Key Takeaways
- Two Dalla Lana School of Public Health faculty members, Professor Emeritus Chandrakant Shah and Professor Allison McGeer, have been appointed to the Order of Canada.
- The Order of Canada is one of the highest honors in Canada, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the country and beyond.
- Professor Shah was recognized for his efforts to transform public health education and champion Indigenous health, while Professor McGeer was recognized for her expertise and leadership in infection prevention and control.
- Both professors emphasize the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving success in public health.
- They offer advice for aspiring public health leaders, including the importance of compassion, commitment, courage, communication, and connection, as well as finding a path that takes advantage of one’s strengths and weaknesses.
Introduction to the Order of Canada Appointees
The Dalla Lana School of Public Health is proud to announce that two of its faculty members, Professor Emeritus Chandrakant Shah and Professor Allison McGeer, have been appointed to the Order of Canada. This prestigious honor is one of the highest in Canada, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to the country and beyond. The Order of Canada was created in 1967 and celebrates trailblazers who have made a difference in Canada and beyond. As Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, stated, "Every appointment celebrates not only the talent, expertise and dedication of individuals, but also the countless lives they have touched through their work, vision and contributions."
The Achievements of Professor Chandrakant Shah
Professor Emeritus Chandrakant Shah was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in recognition of his efforts to transform public health education and champion Indigenous health. Throughout his career, Shah has been a driving force for change, working to improve public health education and advocate for Indigenous health. He has authored several books, including "Public Health and Preventive Health Care in Canada," which is used in public health education across Canada and is in its sixth edition. Shah has also worked in partnership with Indigenous communities around the world, pushing for changes to Canada’s citizenship guide and test to include more information about Indigenous Peoples, culture, and history. He has established several initiatives, including the Visiting Lectureship Program on Native Health and the Endowed Chair in Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing at the University of Toronto.
The Achievements of Professor Allison McGeer
Professor Allison McGeer was named a Member of the Order of Canada for her expertise and leadership in infection prevention and control. With over 30 years of experience in the field, McGeer has been a trusted advisor on epidemiological policy, playing a critical role in combating outbreaks of infectious diseases such as SARS, MERS, Ebola, and COVID-19. Her work has led to changes in practice and recommendations, including the importance of taking an antibiotic history before prescribing for sepsis in the emergency department and the use of antivirals to manage influenza outbreaks in long-term care homes. McGeer emphasizes that her achievements are not solely her own, but rather the result of collaboration with her colleagues and teams.
Advice for Aspiring Public Health Leaders
Both Professor Shah and Professor McGeer offer valuable advice for aspiring public health leaders. Shah emphasizes the importance of compassion, commitment, courage, communication, and connection, stating that with these values, "anyone can be a change agent." McGeer advises finding a path that takes advantage of one’s strengths and weaknesses, and recognizing that everyone in public health has a unique role to play. She also highlights the importance of recognizing the value of prevention and the contributions of colleagues and teams. By following these principles, aspiring public health leaders can make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.
Conclusion and Reflection
The appointment of Professor Shah and Professor McGeer to the Order of Canada is a testament to the significant contributions they have made to the field of public health. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring public health leaders, demonstrating the importance of collaboration, compassion, and dedication to improving the health of populations. As the Dalla Lana School of Public Health continues to produce leaders in the field, it is clear that the legacy of Professor Shah and Professor McGeer will have a lasting impact on the future of public health in Canada and around the world.
