Honoring Dr. Dafna Gladman

Jack Cush, MD

Jan 23, 2025 5:27 pm

In December 2024, the Governor General appointed Dr. Dafna Gladman an officer to the Order of Canada, which includes some of Canada's most notable Clinicians and Scientist. Created in 1967, the Order of Canada is one of Canada's highest civilian honours. It recognizes individuals whose achievements and service have had an impact on communities across Canada and beyond.

Dr. Gladman is a senior scientist at the Toronto Western Research Institute and a professor in the Institute of Medical Science in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. She was named an Officer of the Order for her contributions to the psoriatic arthritis field. Her research advanced the understanding of the chronic disease, and her advocacy has improved the treatment and care. She earned her medical degree from U of T.

At the same time, the University of Toronto’s selected Dr. Gladman to receive the Dean’s Alumni Award, in recognitions for exceptional achievements and contributions to the advancement of health and health care.

The Lifetime Achievement went to Dafna Gladman (MD ’71, PGME ’76 Rheumatology).

Over the last five decades, Dr. Gladman’s scholarship, leadership, mentorship and advocacy efforts have raised Canada’s profile as a global leader in the field of rheumatology, and her research has significantly advanced global understanding and treatment of both psoriatic arthritis and lupus. She is a senior staff physician and senior scientist with the University Health Network as well as a U of T professor of medicine who served as director of the university’s rheumatology program for thirteen years (1992–2005). In 2004, U of T established the Dafna Gladman Award in recognition of her dedication to mentoring, counselling and academic medicine. She has also received numerous awards, including the 2015 Mentor of the Year Award from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and the Distinguished Clinical Investigator Award from the American College of Rheumatology and Canadian Rheumatology Association.

Honouring impact with the 2024 Dean's Alumni Awards