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IOL Psychiatry Chair Sukhera Receives Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship

May 06, 2022

Institute of Living Chair of Psychiatry Javeed Sukhera, MD, PhD, FRCPC, recently received one Canada’s most prestigious awards for advocating for safer communities and assisting those in need.

Dr. Sukhera was one of 22 people from 2019 and 2020 to receive the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship, the Canadian province’s second highest award for civilians.

According to an official government release, the recipients are ambassadors of Ontario Spirit, and role models for everyone in the province. The Honorable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, lieutenant governor of Ontario and Billy Pang, parliamentary assistant to the minister of citizenship and multiculturalism, presided at a virtual investiture ceremony in April.

“The Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship recognizes exceptional long-term contributions to our province. We have learned throughout the COVID-19 pandemic that the most simple and obvious actions can be exceptional,” said Dowdeswell. “The intention, kindness and commitment to community demonstrated by the 2019 and 2020 medal recipients inspire me and so many fellow Ontarians. I am pleased to be able to thank them, on behalf of a grateful province, for their meaningful and vital service.”

Formerly an associate professor at Western University and past chair of the London Police Services Board, Dr. Sukhera now serves as chair of psychiatry for both the Institute of Living and Hartford Hospital. 

“To be given such a distinguished honor so early in one’s career is a testimony to Dr. Sukhera’s impact now and gives us a window into all he still has to contribute in his field. We are so incredibly grateful that he has chosen to build his career here with us,” said John Santopietro, MD, DFAPA, senior vice president, Hartford HealthCare and physician–in–chief, Behavioral Health Network.