Health Research Foundation Announces Recipient of Its Medal of Honour

Ottawa, Ontario–(Newsfile Corp. – November 24, 2021) – The Health Research Foundation (HRF) of Innovative Medicines Canada today awarded its prestigious Medal of Honour to Dr. Astrid Guttmann at the HRF’s annual stakeholder conference. Dr. Guttmann is a physician and Senior Scientist in the Child Health Evaluative Sciences (CHES) program at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), and a senior scientist and chief science officer at ICES.

Dr. Guttmann specializes in health systems performance and policy evaluation related to the care of children and youth. Her research focuses on the use of population-based administrative data to improve health outcomes for children and youth facing a variety of complex disorders. Dr. Guttmann’s innovative research and work have greatly impacted and influenced child-related healthcare policy nationally and internationally. In addition, Dr. Guttmann will receive $20,000, which she has chosen to donate to SickKids. The funds will support summer students from under-represented communities at SickKids Research Institute.

About the HRF Medal of Honour

Since 1945, the HRF Medal of Honour has been awarded annually to exceptional individuals whose work or contribution to public policies in support of research and development in Canada have achieved international recognition, including Dr. Charles Best for the co-discovery of insulin and The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, QC, for his contribution to Canada’s health care system.

Quotes

“I am humbled to be recognized with the HRF Medal of Honour. I’m passionate about providing students with the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the field of paediatrics. There are so many factors that affect the health outcomes of children. With more trained professionals, especially those with lived experiences of social inequities, we can continue to make progress with our research, reduce these inequities in the system, and better inform policy that has a direct impact on the health of children.” Dr. Astrid Guttmann.

“I want to congratulate Dr. Astrid Guttman on this tremendous recognition of her leadership and dedication to improving child and youth health through population-based research on health program and policy performance. Dr. Guttman’s work is an example of how our researchers at SickKids aim to address and advance the health of the whole child, critically examining how health systems impact health inequity and outcomes of patients and their families.” Dr. Stephen Scherer, Chief of Research, SickKids

“The HRF is extremely pleased to honour Dr. Guttmann with its Medal of Honour. Her work in the field of paediatrics in Canada has had a profound impact on the broader community of health services and policy research. We’re excited to see her work continue to shape and improve the health outcomes of children and youth at the national and international levels. On behalf of the HRF, I congratulate her on this well-deserved distinction.” Mel Cappe, Chair of the HRF Board of Directors.

“Dr. Guttmann’s exceptional combination of mentorship, leadership, research experience and health policy impact make her one of the foremost experts in children and youth healthcare. Her work makes a tremendous difference in the health of paediatric patients, especially those with higher healthcare requirements due to social vulnerability or underlying medical conditions. My sincerest congratulations to her.” Pamela Fralick, President, Innovative Medicines Canada.

About the Health Research Foundation

The Health Research Foundation (HRF) of Innovative Medicines Canada is a non-profit organization that invests in health research in Canadian academic centres and promotes the benefits and values of research-driven health innovation in Canada. By applying the highest standards of scientific excellence, establishing strategic partnerships and promoting the value of research, the HRF contributes to the prevention and treatment of disease, leading to a better healthcare system and access to effective health products. Innovative Medicines Canada members generously donate a million dollars annually to the HRF ensuring research will continue to benefit Canadians for years to come.

Dr. Astrid Guttmann

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Medal of Honour

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For further information:

Erin Brophy
Executive Director, Communications
Telephone: 613-236-0455, extension 241
E-mail: media@imc-mnc.ca

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