2026 INDUCTEE Pavel Hamet, MD PhD Cells, Genetics & Genomics, Heart & Vessels, Diabetes
June 13, 1943
(Klatovy, Czechia)
PhD, McGill University, Montréal (1972)
MD, Charles University, Prague (1967)
Maturita, SVVS (College), Prague (1960)
2020: Member of the Order of Canada
2019: Lifetime achievement award in cardiovascular science, Medicine and Surgery from the International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences
See All AwardsAwards & Honours:
2020: Member of the Order of Canada
2019: Lifetime achievement award in cardiovascular science, Medicine and Surgery from the International Academy of Cardiovascular Sciences
2018: Emeritus Ambassador from Palais des Congrès de Montréal
2018: Achievement Award from Société Gabonaise de Cardiologie
2017: The Bâtisseur Award, The Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM)
2016: Commander, Ordre de Montréal, Ville de Montréal
2014: Achievement Award from the International Society of Pathophysiology
2012: Career Recognition Award, Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal
2012: Roger Assan Award, Société Francophone du Diabète
2010: Honour 30th Anniversary, L’Actualité Médicale, 30 Most Outstanding Doctors in the past 30 years
2010: Scientific Work Prize 2010, Association des médecins francophones du Canada
2009: Lilly Lecture Prize, Canadian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism
2008: Officer, Ordre national du Québec, Gouvernement du Québec
2008: International Okamoto Award, Japan Vascular Disease Research Foundation
2006: Great Montrealer from Chambre de commerce de Montréal
2005: Canadian Society of Hypertension/Novartis Award for Distinguished Services
2001: Wilder-Penfield Award, Gouvernement du Québec
1998: Excellence in Research Award, Canadian Cardiology Society
1994: Purkinje Gold Medal from the Academy of Science of Czech Republic
1990: Harry Goldblatt Award, American Heart Association
A renowned researcher of hypertension, diabetes, and genetics
Pavel Hamet, MD, PhD, has studied the interactions between genetics and environment in complex diseases like hypertension and diabetes for over 50 years. Born in Czechia, he earned his MD from Charles University in Prague before coming to Canada in 1967 to pursue his PhD at McGill University and specialize in Endocrinology at Université de Montréal (UdeM). Since becoming a full Professor of Medicine at UdeM in 1983, Dr. Hamet has achieved numerous scientific breakthroughs, including identifying the genetic basis for increased sensitivity to environmental stress and accelerated aging of the vascular system in hypertension. His focus on hypertension, which affects more than 1.3 billion adults today, exemplifies his dedication to improving patient outcomes on a global scale. His diabetes research has been equally influential, contributing to diabetes self-management, insulin pump use, and genomic tests to predict diabetes-related complications. Dr. Hamet’s leadership roles include founding and directing the Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’UdeM (CRCHUM) from 1990 to 2006, and co-founding CARTaGENE, a population-based biobank advancing personalized medicine. A respected leader in scientific and clinical domains, Dr. Hamet has received over 70 awards for his contributions to detecting, preventing, and treating complex metabolic and endocrine diseases.
Key Facts
Specializes in hypertension, diabetes and genetics research, as well as the use of precision medicine to address these complex conditions
Founded the Centre de recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’UdeM (CRCHUM), one of North America’s leading hospital research centres
Has authored or co-authored over 650 scientific publications, some of which have been cited thousands of times
Holds several international patents focusing on personalized prediction of diabetes outcomes and hypertension management via cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signalling
Played an essential role in creating OPTITHERA, a biobank that helps predict the risks of complications caused by type-2 diabetes
Fun Fact: A visionary thinker who thrives on big ideas, he has never owned a checkbook in his life and often leans on others to help manage logistical details
Professional timeline
Impact on lives today
Dr. Pavel Hamet’s work transformed the prevention and treatment of hypertension and cardiovascular disease through pioneering work in genetic and molecular medicine. His research has advanced precision approaches to managing high blood pressure, directly influencing clinical guidelines and improving care for patients worldwide. In addition, he has trained dozens of physician-scientists who continue to translate his discoveries into practice. The enduring impacts of Dr. Hamet’s achievements can be seen in more personalized therapies, earlier interventions, and longer, healthier lives for people at risk of cardiovascular diseases.
2026
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Named Professor Emeritus at the Université de Montréal
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Dr. Hamet co-founded CARTaGENE, a research platform of the population of Quebec
Cells, Genetics & Genomics -
Demonstrated that a new type of antihypertensive agent can decrease cardiovascular outcomes
STONE (Shanghai trial of Nifedipine in the Elderly), a study performed under Dr. Hamet’s leadership, proved the absence of any detrimental effect of calcium channel blockers in cardiovascular function.
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Founded and began tenure as director of CRCHUM, the Université de Montréal’s hospital-affiliated research centre
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Discovered a new cause of Cushing Syndrome
After identifying a novel cause of Cushing Syndrome, Dr. Hamet later collaborated on the discovery of its mechanisms as adrenal ectopic expression of several hormone receptors, including gastric inhibitory polypeptide, vasopressin, beta-adrenergic receptors and luteinizing hormone.
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Became a full Professor of Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal
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Pavel Hamet, MD PhD, discovered cGMP-binding phosphodiesterase (PDE)
HormonesDr. Hamet and his colleagues helped establish the role of the second messenger cGMP in signal transduction of hormones and discovered the cGMP-binding PDE, the target of Viagra.
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Started his own laboratory at the department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition at Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal to study hypertension
After establishing this laboratory to focus on the mechanisms driving hypertension, Dr. Hamet also served as the scientific director of the Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal from 1990 to 1997. The laboratory later expanded into exploring the genetic components of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes as well.
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Obtained his PhD from the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University, Montréal
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Received his MD from Charles University in Prague
1960
We learned from regulatory agencies that we are the first in the world to have something where genetics could predict severe complications of diabetes.
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