Congratulations to Dr. Steven Narod, senior scientist at Women’s College Hospital Research and Innovation Institute, who is one of six Canadians to be recognized with induction into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame for 2025.
Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Laureates are Canadian citizens whose outstanding leadership and contributions to medicine and the health sciences, in Canada or abroad, have led to extraordinary improvements in human health. Their work may be a single meritorious contribution or a lifetime of superior accomplishments. Pioneers in their field, they are role models who inspire young Canadians to
pursue careers in the health sciences.
By studying hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, Dr. Narod, who is also director of the Familial Breast Cancer Research Unit at Women’s College Research and Innovation Institute, has improved outcomes for countless patients. In 1991, Dr. Narod was the first to establish a genetic link between these two pervasive cancers. He was also a member of the research teams that discovered the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, which revolutionized the early detection and treatment of cancers related to these mutations. Under his direction, Women’s College Hospital in Toronto has become Canada’s top centre for studying inherited cancer.
In 2017, Dr. Narod was involved in launching The Screen Project, an online portal that allows all Canadians to access genetic testing without doctor referrals and wait times. Dr. Narod realized the immense preventative benefit that this expanded testing would offer, both to participants and to their relatives. His work extends far beyond hereditary cancer, encompassing other forms of cancer as well as quality of life and therapeutic options after diagnosis. After nearly four decades of research and advocacy, he remains at the forefront of cancer prevention and treatment.
Joining Dr. Narod in the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame for 2025 are:
Nadine Caron, OBC MD MPH FRCSC | Innovative leader in Indigenous health and surgical practice Northern Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Prince George Regional Hospital
Deborah J. Cook, OC MD FRCPC FRSC | A pioneering researcher in critical care medicine
Department of Medicine and Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Faculty of
Health Sciences, McMaster University
Geoffery T. Fong, OC PhD FCAHS FRSC | World-leading public health researcher
Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo
Arthur S. Slutsky, CM MD FCAHS FRSC | Changemaker in critical care and respiratory medicine
Departments of Medicine, Surgery, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Keenan Research
Centre, Unity Health, Division of Respirology, St. Michael’s Hospital
The Late Jennie Trout, MD | A revolutionary advocate for women in medicine
“The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame is proud to celebrate Canadian excellence and achievement in health, and we welcome these six individuals whose outstanding contributions have made Canada, and the world, a better place,” said Dr. Thabane, chair of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) “Their impact is well documented, and they have earned their place alongside our 161 Laureates.”
The inductees will be honoured at a ceremony on June 19, 2025, in Hamilton, Ontario, in association with McMaster University, Faculty of Health Sciences.