Member of the Order of Canada

• Awarded on: April 6, 2006
• Invested on: December 15, 2006

John Dirks has contributed to the enhancement of both medical education and health care and has promoted Canada's commitment to scientific research. As a nephrologist, he has been deeply committed to improving renal care and treatment for patients throughout the world. To this end, he has worked diligently with the International Society of Nephrology to set up outreach educational programs. Professor emeritus and former dean of Medicine at the University of Toronto, he held senior positions at McGill University, the University of British Columbia and the Aga Khan University in Pakistan. As current president of the Gairdner Foundation, he has worked diligently to recognize innovation and excellence in biomedical research.