McGillians well represented in recent Order of Canada appointments

When Dr. Sylvia Cruess got word in December that she had been named an Officer of the Order of Canada, she laughed. “Honestly, I thought somebody was playing a joke on me,” said Cruess with a chuckle. “I think my husband appreciates it more than I do because it still hasn’t really sunk in for me. To be included among such a distinguished group of people is a great honour.”

By McGill Reporter Staff

When Dr. Sylvia Cruess got word in December that she had been named an Officer of the Order of Canada, she laughed. “Honestly, I thought somebody was playing a joke on me,” said Cruess with a chuckle. “I think my husband appreciates it more than I do because it still hasn’t really sunk in for me. To be included among such a distinguished group of people is a great honour.”

Cruess, a Professor of Medicine and Core Faculty at the Centre for Medical Education at McGill, was recognized for her pioneering contributions to the understanding of medical professionalism and its relationship with medicine’s social contract. She was one of 54 new appointees – 12 Officers (O.C.), and 42 Members (C.M.) – as announced on Dec. 30, by the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada.

Including Cruess, ten people with McGill ties were appointed to the Order of Canada. These people include:

Clément Gosselin, O.C.  (Ph.D. ’88) for his contributions to the fields of robotics and mechatronics, notably for his work on parallel mechanisms and articulated robotic hands.

Maurice McGregor, O.C., (emeritus professor) for having pioneered and championed the field of health technology assessment in Canada, and for his leadership in medical education and cardiology.

Bernard Blishen, C.M. (BA’49) for his role in advancing sociology as an academic discipline, as well as the sociology of medicine in Canada.

Anthony (friend) and Elizabeth Comper, C.M. (BEd’79) for their commitment to the community at large as active volunteers and philanthropists.

Ellis Jacob, C.M. (BCom’74) for his contributions to the theatrical entertainment industry as a business leader.

Gilles Julien, C.M. (Faculty member) for his innovative contributions as a driving force in social pediatrics.

M. Joy Maclaren, C.M. (Agr&Eng ’44) for her contributions as a volunteer and philanthropist, notably in the areas of post-secondary education and social service.

Robert H. Taylor, C.M. (Med’70) for his humanitarian contributions to improving medical services and surgical care in underserved populations of the world.

The recipients will be invited to accept their insignia at a ceremony to be held in Ottawa in April.