Sprott Surgery Recognition Awards celebrates excellence in surgical care
The third annual Sprott Surgery Recognition Awards brought together surgical colleagues to celebrate teamwork, innovation and dedication across anesthesiology, nursing and care teams. The 2026 award ceremony, held at UHN’s Toronto Western Hospital on June 19, served as a reminder of the shared values and sense of purpose that define the Sprott Surgery community.
Colleagues completed peer nominations for each award, spotlighting individuals and teams whose work has made a meaningful impact. More than 530 staff members received nominations this year, reflecting the value of peer recognition and a shared commitment to acknowledging contributions across roles and disciplines.
Congratulations to the 2026 Sprott Surgery Recognition Award recipients:
Rising Star for Nursing Excellence in Patient Care Award: Marvin Antonio Nursing Excellence in Mentorship and Clinical Education Award: Ziwei Liu Outstanding Team Contributions in Advancing Surgical Innovation Award: Sprott Quality and Safety and Stop the post operative pneumonia (POP) team Nursing Leadership in Outstanding Patient Care Award: Steve Schuurman
Interprofessional Excellence in Safety and Quality of Care Award: Interdisciplinary Spine Education Team Exceptional Contributions – Administrative and Support Staff Award: Chris Alissandratos Cognition and Culture Award for Contribution to Team Experience: Julie Yip and Dr. Kevin Zuo Interprofessional Contributions to the Surgical Patient Experience Award: Dr. Paul Kongkham, Dr. George Oreopoulos and Emily Carreiro Scientist awarded prestigious surgical research honour
Congratulations to Dr. Mojgan Hodaie, senior scientist at UHN’s Krembil Brain Institute, who was awarded the prestigious Lister Prize — the University of Toronto Department of Surgery’s highest research honour.
The Lister Prize recognizes investigators who demonstrate sustained, internationally recognized excellence through research publications, grants, mentorship and leadership.
The recognition reflects Dr. Hodaie’s dedication to advancing surgical research while maintaining an active clinical and academic practice. A respected neurosurgeon and scientist, she mentors the next generation of clinicians and scientists while leading a robust research program focused on understanding and treating chronic neuropathic pain. Using advanced imaging techniques, her work is improving care and patient outcomes.
Cardiac College for Women receives Highly Commended Distinction
UHN’s Cardiac College for Women received Highly Commended Distinction presented by Women as One. The recognition is awarded to innovators who are advancing women's cardiovascular education and improving cardiovascular health literacy, patient engagement and access to equitable care.
The Cardiac College for Women is an educational and evidence-informed program that is the first of its kind to address women-specific issues in cardiac rehabilitation. Since 2024, it has served as a resource for patients, their care partners, health care professionals and trainees.
Led by Dr. Gabriela Melo Ghisi, an affiliate scientist at UHN’s KITE Research Institute, the program has demonstrated significant global reach, having influence in nearly 30 cardiac rehabilitation programs across multiple countries and health care settings.
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Research Award winners
Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Research Awards recognize those who have made a meaningful impact in advancing cancer research, strengthening community and improving patient care.
Congratulations to the 2026 recipients:
Allan Slaight Collaborator of the Year Award: Dr. Benjamin Haibe-Kains is recognized for advancing collaboration at scale by bringing together diverse disciplines and leading data, informatics and AI initiatives that accelerate discovery. Carry the Fire Award: Dr. Hansen He is honoured for outstanding institutional citizenship, fostering a strong research community through leadership, service and unwavering support of colleagues.
Mona Gauthier Award: Dr. Scott Bratman is recognized as an early-career leader integrating clinical practice with cutting-edge research in liquid biopsy and circulating tumour DNA.
Richard Hill Mentorship Award: Dr. Fei-Fei Liu is celebrated for exceptional mentorship and transformative leadership in radiation oncology, with a lasting impact on trainees and patient care.
Do you have an award to highlight? Send it to
communications@uhn.ca and it may be included in a future edition of Honour Roll.
