2012 INDUCTEE John Dirks, MD Global Health, Leadership in Organizational Development, Genitourinary Tract

John Dirks inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame

Toronto, Ontario

To honour the significant contributions of Dr. Dirks, the International Society of Nephrology established the John Dirks Fellowship and John Dirks Colloquium and Symposium

Dr. John Dirks was chosen as the founding Chair of the International Society of Nephrology Commission for Global Advancement of Nephrology (COMGAN)

At COMGAN, he pioneered educational programs to improve the health of people all over the globe.

His vision extended beyond Canada’s borders in 1994 when he was made Dean-Rector of Aga Khan University in Pakistan

Dr. Dirks heads the Gairdner Foundation

After almost a decade on the Medical Advisory Board of the Gairdner Foundation, Dr. Dirks became President. Over his tenure, he transformed the award into one of the most sought-after prizes in medical research.

His capacity to build up research strength in medical schools was noticed by faculties of medicine across Canada

In 1976, he became Chair of Medicine at University of British Columbia and, in 1987, the Dean of Medicine at the University of Toronto. While in Toronto, Dr. Dirks created one of the largest health medical biotechnology clusters in North America.

After three successful years at the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Dirks moved to McGill University’s Royal Victoria Hospital as head of the Division of Nephrology

The Division quickly became a leading centre in kidney disease research.