MUHC Foundation and Department of Medicine Rising Star in Medicine Gala

MUHC Community

May 15, 2023

May 11th was a lavish evening celebrating the very best in up-and-coming medical talent at the MUHC.

Surrounded by crystal chandeliers and gilded ceilings reminiscent of Victorian-era luxury, a coterie of MUHC physicians and hospital leadership gathered at the Windsor Ballroom to praise the achievements of their peers and top early-career researchers.

The evening marked the official launch of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation and Department of Medicine’s Rising Star Program. This elite program provides funding to promising early-career physician-scientists. Recipients are awarded funding to kick-start their research, training and mentorship from top physician-scientists in Montreal. Currently, the MUHC Foundation is actively fundraising to provide a transformative award of $300,000 to each Rising Star. A new Rising Star will be named every two years.

Attendees savoured a Mediterranean inspired meal, sparkling wine and enjoyed the music of high-energy showband SophistOccasion. Throughout the extravagant evening, numerous awards were given out honouring the MUHC’s up-and-coming talented physician-scientists and leaders within the Department of Medicine.

Dr. Benjamin Mappin-Kasirer was awarded the prestigious Sylvia Cruess Award, named for the first woman medical director of the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH), recognizing a 3^rd year medical resident at the RVH for their professionalism and clinical excellence. Dr. Carlo Fallone was awarded the Physician-in-Chief Award, recognizing his outstanding service and contributions to the McGill Department of Medicine. Ten other awards were given recognizing exceptional medical residents and physicians.

MUHC Foundation President and CEO Julie Quenneville awarded all-star cardiologist Dr. Patrick Lawler the first Rising Star Award. Dr. Lawler brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge as he returns to Montreal from the University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto to lead innovative clinical research in cardiology at the MUHC. His research focuses on the relationship and impact of severe infections on heart attacks and long-term outcomes after critical illness.

The Rising Star Program will ensure the MUHC continues to develop as a globally recognized institution by supporting world-class talent right here in Quebec.

The MUHC Foundation would like to express its gratitude for the support of the Gala’s sponsors: Integral Capital Partners, Richardson Wealth Bakish Wealth and Restaurant Petros Taverna Westmount.