Meet the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient for Academic Innovation
Honouring Dr. James Blanchard’s innovative research, leadership and global impact
We are proud to celebrate Dr. James (Jamie) Blanchard [BSc(Med)/86, MD/86] as the recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award for Academic Innovation. A dedicated leader in public health and epidemiology, Jamie’s groundbreaking research and visionary leadership have transformed the way we understand and address health disparities both locally and globally. From his early days as a rural physician in Manitoba to his influential role as a Canada Research Chair, Jamie’s innovative approach to public health challenges exemplifies his commitment to creating healthier, more equitable communities as he continues to inspire future generations of scholars and practitioners alike.
Making a difference on a local and global scale
After earning his BSc and MD from the University of Manitoba in 1986, Jamie began his career as a physician in rural Manitoba with the UM’s Northern Medical Unit. This early experience sparked a passion for public health, inspiring him to pursue advanced degrees at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) a Master of Public Health in 1990 and a PhD in Epidemiology in 1997.
After his studies at JHU, Jamie returned home and served as Manitoba’s Provincial Epidemiologist (1992-2000) and rejoined the University of Manitoba as a faculty member in the departments of Community Health Sciences and Medical Microbiology in 1996. In 2001 he relocated to India and led the establishment of several large-scale UM public health projects focused on HIV and maternal, newborn and child health. After returning from India, he founded and took on the role of Director of the Centre for Global Public Health (now the Institute for Global Public Health). Over the years, his innovative research and leadership earned him a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in 2004, and most recently, a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair — which acknowledges him by his peers as a world leader in his field. — a recognition that came with $1.4 million in funding over seven years to support his broad and impactful research. His leadership has been instrumental in establishing the UM as an international leader in global public health, securing more than $450 million in international funding for research, program delivery and technical support.
“One of the unique aspects of being at the University of Manitoba is the long history and legacy of having responsibility. The University of Manitoba has had responsibility for providing care for people who live in the North and Indigenous communities.” Explains Jamie.
In 2020, his leadership helped transform the Centre for Global Public Health into the Institute of Global Public Health, a university-supported hub that encourages collaboration across disciplines and borders. The Institute’s approach has provided a globally-recognized model for how academic institutions can play a transformative role in improving health outcomes for underserved and marginalized populations.
“There’s always been that sense that the university is not just there to do the research and the teaching, but it’s also there to make a difference,” says Jamie. “And that has influenced the way that we do our global health programs.”
Leading change in public health
Jamie’s research is both wide-ranging and influential. His international work focuses on understanding how diseases like HIV and other sexually transmitted infections spread through diverse populations, including in India. By studying transmission networks, he’s helped shape prevention strategies that are now used around the world.
Closer to home, his work has looked at why some communities in Canada face higher rates of diseases like diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease. By exploring the factors behind these disparities, Jamie has aimed to develop targeted prevention programs that can improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
His work bridges scientific discovery and real-world impact — translating research into effective public health programs and collaborating with policymakers and health leaders both in Canada and internationally. His dedication has helped improve health outcomes for disadvantaged communities.
Jamie’s contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2001 Frederick G. Banting Award from the Canadian Diabetes Foundation and the Rh Award for Health Sciences in 2006. He also received the Scholastic Award from Doctors Manitoba in 2013 and was named a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences in 2022.
A humble leader focused on service
Despite his many accomplishments, Jamie remains humble and focused on the greater good. His work is driven by a genuine desire to make a difference, often putting public interest above personal recognition. He is also dedicated to mentoring the next generation of leaders, sharing his knowledge and experience to inspire others. As he puts it, “In this line of work where you depend on so many people at your institution and within your teams around the world, having this honour reminds me how privileged I’ve been to able to work with such a great team and in such a supportive university environment.”
Jamie’s career exemplifies the qualities celebrated by the Distinguished Alumni Award for Academic Innovation. His pioneering research, guidance, and constant dedication continue to inspire those around him. As he shapes public health policy and practice worldwide, his legacy as a leader and innovator grows stronger. We’re proud to celebrate Jamie’s remarkable journey at the 66th UM Distinguished Alumni Awards presented by TD Insurance on September 18, 2025.
Learn more about this year’s inspiring 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.