Dr. Nada Jabado and Dr. Sam Shemie, both physicians at the Montreal Children's Hospital as well as scientists, were recognized for their exceptional achievements

SOURCE: The Institute and MUHC
December 18, 2024

Dr. Nada Jabado, Senior Scientist in the Child Health and Human Development Program at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (The Institute) and Pediatric Hemato-Oncologist at the Montreal Children’s Hospital of the MUHC, was appointed Officer of the Order of Canada for having revolutionized pediatric neuro-oncology with her discovery of oncohistones, linking mutations in regulatory histones (a type of protein found in chromosomes) to cancer. This groundbreaking work revealed the role of histones in developmental and neurodevelopmental diseases, driving new research, clinical trials and treatments, and reshaping cancer and epigenetics (the mechanism by which cells respond or not to the various genes carried by DNA) studies globally.

Dr. Sam Shemie, Associate Investigator in the Cardiovascular Health Across the Lifespan Program at The Institute and a specialist in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine at the Montreal Children’s Hospital, was appointed Member of the Order of Canada. Dr. Shemie has spearheaded advancements in organ donation and transplantation in Canada and abroad. A key figure in policy and research, he has optimized deceased organ donation systems, influenced hospital culture and shaped ethical standards. His seminal work and leadership have led to widely adopted guidelines that have influenced international protocols.

These two appointments are among 88 new appointments announced today by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada.