Members of the Faculty of Medicine community – Drs. Shelina Babul, Poul Sorensen and Anthony Yurkovich – were recently recognized at the annual alumni UBC Achievement Awards. They are among nine inspiring UBC community members 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 November 6. Below are the Faculty of Medicine recipients and their awards.
Dr. Shelina Babul, BSc’91, PhD’01
Clinical Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, UBC
Award: Global Citizenship Award
Dr. Shelina Babul is an internationally recognized expert on concussion and its prevention. She created the Concussion Awareness Training Tool (CATT), a free online resource now used in over 30 countries to minimize the risk of injury from sport or physical occupations. Her collaborations with partners across Africa, Asia, and Latin America support underserved communities and promote global standards in concussion care. In Canada, her research and advocacy have influenced national policy, including collaboration on the elimination of bodychecking in youth hockey leagues.
Dr. Poul Sorensen, OBC, BSc’80, MD’84, PhD’90
Professor, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UBC | Distinguished Scientist, Johal Chair in Childhood Cancer Research
Award: Research and Innovation Award
Dr. Poul Sorensen’s research has revolutionized cancer diagnostics and treatment, particularly in pediatric cancers. His discovery of a type of gene fusion involved in the development of cancer led to targeted therapies now used to treat over 25 types of the disease. His work also uncovered how cellular processes are highjacked to help tumors adapt under stress, providing insights into how tumors spread and new treatment options. Elected by his peers to the Royal Society of Canada, Dr. Sorensen’s visionary leadership in translational medicine continues to narrow the gap between scientific discovery and lifesaving applications.
Dr. Anthony Yurkovich, BSc (Agr)’51, MD’55 and Nancy Yurkovich, BSN’84
MD Alumnus
Award: Volunteer Leadership Award
Dr. Anthony and Nancy Yurkovich are dedicated to advancing healthcare and education. They are thoughtful philanthropists and advocates who lead by example and inspire others through public speaking and mentorship. At UBC, they support research into sustainable agriculture and initiatives aimed at optimizing patient-clinician relationships. They have enhanced student wellbeing through bursaries and contributions to mental health services. Their community involvement in Richmond, including leadership of a 12-year campaign to establish the Salvation Army Rotary Hospice House, has transformed the city’s healthcare landscape.
Know an inspiring UBC alum? Submit a nomination for the 2026 alumni UBC Achievement Awards by February 13, 2026.