Lorne Finkelstein, a McMaster clinical professor in cardiology, has been awarded a distinguished service award from the Hamilton Academy of Medicine, for contributing to the City of Hamilton as a health professional and member of the community.

“This award recognizes the passion and commitment of physicians whose contributions to medicine and this community are unparalleled,” said Kim Harper, former executive director of the Hamilton Academy of Medicine. “The Hamilton Academy of Medicine, the health issues facing this community and the obstacles faced by physicians were catapulted to the forefront locally, provincially and nationally as a result of the 24/7 efforts of Dr. Finkelstein.” He has touched so many lives and for Finkelstein, this award is long overdue, said Harper.

Finkelstein was presented with this prestigious honour at The Hamilton Academy of Medicine's Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, June 23.

A native of Hamilton, Finkelstein is a cardiologist in McMaster's Faculty of Health Sciences and has been working in Hamilton for the last 27 years. He is on active staff at St. Joseph's Healthcare, and is a past-president of the St. Joseph's Hospital Medical Staff Executive. He is a past-president of the Hamilton Academy of Medicine, and also served on the Ontario Medical Association Board of Directors. Finkelstein is also an active and involved member of the Hamilton Jewish Federation, serving as their representative on the Hamilton Mayor's anti-racist committee (Strengthening Hamilton's Community Initiative).