An innovative leader in Indigenous health and surgical practice
Nadine R. Caron, MD, is an internationally recognized health leader who has broken many barriers. A member of the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, Dr. Caron was the first female First Nations student to graduate from the University of British Columbia (UBC) Faculty of Medicine and the first female Indigenous general surgeon in Canada. As a surgical oncologist working in Northern British Columbia, Dr. Caron has led ground-breaking projects focused on cancer, personalized medicine, and health care services in rural and remote settings. This work addresses stark disparities in health outcomes for Indigenous communities—a driving goal of Dr. Caron’s contributions to research, medical education, and clinical care. In 2014, Dr. Caron co-founded the Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health (CEIH) at UBC to advance Indigenous people’s health through culturally relevant innovation, education, and research. She also led the establishment of the UBC Indigenous Public Health Program, Canada’s first Indigenous-focused graduate certificate in public health. These efforts to create and share culturally informed care models set new standards for patient-centred approaches. Across her many exceptional roles and achievements, Dr. Caron continues to lead and inspire those committed to developing equitable, safe health care for underserved populations.
About the CMHF
The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) celebrates Canadian heroes whose work advances health in Canada and the world, fostering future generations of health professionals through the delivery of local and national youth education programs and awards.
This enduring tribute to our country’s rich medical history is showcased here and in our physical exhibit hall in London, ON
