furthering this objective in the future in my new capacity as a fellow by working collaboratively with other esteemed scientists in the Academy,” says Mountjoy.
Gerard Wright, professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences
Wright is a professor in the Department of Biochemistry & Biomedical Sciences and Distinguished University Professor at McMaster University. Wright is internationally recognized for his leadership and innovation in antibiotic discovery and resistance (AMR). He was the first to describe the ‘antibiotic resistome’, which encompasses resistance elements in pathogens and environmental bacteria that are reservoirs of resistance genes. Wright is also a leader in education and advocacy for AMR. His studies on AMR and the discovery of new antibacterial leads, including inhibitors of resistance, have the potential to improve health significantly.
“Ensuring that we are prepared and can respond to infectious disease threats such as AMR has been the driver of my team’s research for over three decades. Organizations such as the CAHS are instrumental in providing leadership in AMR and I am delighted to join the Academy to advance health research for Canadians,” says Wright.
