UHN celebrated the Mission Excellence Awards — an opportunity to recognize individuals whose contributions are advancing UHN’s vision of A Healthier World — during a recent event at Toronto General Hospital.
The ceremony, held in the DeGasperis Conservatory, marked the breadth of impact across UHN — from groundbreaking scientific discovery to philanthropy and the compassionate human connections at the heart of care — shaping the future of health care in Canada and beyond.
“The recipients of these Mission Excellence Awards have shown what’s possible when you dedicate yourself to a higher purpose — serving others working toward A Healthier World,” said Dr. Kevin Smith, UHN President and CEO, at the event.
“Their work is what turns UHN’s vision into reality every day.”
Awards in two categories were given to six recipients at the event. The UHN Global Impact Award honours scientists advancing care worldwide, and the Mission Legacy Award celebrates individuals whose vision and leadership have helped build the foundation for UHN’s continued success.
This year’s recipients reflect the full spectrum of UHN’s mission, demonstrating how commitment, innovation and generosity come together to transform lives.
UHN Global Impact Award: Dr. Tirone David
Dr. Tirone David was recognized with the UHN Global Impact Award for a lifetime of work that has transformed cardiovascular care and reshaped the field of cardiac surgery worldwide.
Over decades at UHN, Dr. David has performed more than 15,000 open-heart surgeries, pioneered life-saving surgical techniques and built a body of research that continues to guide practice globally.
Among his most influential contributions is the David Procedure, a valve-sparing technique that preserves a patient’s own heart valve while repairing life-threatening disease.
The technique is now used around the world to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients.
Beyond the operating room, his impact is reflected in generations of surgeons he has trained and in the standards he has set across more than 60 countries, helping to define modern cardiac surgery.
UHN Global Impact Award: Dr. Frances Shepherd
Dr. Frances Shepherd was honoured with the UHN Global Impact Award for her extraordinary leadership in transforming lung cancer treatment and advancing clinical oncology at UHN’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
A global leader in her field, Dr. Shepherd has led multiple practice-changing clinical trials that have fundamentally altered how lung cancer is treated.
Her research demonstrates that post-operative chemotherapy can significantly improve cure rates, while her work in targeted therapies has expanded treatment options and extended survival, even in advanced disease.
In a field once marked by limited hope, her contributions have driven a global shift toward meaningful, measurable patient outcomes. Through her mentorship of clinicians and researchers, her influence continues to shape the future of cancer care worldwide.
UHN Mission Legacy Award: Myrna Daniels
Myrna Daniels was recognized with the UHN Mission Legacy Award for her enduring philanthropic impact and role in shaping the future of care at UHN.
Through decades of support alongside her late husband, John Daniels, she has helped advance world-leading programs in cardiac care, neuroscience and transplantation — enabling UHN to push the boundaries of modern medicine.
Most recently, the development of the Myrna Daniels Seniors Emergency Medicine Centre — a first-of-its-kind centre in Canada designed to meet the complex needs of older adults — was made possible by a transformative $52-million gift from the John and Myrna Daniels Foundation.
Daniels’s support reflects a commitment to care that is grounded in dignity, safety and improved outcomes for generations to come.
UHN Mission Legacy Award: Anthony S. Fell, O.C.
Anthony S. Fell, O.C., was honoured with the UHN Mission Legacy Award for a lifetime of leadership, service and philanthropy that has helped shape UHN into the organization it is today.
A central figure in UHN’s history, Fell played a key role in the creation of University Health Network in 1999. Over the years, Fell provided leadership at the highest levels, serving as chair of both the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and the UHN Board of Trustees.
His impact extends through his role in mobilizing major philanthropic support, advancing research and enabling the growth of programs, such as UHN’s Schroeder Arthritis Institute and the Krembil Research Institute.
Fell’s legacy is defined not by a single contribution, but by decades of stewardship and commitment to building and strengthening UHN’s foundation.
UHN Mission Legacy Award: Donald K. Johnson, O.C.
Donald K. Johnson, O.C., was recognized with the UHN Mission Legacy Award for his transformative contributions to vision care, philanthropy and the future of health care in Canada.
With a nearly four-decade connection to UHN, he has played a key role in advancing vision research and care through more than $70 million in philanthropic support. His generosity helped establish UHN’s Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, now a leading centre of excellence in discovery, clinical trials and patient care.
Beyond UHN, Johnson’s advocacy has reshaped the landscape of charitable giving in Canada, helping remove barriers and unlocking billions of dollars in support for causes across Canada.
His enduring belief in giving back continues to inspire progress across the health system and beyond.
UHN Mission Legacy Award: Peter Dudley
Peter Dudley was honoured posthumously with the UHN Mission Legacy Award for his extraordinary contributions to TeamUHN, and the lasting impact of his kindness, spirit and humanity.
An environmental services worker at UHN’s Toronto General Hospital for 42 years, Dudley was widely known for the warmth and connection he brought to every interaction.
Dudley lived and worked with cerebral palsy but did not allow it to define him. He was an advocate for accessibility, working to improve both the staff and patient experience at UHN.
A source of positivity and connection for colleagues and patients alike, Dudley is remembered for his humour, generosity of time and ability to make people feel seen and valued — embodying the very best of UHN’s culture.
His legacy is a powerful reminder that excellence in health care is not only about innovation and discovery, but also compassion, dignity and how people treat one another every day.
