2025 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Acceptance Speech – Dr. Nadine Caron
Written by Cynthia Lung | September 1st, 2025
Watch the Induction
The video above captures an unforgettable moment—Dr. Caron’s acceptance speech and the CMHF ceremony itself. It’s a testament to her legacy and a powerful reminder of how one person’s vision can uplift communities and reshape healthcare systems.
In 2025, the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) celebrated Dr. Nadine Caron among its distinguished six inductees, recognizing her groundbreaking contributions to medicine and Indigenous health.
Dr. Caron’s career is marked by historic firsts: she was the first female First Nations student to graduate from the UBC Faculty of Medicine and the first female Indigenous general surgeon in Canada. A proud member of the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, her achievements symbolize both personal resilience and community empowerment.
Transformative Leadership in Indigenous Health
Beyond her clinical accomplishments, Dr. Caron has forged transformative pathways in healthcare:
- Northern BC Biobank Initiative: She directs this initiative to bring genomic research closer to Indigenous communities in northern regions
- Cancer research and personalized medicine: As a surgical oncologist serving northern British Columbia, she pioneered projects improving access to advanced cancer care in rural and remote Indigenous communities
- First Nations Health Authority Chair: Appointed in 2020 as the inaugural First Nations Health Authority Chair in Cancer and Wellness at UBC, she leads research and interventions addressing cancer disparities among Indigenous populations
- Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health: Co‑founded in 2014 at UBC, this centre champions culturally relevant research, education, and innovation to improve Indigenous health outcomes
- Indigenous Public Health Programming: Dr. Caron established Canada’s first Indigenous-focused graduate certificate in public health at UBC
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