Michael Hayden
Dr. Michael Hayden, Killam Professor and Canada Research Chair in Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, is among six individuals to be inducted into the 2017 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.
The recognition is given to those who have made contributions to medicine and the health sciences in Canada and the world that have led to extraordinary improvements in human health. Pioneers in their field, they are role models for Canadians and an inspiration to our youth to pursue careers in the health sciences. These newly inducted individuals will be among 119 Laureates of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.
Dr. Hayden has profoundly advanced our understanding of the genetic basis of Huntington Disease (HD) and the pathways involved – one of the greatest hopes for an eventual treatment.
Dr. Hayden is the most cited author in the world for HD and has written more than 840 peer-reviewed publications and invited submissions. His research into the mechanisms of HD have produced reliable predictive tests and new opportunities for prevention and treatment.
Dr. Hayden’s work in deciphering vast and complex genomic and cellular data is advancing the work of identifying and unveiling secrets of intractable disease and his genetic research has generated new approaches to the costly and dangerous problem of adverse drug reactions. The Canadian Pharmacogenomics Network for Drug Safety (CPNDS), co-founded by Dr. Hayden, focuses on the development of genetic biomarkers for drug safety. He currently serves as President of Global R&D and Chief Scientific Officer for TEVA Pharmaceuticals headquartered in Israel.
The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held in association with Université Laval, Faculty Medicine on May 4, 2017 at Centre des Congrès de Québec in Québec City.