Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, announced 83 new appointments to the Order of Canada in late June, including two distinguished Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences professors who were named Members of the Order of Canada: Myrna Lashley, PhD, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, and Dan Poenaru, MD, PhD, Professor in the Department of Pediatric Surgery.
Established in 1967, the Order of Canada celebrates outstanding achievements and extraordinary contributions. Over the years, its members have been honoured for inspiring innovation, for shaping who we are, and for enriching Canada’s fabric.
“The Order of Canada recognizes individuals who have made positive and lasting impacts on communities here in Canada or who have brought honour to our country abroad,” said Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada. “As we progress towards an Order that is reflective of Canada’s full diversity, I encourage all Canadians to nominate individuals who inspire them, from all walks of life and backgrounds. Congratulations to the new appointees and thank you to the nominators who cast a spotlight on their achievement, purpose and exceptional talent.”
Congratulations Prof. Lashley and Dr. Poenaru!
About the FMHS Order of Canada Members:
Myrna Eunilda Lashley, C.M.
Myrna Lashley is an important advocate against racial profiling. An associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at ƻԺ, she is internationally recognized as an authority on cultural psychology and mental health. She has played a vital role in shaping policies, practices and interventions that promote equity, inclusivity and cultural sensitivity. Her commitment to racial justice has helped improve the experiences and outcomes for marginalized groups across Canada.
Dan Poenaru, C.M.
Dan Poenaru is a ƻԺ professor and pediatric surgeon. Starting in 2003, he 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. He also helped found three medical schools in Africa, and has served in leadership roles with the Global Initiative for Children’s Surgery and BethanyKids.