On June 27, 2024, new appointments to the Order of Canada were announced. The Royal College would like to express our sincere congratulations to the eight Fellows who were among those awarded this great honour. 

Officers 

Lindsay Machan, OC, MD, FRCPC 
Dr. Lindsay Machan has been appointed for his contributions as an early Canadian proponent of Interventional Radiology. A clinical practitioner at the Vancouver Hospital and an associate professor at the University of British Columbia, he continues to innovate while guiding others on their own paths to success. Dr. Machan’s company created and licensed the paclitaxel coated stent, which has improved the lives of people with peripheral arterial disease.

Kenneth John Rockwood, OC, MD, FRCPC 
Dr. Kenneth Rockwood has been appointed for his commitment to improving care for older adults. A Dalhousie University professor and specialist in internal and geriatric medicine, he is a leading expert in frailty research and the creator of the Frailty Index and the Clinical Frailty Scale, now used in health care systems internationally. Senior medical director of Nova Scotia Health’s Frailty and Elder Care Network, Dr. Rockwood is a dedicated clinician and advocate for older patients.

Frances Estelle Reed Simons, OC, MD, FRCPC 
Dr. Estelle Simons has been appointed for the profound global impact she has made on mitigating the effects of allergic reactions and diseases, notably among children. An internationally renowned University of Manitoba professor emerita, she advanced the field of anaphylaxis diagnosis and management. Dr. Simons has been a leading presence in Clinical Immunology and Allergy, as an educator and mentor, and through her leadership of national and international professional organizations and initiatives in the field. 

Members 

Edward Herman Cole, CM, MD, FRCPC

Dr. Edward Cole has been appointed for his dedication to developing and delivering the highest quality of care to people living with kidney disease. An esteemed leader in transplantation and a University of Toronto professor, he was instrumental in establishing a kidney-paired donation program, a highly impactful process now practised in clinical settings across the world. A leader in academic medicine, Dr. Cole was formerly a physician-in-chief at the University Health Network.

Linda Rabeneck, CM, MD, FRCPC

Gastroenterologist and University of Toronto professor Dr. Linda Rabeneck has been appointed for her leadership in colorectal cancer screening and prevention. As Ontario Health’s vice-president of prevention and cancer control, she led the roll-out of ColonCancerCheck, the first province-wide colorectal cancer screening program in the country. The success of this program influenced the development of similar programs across Canada and internationally.

Lee Edward Errett, CM, OOnt, MD, FRCSC 

Dr. Lee Errett has been appointed for his global leadership in cardiac research and care. He transformed St. Michael’s Hospital into a world-class centre for cardiac surgery, teaching and research. A long-standing professor at the University of Toronto, he is committed to educating the next generation of medical leaders. As founding president of the Bethune Medical Development Association, Dr. Errett volunteers his time and expertise to providing care in underserved areas across the world.

Dan Poenaru, CM, MD, FRCSC

Dr. Dan Poenaru has been appointed for his global leadership in Pediatric Surgery. Starting in 2003, the McGill University professor established a pediatric surgical unit and novel training program in a remote area of Kenya, which have subsequently expanded the quality and quantity of treatments within the country and beyond. Dr. Poenaru also helped found three medical schools in Africa and has served in leadership roles with the Global Initiative for Children’s Surgery and BethanyKids.

John Allan Cairns, CM, OBC, MD, FRCPC 

Dr. John Cairns has been appointed for his significant international contributions to Cardiology, notably demonstrating the benefits of aspirin for patients with unstable angina, helping millions of people. As dean of medicine at the University of British Columbia, he led efforts toward its two-fold expansion. Dr. Cairns also served with several academic societies and holds many elected fellowships, including with the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, where he served as president.

Congratulations to all inductees for these outstanding contributions!

Source: The Governor General of Canada