Spirit of the College Award
The Louis Horlick “Spirit of the College of Medicine Award” was established by the Alumni Association in honour of Dr. Louis Horlick, Professor Emeritus, Department of Medicine, for his contributions to the College of Medicine.
The annual award is presented to an individual associated with the college who has contributed over and above the call of duty and shows the spirit, dedication and enthusiasm that Dr. Horlick has exemplified over his career. The first presentation of this award was made to Dr. H.J. Spooner at the College of Medicine 50th anniversary celebrations.
Congratulations Dr. Mark Inman on being named the 2023 Spirit of the College Award recipient! The award was presented during the 2023 Highlights in Medicine Conference and Reunion banquet.
Dr. Inman is an assistant professor and pediatric residency director with clinical interests in pediatric endocrinology and diabetes at the College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan.
Here is what his nominator and supporters had to say about him:
- His leadership style is driven by his strong values of advocacy, inclusion, growth, and kindness. He is an inspiration to many and shows a strong commitment to his work, his friends, and colleagues, and importantly to his family.
- Numerous patients have remarked that he is extremely knowledgeable, generous with his time and tremendously compassionate.
- He appreciates the importance of community both within and outside of work for himself, the members of the Department of Pediatrics and for the pediatric patients of Saskatchewan, and nurtures relationships to foster the wellness of these communities.
- He has spearheaded the transition to Competency by Design(CBD) in pediatrics, which was an enormous undertaking, and the residents are flourishing as a result.
2022 – Dr. Trustin Domes
2021 – Dr. Rachel Asiniwasis
2020 – Dr. Kathy Lawrence
2019 – Dr. Annette Epp
2018 – Dr. Jose Francisco Lopez
2017 – Dr. William (Bill) Albritton
2016 – Dr. George Pylypchuk
2015 – Dr. Garth Bruce
2014 – Daphne Tkachuk
2013 – Dr. Don Stefiuk
2012 – Dr. Jack Haver
2011 – Dr. David Keegan
2010 – Dr. Ian Holmes
2009 – Dr. Earl DeCoteau
2008 – Dr. Robert Card
2007 – Dr. Lorne Hansen
2006 – Dr. George R. Armitage
2005 – Robert A. Hickie
2003 – Dr. H.J Spooner
After medical studies at McGill University, Dr. Horlick joined the faculty of the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan in 1954. A cardiologist, Dr. Horlick pursued extensive teaching and research mainly in the area of hardening of the arteries. In 1962 he became Professor of Medicine, and from 1964 to 1971, he was head of the Department of Medicine. After retirement in 1989, Dr. Horlick was appointed professor emeritus and continued an active program of research and publications. He was also involved in preventive medicine and lifestyles programs for seniors.
An internationally known authority on cardiology and cholesterol, Dr. Horlick made a significant contribution to the understanding and prevention of heart disease. In addition to his professional career, he volunteered extensively with the Saskatchewan Heart and Stroke Foundation, serving as a member of the board, on various committees and as president. Dr. Horlick was the leader in establishing a cardiac rehabilitation program for patients of all three Saskatoon hospitals. He is known in Saskatoon as the “father of 9-1-1” for his role in the introduction of the emergency telephone number.
In 1988 Dr. Horlick received a National Volunteer Award, and in 1991 was the recipient of the prestigious James Graham Award of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Horlick was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1994.
- A selection committee comprised of the Dean of Medicine, President, Past-President and Vice-President of the College of Medicine Alumni Association will select a worthy recipient of the “Louis Horlick Spirit of the College of Medicine Award”.
- The award will be open to nominations from the all alumni, faculty, staff and students of the College of Medicine.
- All of the College of Medicine alumni, faculty, residents, students and staff are eligible for nomination.
- The individual must have exemplified service and dedication over and above the call of duty.
- The award will be made once a year at a time and place to be set by the College of Medicine Alumni Association.
Spirit of the Class Award
The Spirit of the Class Award is presented annually to a member of the College of Medicine graduating class that has clearly epitomized their class spirit over the entire four-year program.
The College of Medicine Alumni Association is thrilled to present the Spirit of the Class Award in 2023 to Dr. Eman Abdulhadi (MD’23).
Congratulations, Dr. Abdulhadi! The College of Medicine Alumni Association is proud of you!
2020 – Odell Tan
2019 – Steven West
2018 – Nolan Rau
2017 – Taylor Oliver
2016 – Ronelle Calver
2015 – Crombie Maltman
2014 – Navid Robertson
2013 – Lynsey Martin
2012 – Julie Baxter
2011 – Shandy Fox
2010 – Susan Bobbitt
2009 – Rachel Gough
2008 – Leslie Chatterson
2007 – Jennifer Cram
2006 – Helen Lowry, Alistair Wall
2005 – R.A. Schubert
2004 – Dallas Pearson
2003 – Morgan L. Brown
2002 – Sapna Makhija
2001 – Julie L. Stakiw
2000 – Anthony Chad
1999 – Andrea J. Lavoie
1998 – Jenny Wong
1997 – Teddy Braun
1997 – Patrick O'Keefe
1996 – Philip Clark
1995 – Gordon Goplen
1994 – Kathrine Lawrence
1993 – Lara Gamelin
1992 –
1991 – Rashmi Bhargava
1990 – Michael Nicholls
1989 – Patrice Pollock
1988 –
1986 – Gary Goplen
1985 – Shirley Bell
USask Honorary Degrees
Honorary degrees are the highest honour USask can award, acknowledging the worthy and unique contributions recipients have made to their community and to the world. The university recognizes individuals who have achieved outstanding accomplishments in research, scholarly and artistic works; performed exceptional public service; contributed greatly through their professional or philanthropic activity; and demonstrated extraordinary athletic prowess.
