Canada-based Khoja Professor Dr. Akbar Panju has been awarded the prestigious OMA District 4 “Legend of Medicine Award”. This honour recognises his exceptional contributions to the field of medicine, spanning clinical practice, research, and education.
Who is Prof. Akbar Panju?
Dr Akbar Panju is a Canada-based Professor of Medicine and the Medard DeGroote Chair in Medicine at McMaster University in Canada. A specialist in Internal Medicine, he is a dedicated clinician, educator, and administrator spanning several decades. Throughout his career, Dr. Panju has made significant contributions to shaping medical education, advancing research, and improving patient care both at the national and international levels.
Dr Panju graduated from the University of Liverpool in 1974 and completed his internship before spending four years practicing general medicine in Northern Ontario and Cambridge, Ontario. He then pursued residency training in Internal Medicine at McMaster University, where he specialised in Cardiology, Thrombosis, and Clinical Epidemiology. His expertise in these fields has made him a leading figure in Internal Medicine, and he has been instrumental in advancing medical knowledge and treatment strategies.
Achievements and Recognition of His Work
Dr Panju has made significant contributions to medical research, with over 60 published manuscripts in high-impact journals. He has held several prestigious leadership positions, including serving as the past Chief of Medicine at Hamilton Health Sciences and the Past President of the Canadian Society of Internal Medicine.
He has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including the National Osler Award from the Canadian Society of Internal Medicine and the Jack Hirsh Award from the Department of Medicine.
In addition to his research, Dr. Panju is actively involved in medical education. He is the Co-Chair of the International McMaster Review Course in Medicine and serves as a Section Editor of the McMaster Textbook of Medicine. Furthermore, he holds editorial roles with the American College of Physicians Journal and the Evidence-Based Medicine Journal, while also serving as a frequent reviewer for the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), the British Medical Journal (BMJ), and the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
Legend in Medicine Award
The OMA District 4 Legend of Medicine Award is presented by the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) to recognise physicians in District 4 who have demonstrated long-standing excellence in their field. Established in 1921, the OMA Awards Program honours physicians, residents, medical students, and community members across Ontario for their exceptional contributions to the OMA, the medical profession, medical science, or the broader public good.
The District 4 Legend of Medicine Award specifically acknowledges individuals who have consistently exhibited integrity, dedication, and an enduring commitment to the practice of medicine—significantly advancing the health and welfare of both, their colleagues and the communities they serve.
This award has been awarded to Dr Panju to recognise his significant impact in the field of internal medicine, his role as an educator and administrator, and his dedication to advancing medical science through numerous publications and leadership positions.
The award presentation will take place at a reception on April 29, 2025.
The Khoja News Team extends congratulations to Professor Dr Akbar Panju on this well-deserved recognition. We pray to Allah (swt) to grant him success in all his future endeavours, Ameen.
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