Genome Canada is honoured to celebrate the induction of Dr. Nadine Caron into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. A visionary surgeon, scholar and advocate, Dr. Caron has made transformative contributions to health care—advancing equity, championing Indigenous health and reshaping the field of genomics to reflect the values and priorities of the communities she serves.
A member of the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, Dr. Caron is the first Indigenous woman to become a general surgeon in Canada and a dedicated champion of culturally safe health care. Her work bridges the worlds of cutting-edge science and community-rooted care, including ensuring that Indigenous peoples are not only included in genomic research but lead and shape it.
As a lead investigator of the Silent Genomes Project, Dr. Caron is addressing the critical underrepresentation of Indigenous populations in genomic databases. The project is a landmark initiative that supports Indigenous-led governance of genomic data, enabling equitable access to the benefits of precision medicine while respecting cultural values and sovereignty.
Beyond her research, Dr. Caron co-founded the UBC Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Health and helped establish Canada’s first Indigenous-focused graduate certificate in public health. Her leadership continues to inspire a new generation of health professionals and researchers.
Dr. Caron’s induction into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame is a testament to her unwavering commitment to health equity, innovation and community. We are honoured to work with her and celebrate this well-deserved recognition.
“For as long as I have known Dr. Nadine Caron, she has demonstrated unwavering dedication to improving access to health care and research for Indigenous people. Through her work on countless research projects focusing on improving Indigenous health and delivery of care, innovation in medical education and advocacy, she has moved mountains in raising the awareness of addressing equity in health care for Indigenous people. Nadine is an inspiration to all of us.” – Dr. Laura Arbour, Clinician Scientist, Professor, UBC Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine
“Dr. Nadine Caron helps people see a better future and inspires us to take the journey towards it together. While she has embarked on multiple worthy journeys as a surgeon, researcher and leader, her transformative efforts within the Silent Genomes Project stand prominently. Over the past decade, Dr. Caron has worked with Indigenous peoples across Canada, clinicians, genomics researchers and patients to create a reference database of genetic variation under Indigenous governance to allow Indigenous people impacted by rare genetic conditions to have an equitable chance for diagnosis. Her willingness to partner, champion and invest enormous emotional energy in the effort has enabled the release of the Indigenous Background Variant Library in 2025, which is now in use for the benefit of Indigenous patients across Canada. Dr. Caron has a unique capacity to transform the practice and delivery of medicine by bringing people together for the benefit of patients and families.” – Wyeth Wasserman, Professor, Department of Medical Genetics, UBC; Senior Scientist, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics; Investigator, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute
“Dr. Caron’s work is a powerful example of how genomics can be a tool for equity when guided by community leadership. Her trailblazing efforts are reshaping the field—ensuring Indigenous communities are not only partners in genomic research but leaders in defining how their data is governed and used. Her vision is helping to build a future where precision medicine serves everyone, guided by principles of respect, reciprocity and self-determination.” – Dr. Rob Annan, President and CEO of Genome Canada