2023 – Dr. John Conly (MD'78), Honorary Doctor of Science
Born in Macklin, Sask., Dr. John Conly (MD) was a distinguished graduate of the class of 1978 in the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), and has gone on to a celebrated career as a physician, scholar, and administrator.
His work in the areas of antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial stewardship, and infection prevention have been recognized nationally and internationally, for which he received an appointment to the Order of Canada in 2018, one of the country’s highest civilian honours. Other honours received during his illustrious career include the F.N.G. Starr Award in 2022, the highest award bestowed by the Canadian Medical Association and considered the “Victoria Cross” of Canadian medicine, the O’Brien Institute for Public Health Research Excellence Award in 2021, and a USask Alumni Achievement Award in 2017, presented for his commitment to advancing the medical profession and dedication to public service.
Dr. Conly also received the Alberta Medical Association’s Medal for Distinguished Service in 2016 for recognition of outstanding personal contributions to the medical profession, the Ronald Christie Award from the Canadian Professors of Medicine in 2012 for outstanding contributions to academic medicine, and he has had an Innovation Award and a Distinguished Lectureship co-named in his honour. He has published over 500 manuscripts, book chapters, technical reports, and guidelines and has been a speaker at more than 200 local, national and international meetings and conferences.
He is recognized as one of the world’s leading infectious diseases specialists and a pre-eminent expert on antimicrobial resistance, serving on advisory groups within Canada and the World Health Organization. A professor and researcher whose career has spanned nearly four decades at the Universities of Saskatchewan, Toronto, and Calgary, he has served on multiple committees to establish national and international guidelines that minimize the risk of transmission of hospital-acquired infections and antimicrobial resistant organisms. He has worked to help identify and control hospital outbreaks, with his expertise and leadership in infection prevention recognized throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Conly’s visionary leadership led to the founding of the Ward of the 21st Century in 2004, a partnered program between UCalgary and Alberta Health Services. The multidisciplinary initiative is focused on innovations to improve the quality of care in health-care systems. A dedicated leader, scholar, mentor and former head of UCalgary’s Department of Medicine, he is sought internationally for his expert advice, and has driven research and innovation in health systems, improving patient care and impacting countless lives.
2023 - Elder Sharon Jinkerson-Brass, Doctor of Laws
Elder Sharon Jinkerson-Brass is a member of Key First Nation in Saskatchewan and has been an integral member of the Pewaseskwan Indigenous Wellness Research Group at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), supporting its work as a Traditional Knowledge Holder and Elder for the past eight years.
Her contributions have had profoundly positive effects on the communities that she has served with on a number of health-related projects. Currently working with USask researcher Dr. Alexandra King (MD) co-lead of Pewaseskwan, Elder Jinkerson-Brass is providing support and Indigenous voice to a health-care project involving USask, Key First Nation, and Yorkton Tribal Council, to support research on heart disease and spinal-bulbar muscular atrophy, also known as Kennedy’s Disease. The project prioritizes Indigenous knowledge systems and culturally responsive health research, services, and programming.
Blessed with a remarkable ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, Elder Jinkerson-Brass has influenced numerous scholars at USask, as well as nationally and internationally. Her life’s work has focused on Indigenization, decolonization, cultural revitalization, and the restoration of matriarchal teachings. She has also worked as an adoptee rights advocate, as a leader in the urban Indigenous community, and most recently in a leadership role in Indigenizing community-based health research, bringing a grounded and trauma-informed, harm-reduction approach.
Elder Jinkerson-Brass is also an award-winning artist who was the artistic director of Big Sky, a successful multi-media company that performed in the United States and Canada. For 30 years she has also been a community leader working for social change for the Indigenous community in the areas of arts, culture, health and community development. Her expertise is in high demand for those who are privileged to work with her and will have ongoing impact in Indigenous health and wellness research.
As a Sixties Scoop adoptee, she had to reconnect with her roots and her community. In her early 20s, she reunited with her matriarchal grandmother, who became her mentor and teacher in her cultural ways. Elder Jinkerson-Brass’s relationship with her family and the broader Indigenous community has informed and inspired her work, her motherhood and her grand-motherhood. She recognizes the importance of connection, culture and land.
Dr. David Mulder (MD) received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree at 2021 Fall Convocation. One of the most highly respected surgeons of his generation, Dr. David Mulder is renowned across the country.
