The Order of Canada is one of the country’s highest civilian honours. It recognizes outstanding achievement and service to the nation and to humanity.
Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, announced the newest appointments on June 30, 2025 and two members of Team Sunnybrook were honoured with appointments.
Dr. Stuart Foster
Dr. Stuart Foster, senior scientist at Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI), has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Dr. Foster was recognized for his pioneering work in microultrasound: he invented the first ultra-high-frequency ultrasound tools which made tiny physiological details visible.
Microultrasound has a much higher frequency than conventional ultrasound, resulting in many times greater resolution images and very high frame rates that can capture minute dynamic functional details within tissue.
Through innovative research and technology translation to clinical use, this scientist, entrepreneur and University of Toronto professor has transformed high-resolution diagnostic ultrasound use in biomedical applications.
He is also the founder of a leading biomedical company, Fujifilm VisualSonics Inc., and assisted the start-up process for Exact Imaging Inc., FloSonics Medical Inc., Conavi Medical Inc., and Moleculight Inc., all in aid of Sunnybrook’s mission to invent the future of health care.
Dr. Homer Tien
Dr. Homer Tien, trauma surgeon in the Tory Regional Trauma Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Canada’s largest trauma centre, has been appointed a Member of the Order of Canada.
Dr. Tien is a former front-line military physician and retired colonel in the Canadian Armed Forces. He served as a staff general surgeon and medical officer in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Myanmar.
As president and CEO of Ornge, Ontario’s air ambulance service, he has advanced access to critical care across the province and strengthened connections between civilian and military health systems. He is also an educator at the University of Toronto.
Much of his work has focused on enhancing trauma care for people in remote and underserved regions, including injured soldiers and members of First Nations communities.