The father of pediatric exercise science, a health economist who shaped the study of health care interventions and a champion of evidence-based neonatal care were honoured by McMaster University's Faculty of Health Sciences.

Oded Bar-Or, Bernie O'Brien and Jack Sinclair will be inducted into the Community of Distinction of the Faculty during a ceremony on Nov. 9 in the Health Sciences Centre.

The photographs and biographies of the three former professors have joined the gallery on a second floor wall in McMaster's Health Sciences Centre.

“These men have had significant impact on the quality of medical scholarship and research that will echo for many generations,” said Dr. John Kelton, dean and vice-president of the Faculty of Health Sciences and dean of the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine.

“Each built an international reputation for innovation and excellence in their groundbreaking research, each was known as an inspirational mentor to those who trained with them, each was recognized for building collaborative interprofessional partnerships. They embody the spirit of the Faculty of Health Sciences.”

Up to five individuals are selected annually to join the Community of Distinction. The gallery was established to honour alumni, faculty and staff who have brought distinction and recognition to McMaster University and the Faculty of Health Sciences through innovative scholarship and outstanding research. Click here to view the complete Community of Distinction.

Community of Distinction 2007:

Oded Bar-Or, MD, dedicated his life to helping children develop healthier lifestyles. As a visiting professor, then professor of the Department of Pediatrics from 1981 through 2003, he earned worldwide renown as the father of pediatric exercise science.

In 1983, he established the world's first Children's Exercise and Nutrition Centre at McMaster, laying the groundwork for revolutionary work combining science and clinical applications in the field of childhood exercise, nutrition and obesity.

Also known as a gentle soul and gifted mentor, his distinguished accomplishments led to many awards and honours, including honorary degrees from three universities.

Bernie O'Brien, PhD, was a pre-eminent health economist who established McMaster University as a world leader in assessing the benefits and costs of health care interventions.

Before his untimely death at the age of 44, he had an illustrious career as a professor and researcher, garnering national and international awards in recognition of his pioneering accomplishments in developing new methods for economic evaluation in health care.

A Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics professor from 1990 to 2004, he was a passionate teacher and a gifted collaborator with a distinct talent for building bridges for shared research programs between academic, clinical and industry interests.

Jack Sinclair, MD, brought evidence-based medicine to the field of neonatology. A respected scholar of medicine, skilled clinician, and inimitable mentor, Sinclair was a professor of pediatrics at McMaster University from 1970 until retirement in 1999.

He built Hamilton's neonatal clinical care and training programs, and introduced rigorous evaluation of the care provided to premature and seriously ill newborns. His leadership led to standards of excellence in neonatal research and care that are recognized and practised around the world. In tribute, an endowed chair in neonatology has been established in his name at McMaster University.