Dr. Ronald Worton is retired after a 37-year career as a medical research scientist. After 25 years at SickKids Hospital (11 year as Geneticist‑ in‑Chief) Dr. Worton moved to Ottawa as Scientific Director of a new Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. During his tenure the Institute grew to become one of Canada’s premiere health research institutes with $85 million in annual research funding.
As a scientist his PhD research involved properties of newly discovered stem cells, while at SickKids his lab discovered the gene defective in boys with muscular dystrophy. Later in Ottawa he created a major new stem cell research facility and spearheaded the formation of the cross-Canada Stem Cell Network. Honours include a prestigious Gairdner Award, two honorary degrees, the Order of Canada and induction in the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.
