Born:

September 26, 1950

(Montreal, Québec)

Education:

MDCM, McGill University (1974)

Awards & Honours:

2019: Officer of the Order of Canada

2018 : Member of the Order of Manitoba

See All Awards
Picture of Cheryl Rockman-Greenberg

Extended health care to isolated communities

Portrait of Dr. Cheryl Rockman-Greenberg

A trailblazer in genetic identification and treatment for rare disorders

Dr. Rockman-Greenberg developed an early interest in rare and ultrarare genetic disorders, which led to a career in pediatrics and medical genetics.  As an academic clinician, she focused her research on applied molecular genetics and the identification of the molecular basis of genetic disorders overrepresented in unique populations, notably hypophosphatasia (HPP), a metabolic bone disorder, and glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA1), a complex disorder of organic acid metabolism, affecting Mennonite and Indigenous populations respectively.  Working closely with the communities themselves, she has carried advanced knowledge and skills from the research facilities of major universities directly to people who need them.

Key Facts

Helped to develop a treatment for HPP—a condition once thought to be untreatable

Assured residency training would include mandatory rotations in rural and remote areas to improve health care access throughout the province

Advocated equal access to new drugs for rare hereditary metabolic disorders

Involved in the establishment of Winnipeg’s for DNA Diagnostic service laboratory

Worked with numerous populations across Canada including Indigenous, Hutterite and Mennonite communities 

Authored over 195 publications and delivered over 320 presentations to national and international audiences

Professional timeline

Impact on lives today

Dr. Cheryl Rockman-Greenberg is a passionate advocate for accessible patient care, no matter how rare the disorder, no matter how remote a patient may be from the centres of population or power.  Many communities continue to benefit from this advocacy. In addition, Dr. Rockman-Greenberg’s research and medical practice remain models for translating research into practical applications for relevant patient care.

Picture of Cheryl Rockman-Greenberg

2023

  • Dr. Rockman-Greenberg at podium.

    Cheryl Rockman-Greenberg inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

    London, Ontario

  • Dr. Rockman-Greenberg was named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women for her work supporting vulnerable communities

    Women in Medicine

  • The first successful treatment of an infant with HPP occurred under the supervision of Dr. Cheryl Rockman-Greenberg

    Skin, Bones, Muscles & Joints

  • Dr. Rockman-Greenberg began a ten-year term as Head of the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health at the University of Manitoba

    Skin, Bones, Muscles & Joints

    She was also appointed as the Medical Director of the Child Health Program with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

  • Dr. Rockman-Greenberg began the first of a series of town hall meetings with Hutterite communities

    Cells, Genetics & Genomics

    These meetings were organized to obtain community input and feedback about the progress of genetic studies and to provide information regarding the unique genetic risks of this population.

  • A pilot newborn screening program for DMD was launched under the guidance and leadership of Dr. Rockman-Greenberg

    Cells, Genetics & Genomics, Skin, Bones, Muscles & Joints

    She remained at the head of this initiative for the next twenty years.

  • Dr. Rockman-Greenberg arrived at the University of Manitoba, beginning her career in the department of pediatrics and child health

1979

To know Dr. Greenberg is transformational—she challenges you, she motivates you.