Two members of the Faculty of Medicine community will be appointed to the Order of British Columbia for 2019, which is the 30th anniversary of the Order. Bruce McManus and Kimit Rai are among 15 recipients and five from UBC to receive the honour this year.
Dr. Bruce McManus
Bruce McManus, a professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, has had a major influence in building excellence in heart and lung research and care through his versatile leadership across the B.C. health sciences community.
He leads the Centre of Excellence for Prevention of Organ Failure, hosted by UBC and Providence Health Care, and is the co-director of the Institute for Heart + Lung Health, a hub for research, clinical care and education.
Kimit Rai, a clinical instructor in the Department of Surgery, founded Operation Rainbow Canada, a medical humanitarian organization that provides free cleft lip and palate corrective surgery to children and young adults in developing countries.
Rai, also an alumnus of UBC, trained as a plastic surgery resident on the burns and isolation ward at Vancouver General Hospital and received his plastic surgery certification in 1975.
Dr. Kimit Rai
“I am so pleased to share congratulations with the inspiring individuals joining the Order of British Columbia this year,” said Lieutenant Governor Janet Austin, chancellor of the order, in a release. “These exceptional recipients are pillars of our communities, who have demonstrated excellence and distinction in their fields. I wish to extend my thanks to all new members for their commitment to meaningful work that leaves a lasting legacy, which benefits and elevates our province for future generations.”
Since its inception, 447 British Columbians have been appointed to the Order of British Columbia and represent all regions of the province.
“On the 30th anniversary of the Order of British Columbia, I would like to congratulate all recipients of the order,” said Premier John Horgan in a release. “Your leadership and accomplishments inspire British Columbians to aim high and share our gifts with the world. B.C. is a better place to live because of your contributions.”
The Order of British Columbia investiture ceremony will take place at Government House in Victoria on June 28, 2019. It will be webcast live at this website.