A pioneer in trauma surgery in Quebec, Mulder has served as the team physician for the National Hockey League’s Montreal Canadiens for more than 50 years, was the chief surgeon at Montreal General Hospital from 1977 to 1998, and has worked with the McGill University Sports Medicine Centre since 1994.
Born in Eston, Sask., Mulder graduated with a medical degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1962 and a year later began his training in general surgery at Montreal General Hospital. After spending two years specializing in chest surgery at the University of Iowa, Mulder returned to Quebec where he has practiced medicine ever since. In addition to being the surgeon-in-chief of the Montreal General Hospital, Mulder was the chair of the McGill Department of Surgery, and the director of the Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at McGill.
An outstanding scholar, researcher and health-care leader, Mulder has been the recipient of major awards and tributes, including being made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1997, earning the James H. Graham Award of Merit from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and being selected for the USA National Safety Council Award.
Mulder has received a number or prominent professional appointments during his career, including having McGill University name a research chair in surgery in his honour. McGill also paid tribute to Mulder in October of 2015 by renaming the university’s trauma centre at Montreal General Hospital as the Dr. David S. Mulder Trauma Centre.
Mulder is credited with being the driving force in developing a province-wide trauma treatment system in Quebec in the 1980s, an advancement that helped to reduce the trauma-related mortality rate in the province by 50 per cent. He has also served as only the second Canadian to be president of the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma. Mulder was also a founding member of the Pan American Trauma Society and president of the International Trauma Group.
In 2015, the Canadiens celebrated his 50 years serving as the NHL team’s physician by honouring him during a ceremonial puck drop at the opening faceoff during a nationally televised game between Montreal and Toronto at the Bell Centre. Among his many achievements, Mulder was instrumental in advancing early awareness in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of head injuries, and served as president of the NHL Team Physicians Society from 2003 to 2006.
USask Alumni Achievement Award
The Alumni Achievement Awards are presented annually to USask graduates who advance the reputation of the University of Saskatchewan and the Alumni Association. Award recipients are chosen for their outstanding achievements and innovation; commitment to excellence; community engagement and leadership; and contributions to the social, cultural and economic well-being of society.
Established in 1978, the University of Saskatchewan Alumni Association Awards honour the outstanding accomplishments of our alumni and attest to the excellence of the University of Saskatchewan educational experience.
Nominations for the 2023 USask Alumni Achievement Awards are now open.
Do you know a USask graduate who deserves public recognition for their career accomplishments, impact on their community, or do they bleed green in their commitment to USask? Nominate them for an Alumni Achievement Award! View the online nomination form and terms of reference.
Called a “triple threat” by her peers for her excellence in clinical practice, research and education, Dr. Sherine Gabriel is a leading physician in the United States, a Fellow of the National Academy of Medicine and an elected member of the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons.
Emigrating from Egypt to Canada as a child, Dr. Gabriel challenged cultural and gender roles in the College of Medicine at USask and stood out as a leader among her peers. She started her career at Mayo Clinic as a resident physician and continued there as a physician, researcher, educator and leader for nearly 30 years, culminating in her appointment as dean of Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in 2012.
Dr. Gabriel’s research has resulted in more than 250 publications addressing rheumatic diseases. In 2019, she became the President of Rush University in Chicago, where she is preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals to thrive in a changing environment.
Congratulations, Dr. Gabriel!
Drs. Suzanne Yip and Ivan Jen are an exceptional couple who have made outstanding contributions to the medical profession, the artistic community and more broadly as generous philanthropists.
As newcomers to Canada from Hong Kong, Ivan and Suzanne overcame significant obstacles to attend the University of Saskatchewan. They met while attending medical school and were the first two Chinese-born immigrants to graduate from the College of Medicine in their respective specialties of dermatology and radiology.
Today, their philanthropic endeavors reach many supporters of the hospital foundations, University of Saskatchewan, Remai Modern, Saskatoon Community Foundation, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, Meewasin Valley Authority, and others.
Presented for his commitment to advancing the medical profession and his dedication to public service.
Dr. John Conly is internationally recognized as one of the world’s leading infectious diseases specialists and a pre-eminent expert on antimicrobial resistance, serving on advisory groups within the World Health Organization in this capacity. John was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal from the Alberta Medical Association, which is awarded for outstanding personal contributions to the medical profession.
Presented for her outstanding contributions to education and research.
Dr. Sherril Gelmon’s career has been devoted to developing management, policy and organizational research in health care. She received the 2017 Filerman Prize for Educational Leadership from the Association of University Programs in Health Administration for her contributions to health administration, education and leadership. She is currently a professor at the Oregon Health and Science University and Portland State University School of Public Health.
Presented for his commitment to athletics, sports, wellness, education and research.
Dr. David Mulder became surgeon-in-chief at the Montreal General Hospital in 1977. Among the positions he holds are medical director of the McGill Sports Medicine Centre and consulting staff for the Montreal Canadiens and Montreal Alouettes. David helped develop a trauma care system in Quebec based on regionalization of care. In 1997, he was recognized as a member of the Order of Canada.