Cynthia Hawkins becomes a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS)
The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology at the University of Toronto is proud to announce that Dr. Cynthia Hawkins has been elected a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS). She is one of 49 new Fellows announced today, 15 of which are appointed at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. This prestigious recognition acknowledges Dr. Hawkins' exceptional contributions to the field of tumour neuropathology and her ongoing commitment to improving patient care through innovative research and advocacy.
The CAHS recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of health sciences. Becoming a Fellow of the CAHS is one of the highest honors in Canadian health research and reflects a career dedicated to advancing knowledge and improving health outcomes. The Fellowship recognizes leaders who have demonstrated exceptional expertise and whose research has had a substantial impact in their field.
In response to her election, Dr. Hawkins commented, “The recognition as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences is a great honour and one I would not have achieved without the help and support of my mentors, colleagues, trainees, friends and family both nationally and internationally. I look forward to working with the CAHS to help advance academic health sciences and improve the health of Canadians.”
As a Professor in LMP, researcher, and Staff Neuropathologist at The Hospital for Sick Children, Hawkins has contributed to significant advancements in the study, diagnosis and treatment of pediatric brain cancers. Her research focuses on enhancing treatment outcomes while minimizing the negative impacts of therapies on developing brains.
She has investigated the molecular mechanisms of pediatric gliomas and has translated these discoveries into innovative diagnostic tests that are now guiding patient care both in Canada and internationally, including in resource-limited settings where they are particularly impactful. Through her contributions to multiple neuro-oncology twinning programs, she provides crucial diagnostic expertise to lower and middle-income countries, advancing care in these regions.
One of Hawkins' achievements is her work with adolescent and young adult (AYA) brain tumor patients. Recognizing a gap in care for this demographic - who may suffer from tumors that more typically occur in children but because of their age are managed by adult cancer specialists - Hawkins helped establish a Canadian AYA neuro-oncology network. This network provides a referral path for molecular diagnostics and has led to the creation of biweekly national AYA brain tumor rounds. These rounds educate oncology experts across 28 institutions in nine provinces, improving patient access to targeted therapies and potentially avoiding unnecessary radiation.
In addition to her work in Canada, Dr. Hawkins has played a pivotal role in global health initiatives. She holds a leadership position with the World Health Organization (WHO) on central nervous system (CNS) tumor classification, and is involved with the International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR). These collaborations work to standardize diagnoses and provide a forum to share diagnostic tools and data with the goals to improve how we classify brain tumours, predict prognosis, and optimize treatment.
Locally, Hawkins continues to support the academic mission of SickKids, reinforcing its position as a leading pediatric academic center. She is also dedicated to the development of the next generation through training and mentoring graduate trainees, pathology residents, and junior faculty both locally and internationally.
Dr. Rita Kandel, LMP Department Chair, stated that “Dr. Hawkins' election as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences is a testament to her many stellar contributions to advancing knowledge in brain tumour health sciences and her dedication to advancing care for pediatric patients, benefitting not only children in Canada, but across the globe.”
Read the full announcement from CAHS.
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This story showcases the following pillars of the LMP strategic plan: Impactful Research (pillar 3) and Disruptive Innovation (pillar 4).
