Member of the Order of Canada
Awarded on: 2016-05-12
Invested on: 2017-08-25
An accomplished scientist and physician, Catharine Whiteside is known as an
outstanding leader in health care. Director of a strategic diabetes research network and
professor at the University of Toronto, she uncovered cellular mechanisms underlying
diabetic kidney disease, which unlocked new approaches to prevention and treatment.
On a national level, she has served in a variety of roles, including president of the
Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. An exemplary mentor, she became the first
woman to serve as dean of the Faculty of Medicine at her institution, and played a key
role in advancing graduate education in her field.