Member of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: October 10, 2002
• Invested on: December 12, 2003

A surgeon, researcher and educator, he has played a key role in the establishment of thoracic surgery as a medical discipline. His work with diseases of the trachea, esophagus and thorax led to many innovations, including the 'Pearson procedure', a specialized esophageal surgical technique used internationally. In addition, he initiated the Respiratory Intensive Care Unit at the Toronto General Hospital where the first successful lung transplant in the world was performed. His pioneering work has educated a generation of thoracic surgeons and brought hope to millions of patients.