Dr. David Rush (left) and Dr. Michael West were both appointed to the Order of Canada.
Two UM trailblazers honoured with Order of Canada
Two University of Manitoba affiliated physicians were appointed to the Order of Canada today, the country’s highest honour.
Dr. David Rush, world-renowned transplant nephrologist at HSC Winnipeg/Transplant Manitoba, professor of medicine at UM Max Rady College of Medicine and past director of the nephrology training program at UM, has been instrumental in advancing kidney transplants in Manitoba and Canada-wide.
Rush was appointed a member of the Order of Canada for being one of Canada’s leading kidney transplant clinician-scientists and for his seminal work on the mechanisms underlying graft rejection.
Dr. Michael West, UM professor emeritus, established a world-class neurosurgery centre in Winnipeg improving the treatment of brain tumors. West’s leadership led to Manitoba clinical advancements including the gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery program, the Centre for Surgical Innovation in the Kleysen Institute for Advanced Medicine, and the stereotactic body radiation program using Varian Edge technology.
West [B.Sc.Med./73, MD/73, PhD/80) was appointed a member of the Order of Canada for his leadership and advancement of innovative technologies as the former head of neurosurgery of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority
“Congratulations to Dr. Rush and Dr. West on this great and well-deserved honour. As an internationally-recognized UM nephrology researcher, Dr. Rush has served as an exceptional mentor, role model to junior researchers, and faculty member and his research contributions into preventing the body’s immune system from rejecting kidney transplants are immense improving outcomes for patients in our province and beyond,” said Dr. Brian Postl, dean, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences and vice provost (health sciences).
“Dr. West established Winnipeg as a neurosurgery centre for excellence. His vital leadership in introducing gamma knife surgery to Canada has benefitted countless patients with brain tumours. He has also mentored the next generation of neurosurgeons and residents ensuring we can continue to provide this vital treatment for Manitobans and Canadians.”