In this edition of Honour Roll:
UHN's KITE Research Institute makes 2026 Forbes Accessibility list
UHN's KITE Research Institute has been named to the
2026 Forbes Accessibility 200 list. This is the second year the publication has recognized KITE as one of the top organizations in the world working in accessibility.
"We're incredibly proud to be named to the Forbes Accessibility list for the second year in a row," says Dr. Milos R. Popovic, Director of the KITE Research Institute.
"Our work is driven by a simple goal: to use science to create solutions that genuinely improve people's lives. It is so meaningful to see our impact recognized on a global stage."
The list highlights the top 200 global impact-makers in accessibility-related fields, such as communication, mobility, education, software, consumer products, robotics, sports and recreation, travel, the workplace, entertainment, and more.
It was developed based on more than 700 interviews and the guidance of a panel of 12 global experts with lived experience. The selection criteria focused on innovation and entrepreneurship, with an emphasis on having a broad, measurable impact.
TeamUHN honoured with Bhayana Family Foundation Emergency Department Excellence Awards
The Bhayana Family Foundation partnered with UHN to recognize the extraordinary staff of the emergency departments at Toronto General and Toronto Western Hospitals.
During the 2026 Bhayana Family Foundation Emergency Department Excellence Award ceremony, frontline staff and behind-the-scenes leaders were awarded for the dedication, skill and compassion that continues to make a profound difference for patients, families and communities across Toronto.
Congratulations to the 2026 award recipients:
Personal Support Worker/Team Aide Excellence Award
- Maira Cabral
- Cherrylou Millo
Clerical Staff Excellence Award
- Jennifer Cann
- Orlando Almeida
Allied Health Excellence Award
Peer Support Excellence Award
Provider Excellence Award
Friend to the ED Award
Nursing Excellence Award
Emergency Nursing Leadership Award
- Giselli Panuelos
- Clare Walker
Emergency Department Quality and Safety Award
- Sickle Cell Working Group: Jennifer Bryan, Paul Arnold, Christine Hanna, Kimberley McLeese, Tricia Williams, Helen Liu, Anisa Rawhani, Betty Lulseged, Jennifer Hulme, Hasan Sheikh, Layli Sanaee
'Above and Beyond' Team Award
- Karen Chen, Sonam Prasad, Liam Frape, Balzer Nathan, Alice Gray, Carly Ng, Derrick Kwan, George Markose, Cindy Lu, Chai Shi Yee, Iaryna Grinik, Jennifer Kwan, Nicola Cameron
Dr. Brian Ballios receives the Institute of Medical Science Alumni Engagement Award
Congratulations to Dr. Brian Ballios, clinician-scientist at UHN's
Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, on receiving the
2026 Institute of Medical Science (IMS) Alumni Engagement Award.
The award recognizes IMS alumni who demonstrate exceptional engagement with IMS and who have had a significant, positive impact on students, the wider IMS community, or both. Award recipients are celebrated for contributing to IMS' vision to inspire and prepare future leaders in translational medical science.
Dr. Ballios embodies the values of the IMS Community Engagement Award through his strong leadership, committed mentorship, meaningful service and unwavering dedication to supporting the success of IMS students and the community.
Catherine Bergman named Nursing Hero
Catherine Bergman, a Registered Nurse at
UHN's Toronto General Hospital, was named a
2026 Nursing Hero by Hospital News.
The annual award recognizes exceptional nurses across Canada who make a meaningful impact in their role. Nominations for the award can be submitted by patients, patients' family members or colleagues.
Bergman was recognized for consistently delivering care with a strong focus on compassion and patient experience, ensuring individuals feel supported and respected throughout their care journey.
Her consistency, professionalism and commitment to patients and colleagues continue to create a lasting impact within her unit.
Researchers recognized with the 2026 Blood Cancer Discovery Award
Congratulations to Andy Zeng, graduate student, and Dr. John E. Dick, a senior scientist, both at UHN's Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, for receiving the
2026 Blood Cancer Discovery Award for Outstanding Journal Article.
Presented by the
American Association for Cancer Research, the distinction is awarded to the authors of a peer-reviewed, original research article or brief published within the previous two years that has made significant and timely contributions to one or more areas represented by the Journal.
Findings from Zeng and Dr. Dick’s journal article, Single-cell Transcriptional Atlas of Human Hematopoiesis Reveals Genetic and Hierarchy-Based Determinants of Aberrant AML Differentiation, look at ways to improve how acute myeloid leukemia is diagnosed and treated.
Read the article here.
Dr. Michael Patlas named Fellow of the American College of Radiology
Dr. Michael Patlas, staff radiologist in the Joint Department of Medical Imaging at Toronto General Hospital, has been named a Fellow of the
American College of Radiology (ACR) after just 11 years of membership.
Becoming a Fellow of the College is one of the most prestigious professional honours given to long-term members. Since its inception in 1923, the ACR has granted fellowship to individuals who have made exceptional and sustained contributions to advancing radiology, while upholding the highest standards of the profession.
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