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Walter Tavares, an assistant professor in the department of health and society at U of T Scarborough, has been awarded .

The award, which was on May 6, 2023, is awarded to those who have made a significant contribution to Canada.

Tavares was recognized for his contributions to the field of paramedicine, which include helping establish U of T Scarborough's  – Canada's first undergraduate degree program in the field – and serving as inaugural director of the  in the department of family and community medicine at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine.

Tavares also partnered with the Paramedic Association of Canada to create guiding principles for the future of paramedicine, and spearheaded Canada's first international paramedic exchange program. He is founder of the McNally Project, a research initiative aimed at building research capacity and contributions within paramedicine.

“These accomplishments and roles reflect the collective efforts of numerous individuals, teams, learners, and leaders in paramedicine and beyond, with whom I have been privileged to collaborate,” says Tavares. “I am deeply grateful for these opportunities, humbled by this recognition, and inspired to continue contributing to the advancement of the profession.”