Professors & Vice-President Emeriti

In 2024, the University of Manitoba conferred emeritus/emerita/emerit titles upon the following Rady Faculty of Health Sciences faculty members, recognizing their distinguished service to the university through teaching, research, scholarship and professional service.

DR. CATHERINE COOK, Vice-President Emerita

Catherine Cook [MD/87, M.Sc./03] has championed Indigenous health, education and achievement for more than 35 years. The Métis physician and professor played a key role in the creation of Ongomiizwin, the Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. Appointed in 2020 as UM’s inaugural vice-president (Indigenous), she worked to advance reconciliation and university-wide change in the areas of equity, access and participation.

DR. LEIGH MURPHY, Distinguished Professor Emerita

Dr. Leigh Murphy (department of biochemistry and medical genetics) has made significant contributions as a breast cancer researcher, focusing on two types of estrogen receptors. She has been a senior scientist at the Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute CancerCare Manitoba, chair of the Breast Cancer Research Group at UM, and played a key role in the Canadian Tumor Repository Network, helping to set standards for biobanking.

DR. GRANT PIERCE, Distinguished Professor Emeritus

Grant Pierce [PhD/83] (department of physiology and pathophysiology) has conducted influential research on ischemic heart disease, diabetes-related heart dysfunction and the cardiovascular benefits of flaxseed. He has served as executive director of St. Boniface Hospital Research and president of the International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences. His honours include the Order of Canada and election as a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

DR. JOAN DURRANT, Professor Emerita

Dr. Joan Durrant (department of community health sciences) has focused her research on preventing the corporal punishment of children. She has provided her expertise to governments and served on an advisory committee for a United Nations study of violence against children. She created an award-winning parenting program that encourages positive discipline. Her honours include the Dr. John M. Bowman Memorial Winnipeg Rh Institute Foundation Award.

DR. MICHAEL HELEWA, Professor Emeritus

Dr. Michael Helewa has been a transformative force in obstetrics and gynecology for more than 35 years, notably through research on hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. He significantly improved patient care as medical director of the Women and Child Health Program at St. Boniface Hospital. His advocacy for maternal health has been recognized with honours including the Prix d’Excellence from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

DR. SUSAN MCCLEMENT, Professor Emerita

Susan McClement [MN/93, PhD/01], former associate dean, research at the College of Nursing, has dedicated herself to nursing education and research at UM for 32 years. Her own studies have centred on palliative care, including issues of nutrition and hydration in end-of-life care and the importance of patient dignity at the end of life. In 2023, she received the Association of Regulated Nurses of Manitoba Award for Administration.

DR. VERENA MENEC, Professor Emerit

Verena Menec [BA (Hons.)/89, MA/91, PhD/95] (department of community health sciences) is an expert in gerontology, with research interests such as age-friendly communities and the social inclusion of older adults. She held a Canada Research Chair in healthy aging, has been the Manitoba lead researcher for the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, and directed the UM Centre on Aging. In 2020, she was honoured by the Canadian Association on Gerontology.

DR. MARGARET (MAGGIE) MORRIS, Professor Emeritus

Dr. Maggie Morris [M.Ed./10] has shaped the fields of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at UM since 1986. Her leadership roles included associate dean of student affairs and head of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences. She also lent expertise to organizations such as the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada. She received the society’s Leadership Award in 2013 and the Doctors Manitoba Distinguished Service Award in 2023.

DR. LUIS OPPENHEIMER, Professor Emeritus

Dr. Luis Oppenheimer joined UM in 1978 as a general surgeon and critical care specialist. His research on pulmonary edema led to innovative treatments for this condition.As head of the UM surgery department from 1995 to 2006, he introduced the Trauma and Acute Care Service at Health Sciences Centre (HSC). As HSC director of research from 1990 to 2000, his accomplishments included launching the Health Trials Unit.

DR. DAVID RUSH, Professor Emeritus

Dr. David Rush (department of internal medicine) is a leading kidney transplant expert who has been a faculty member for more than 40 years. He has served as director of the Transplant Manitoba Adult Kidney Program and president of the Canadian Society of Transplantation. His groundbreaking research in kidney transplantation has revolutionized patient care. He has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Order of Canada.

DR. PETER ZAHRADKA, Professor Emeritus

Dr. Peter Zahradka (department of physiology and pathophysiology) has studied how metabolic disorders such as diabetes contribute to cardiovascular disease. His research on foods such as lentils and buckwheat has led to innovative treatments for improving arterial health and reducing blood glucose. He led the Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine and served as a UM senator, contributing significantly to the university community.