Two members of the Faculty of Medicine community – Drs. Jan Christilaw and Paul Sanberg – were recently recognized at the annual alumni UBC Achievement Awards. They are among eight inspiring individuals who were honoured for extraordinary efforts to advance UBC’s commitment to healthy lives, a healthy planet and healthy societies.
The recipients were honoured at a ceremony on Nov. 19. Below are the Faculty of Medicine recipients and their awards.
Dr. Jan Christilaw, CM, MHSc’03
Clinical Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Award: Global Citizenship Award
Dr. Jan Christilaw is an internationally esteemed advocate for women’s healthcare who, as a founding member of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, contributed to the organization receiving a Nobel Peace Prize. Currently the director of Women’s Health for the Canadian Network of International Surgeons, she has held leadership and volunteer roles at numerous B.C. and Canadian health institutions and women’s organizations. In B.C., she significantly enhanced healthcare for Indigenous people. In Africa, she helped boost women’s healthcare education and training, including in Ethiopia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Her exceptional leadership and volunteerism have earned her honours at provincial, national, and international levels, including the Order of Canada in 2017.
Dr. Paul Sanberg, MSc’79
Master of Science – Neurological Science Alum
Award: Entrepreneurship Award
Preeminent neuroscientist Dr. Paul Sanberg is a pivotal figure in advancing the culture of innovation among academic communities for the betterment of society. His founding of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), which supports innovation from concept to commercialization, has raised the profile of academic invention and related economic stimulation by honouring those who patent their discoveries. As an inventor and entrepreneur himself, he holds over 160 patents, co-founded two companies and two professional neuroscience societies, and is the founder and executive director of the University of South Florida Center of Excellence for Aging & Brain Repair. His influence has left an indelible mark on how academic enterprise impacts the world.
Know an inspiring UBC alum? Submit a nomination for the 2025 alumni UBC Achievement Awards by February 14, 2025.