‘Father of knowledge translation’ among Community of Distinction honourees
Left to right: Jonathan Lomas, Raelene Rathbone and John Bienenstock were recently honoured by the University with induction into the Faculty of Health Sciences' Community of Distinction. The ceremony took place Nov. 7.
Three professors whose careers helped raise the profile and reputation of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine were honoured with induction into the Community of Distinction by the Faculty of Health Sciences. This is the faculty’s most prestigious honour.
Those recognized during the Nov. 7 ceremony include: the father of knowledge translation; a major player behind the creation of a city-wide research ethics board; and the developer of the Faculty of Health Sciences research infrastructure.
Citations for each have been added to the wall in the Ewart Angus Centre of the Health Sciences Centre. They read:
Jonathan Lomas is known as the “father of knowledge translation” for his groundbreaking research and his championing of the use of evidence to guide clinical practice and health system decision making. His tireless advocacy broadened and enhanced the impact of McMaster-spawned evidence-based medicine. A professor of health policy for the Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics from 1982 to 1997, he was co-founder and a leader of the influential Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis. Lomas has consulted for international organizations and governments at all levels around the world. Among other honours, he is an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Raelene Rathbone is an exemplary role model as a physician, researcher and academic administrator. At McMaster from 1971 until becoming a professor emeritus of pathology in 2002, she was recognized internationally as a scientist for her contributions to research on platelet physiology. She was renowned too as an administrator for her sensitivity, mentorship, pragmatism and enthusiasm in her many roles. These included associate vice-president of the Faculty (1992-2000) and acting as associate dean for education, for research and as the Faculty’s dean and vice-president. She also played a key role in establishing the unified city-wide Research Ethics Board.
John Bienenstock is a renaissance man as a scientist, artist, administrator and visionary — and his ability to think outside the box has inspired a generation of scientists and clinicians. The Distinguished University Professor is recognized as a global authority on lung and gut and their interaction with the brain. From 1968 until after becoming professor emeritus of medicine and pathology in 1998, he forged the infrastructure for the Faculty’s robust research enterprise. He was vice-president and dean of the Faculty (1989-1997). The inductee of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame is also a Member of the Order of Canada and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.
