Dr. Ting-Yim Lee awarded the Meritorious Service Cross by the Governor General of Canada

Congratulations to Dr. Ting-Yim Lee who was awarded the Meritorious Service Cross from the Governor General of Canada. He was recognized for his development of CT Perfusion to measure blood flow in the body which has transformed the way stroke is assessed and treated around the globe.

The Civil Division Cross recognizes a deed or an activity that has been performed in an outstandingly professional manner, or with uncommonly high standards; the activity is often innovative, sets an example for others to follow, improves the quality of life of a community and brings considerable benefit or honour to Canada.

Dr. Lee, a scientist at Lawson Health Research Institute and Medical Physicist at St. Joseph’s Health Care London, as well as professor at Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and scientist at Robarts Research Institute, fits the bill perfectly. Through his research program, Dr. Lee pioneered the development of CT Perfusion technology which is compatible with existing CT scanners and uses X-ray dye to assist doctors in assessing blood flow in the event of stroke.

The technology is now in use in more than 8,000 hospital imaging departments worldwide and has drastically improved patient care.

“I am humbled by this award. The work I’ve accomplished would not have been possible without the support of the institutions and collaboration of colleagues too many to name and the tireless effort of all members of my lab: graduate students, fellows, technicians and assistants,” said Dr. Lee. “I am really happy that this work has been found to help patient care. It gives me impetus to continue to search for new innovations that would benefit patients.”

The Meritorious Service Decorations recognize Canadians for exceptional deeds that bring honour to the country. The cross was originally created in 1984 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, for members of the military. In 1991, both the cross and medal were introduced for civilians to recognize remarkable contributions in many different fields including advocacy initiatives and health care services, to research and humanitarian efforts.

The recipients of the awards were announced by Governor General of Canada, David Johnston, and will be presented at an official ceremony later this year.