In a testament to his exceptional contributions to evidence-based healthcare practice and policy, Dr. John Hirdes, a distinguished professor in the School of Public Health Sciences at the University of Waterloo, has been appointed as a member of the Order of Canada. Dr. Hirdes is among the 78 new appointments announced by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada.
The Order of Canada recognizes individuals for their outstanding achievements and significant contributions to the nation or humanity at large. Dr. Hirdes is celebrated for his groundbreaking research and development of standardized assessments and decision-support tools that have played a pivotal role in shaping evidence-based healthcare practices.
A fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, Dr. Hirdes has made noteworthy contributions to diverse areas such as geriatric assessment, mental health, health care and service delivery, and health information management. His impactful work extends globally, as he serves as the senior Canadian Fellow and a board member of interRAI, an international consortium of researchers spanning more than 40 countries. Dr. Hirdes also chairs InterRAI’s International Network in Mental Health and previously chaired the university’s Committee on Student Mental Health (CoSMH).
Expressing his gratitude for the honour, Dr. Hirdes stated, “It is wonderful and humbling to be recognized with this honour. It has been a privilege to contribute to making things better in a country that welcomed my family and me many years ago.”
Dr. Hirdes, who recently received a 2022 University Professor designation, is known for his passion for mentoring graduate students and fostering the next generation of professionals dedicated to evidence-informed geriatric services and mental healthcare.
The University of Waterloo’s president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Vivek Goel, extended congratulations, emphasizing Dr. Hirdes’ dedication to making geriatric services and mental healthcare more efficient and effective in Canada and globally. Dr. Goel expressed pride in the University’s affiliation with individuals working to make a positive difference in the country.
Dr. Hirdes shares the Order of Canada recognition with another distinguished figure affiliated with the University of Waterloo. Dr. Ian Burton, who received an honorary doctorate in environmental studies from Waterloo in 2013, was named an officer of the Order of Canada for his influential contributions to climate change adaptation.
The induction of Dr. Hirdes into the Order of Canada reflects his outstanding commitment to advancing healthcare practices and policies, aligning with the University of Waterloo’s ongoing dedication to impactful research and academic excellence.
