Frank W. Stahnisch, MD, MSc, PhD, historian of medicine and neuroscience at the University of Calgary; Mohammad Masudul Hassan Nuri, MBBS (Pb), FCPS (Pak), MRCP (UK), cardiologist at the Tahir Heart Institute in Pakistan; Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, CC, CMM, COM, OQ, CD; and Canadian Armed Forces Surgeon General, Major-General Scott Malcolm, MSC, CD, MD, have been named 2024 Honorary Fellows of the Royal College. This award recognizes exceptional physicians, surgeons or others who are not eligible for Fellowship and have demonstrated outstanding performance in a particular vocation or a specific area of professional activity related to medicine.

• Dr. Frank W. Stahnisch
• Dr. Mohammad Masudul Hassan Nuri
• Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada
• Major-General Scott Malcolm

Leader in history of medicine

Dr. Frank W. Stahnisch is the first international incumbent in the Alberta Medical Foundation/Hannah Professorship in the History of Medicine and Health Care, since it was fully endowed at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine in 2007. He has made significant contributions as an educator, mentor, researcher and program administrator in the history of medicine field in Canada and internationally.

Trained as a medical doctor in the history of medicine and philosophy of science, Dr. Stahnisch’s research enriches scholarship in both health sciences and the cultural history of medicine.

Under his leadership, the Calgary History of Medicine and Health Care Program “has been able to weave the educational, research and outreach activities of the program into an inextricable network,” says Todd Anderson, MD, FRCPC, dean of the Cumming School of Medicine. “These administrative achievements have been accomplished in addition to his own prolific research activities – testified to by over 300 publications and 20 books and edited collections on history of medicine topics along with wide-ranging speaking and lecturing activities nationally and internationally.”

‘Breaking down silos’

Since arriving at the University of Calgary in 2008, Dr. Stahnisch has provided excellence in teaching and research advisory to scores of medical students, residents, research associates, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows with interests in the history of medicine. He actively nurtures a culture of teaching and research in his field through leadership and mentorship. 

Among other contributions benefiting students, he sustained the internationally recognized annual Calgary History of Medicine Days Conferences. Now in its 34th iteration, these conferences have showcased the research of hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students from across Canada, the United States and overseas.

“Dr. Stahnisch is breaking down the silos across disciplines and actively exploring the ever‐ evolving relationship between history and medicine,” says William A. Ghali, MD, FRCPC, vice‐president (Research) at the University of Calgary. “His work reminds us that to advance health care for current populations and future generations, we must understand the history and context of medicine in the past.”

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Contributions as teacher, researcher, mentor

Dr. Mohammad Masudul Hassan Nuri is renowned for his contributions to Cardiology, as well as his outstanding leadership skills, unwavering commitment to research and education, and impactful dedication to humanitarian causes.

He began his career in a military hospital in Pakistan and over 36 years, his clinical expertise and research have guided the work of countless medical practitioners and researchers. 

Dr. Nuri has trained 32 Cardiology fellows currently working around the world. He teaches both undergraduate and postgraduate students as a faculty member and is an examiner in Cardiology for the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Pakistan and the University of Health Sciences in Lahore, Pakistan.

He has convened and organized 27 international medical conferences and delivered the keynote presentation at more than 100 conferences.

Humanitarian leader in cardiac care

Dr. Nuri was instrumental in establishing and nurturing the Tahir Heart Institute – a modern cardiac institute in the most impoverished region of Punjab, Pakistan. Under his leadership, the Tahir Heart Institute has become one of the best tertiary care facilities in Punjab. 

“Coronary artery disease is extremely prevalent and rheumatic heart disease remains endemic in this population and this institute is the solitary facility to service this community,” says Western University cardiologist Patrick Teefy, MD, FRCPC, who volunteered service at the institute. “Dr. Nuri is the academic, medical and moral leader of this hospital.”

Dr. Nuri’s leadership reflects a rare combination of vision, expertise and compassion. His success is rooted in an impressive ability to inspire and motivate teams, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation. 

Through his selfless work with the Tahir Institute and humanitarian organizations, Dr. Nuri has made important contributions in enhancing the health outcomes of underserved communities. His leadership has led many foreign-trained doctors to volunteer their time and clinical expertise at the institute, providing excellent care to a population in need. 

Dr. Nuri’s achievements are a testament to his unwavering commitment to the betterment of health care.

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Prioritizing Canadians’ mental health

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, made it known in her installation speech that mental health would be among her priorities. 

In her statement marking Mental Health Week 2024, the Governor General reminded Canadians that mental health issues “can impact anyone, at any point in their lives, and can present in many different ways.” 

Reflecting on this year’s theme of “a call to be kind,” she added: “When we demonstrate understanding and empathy – by forging relationships, building trust or just listening without judgement – we can have a direct influence over someone’s mental health.”

Mental health tour

In July 2024, the Governor General launched a cross-country Mental Health Learning and Listening Tour. Each session will bring together people of all ages with lived experiences, as well as health practitioners and established experts, to build awareness around innovative practices in the field, particularly in remote, rural and northern areas.

“As individuals and as a country, we must prioritize our mental health the same way we do our physical health. By creating a platform for Canadians to share lived experiences and best practices, I hope to establish a network of support, ideas, resilience and hope. Together, we can improve the mental health landscape from coast to coast to coast,” said Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada.

The national tour will culminate in a Mental Health and Wellness Roundtable at Rideau Hall.

Sources: The Governor General of Canada, CBC News: The National

As stated in the Royal College’s Regulations for the Selection and Admission of Honorary Fellows, Honorary Fellowship shall be offered to the Governor General of Canada, the patron of the Royal College, at the commencement of the term of office.

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Recognizing, addressing stresses of service

In promoting the well-being of Canada’s military, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Surgeon General Major-General Scott Malcolm prioritizes mental health, reminding those serving that there is “no health without mental health.” 

Sacrifices through service

Military service inherently imposes unique hardships, sacrifices and extraordinary risks for CAF members and military families. 

“Not surprisingly, these sacrifices can be a significant source of stress for many of us,” he said in a March 8, 2024, message to CAF members. “I’m passionate about the health and well-being of all CAF members and ensuring that anyone who may be struggling is able to get the help they need,” he said, while sharing a variety of support services available to members.

As the professional head of the Canadian military’s health services, the Surgeon General also advises the Minister of National Defence and the Chief of the Defence Staff on all matters related to the provision of health services and related support to CAF members.

Hailing from Cape Breton, N.S., Major-General Malcolm joined the CAF in 1999 through the Medical Officer Training Plan. Upon completion of his residency in family medicine, he was posted to Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Petawawa. During this posting, he completed an operational tour to Bosnia and a mission with the Disaster Assistance Response Team to Sri Lanka. Major-General Malcolm also completed two subsequent tours to Afghanistan, one to Kandahar and the other to Kabul.

Trained as both a Flight Surgeon and an Advanced Dive Medical Officer, he held positions as Base Surgeon at the clinics in both CFBs Kingston and Halifax. 

Major-General Malcolm was appointed CAF Surgeon General on December 13, 2023.

Sources: Government of Canada, Canadian Forces Health Services Facebook, Wikipedia

As stated in the Royal College’s Regulations for the Selection and Admission of Honorary Fellows, Honorary Fellowship shall be offered to the Surgeon General of Canada, at the commencement of the term of office.

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