Dear COA Members,

We are thrilled to share the recipients of the awards presented at the COA | CORS | CORA Annual Meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia, from June 11-14. These annual service awards recognize excellence, innovation, and dedication within the orthopaedic community.

Congratulations to all the award winners for their exceptional achievements. Their passion, commitment, and dedication continue to propel our specialty and organization to new heights.

Emerging Leader Award – Dr. Kristen Barton

Dr. Kristen Barton is honoured for her early-career leadership and the significant impact she has already made on Canadian orthopaedics. As the visionary behind the COA’s Emerging Leaders Program, Dr. Barton created a transformative professional development experience tailored to Canadian orthopaedic surgeons, integrating executive coaching, peer learning, and leadership skills training. Her drive to support colleagues extends to her work on the soon-to-be-released COA Parental Leave Position Statement, advocating for a more inclusive and supportive profession. This award celebrates her remarkable contributions and her role in shaping the next generation of orthopaedic leaders.

Service to the COA Award – Dr. Pascale Thibaudeau and Dr. Adrian Huang

Dr. Pascale Thibaudeau is recognized for her exemplary service to the COA as a Member at Large on the Board of Directors and Strategic Monitor. Since 2020, she has demonstrated exceptional commitment through near-perfect meeting attendance, strategic guidance, and leadership on critical initiatives. Most notably, she played an instrumental role in the development of the COA’s Position Statement on Supporting Pregnancy and Parental Responsibility in the Orthopaedic Profession and Throughout Orthopaedic Training. This award honours her dedication to advancing the Association’s mission and fostering a more inclusive and supportive professional environment.

Dr. Adrian Huang has been a dedicated leader within the Canadian Orthopaedic Association for nearly a decade, serving on the COA’s Communications Committee since 2016. His creativity and vision have amplified the Association’s voice through the Ortho Insider Podcast, where he has hosted 18 episodes, interviewed 19 guests, and reached over 50,000 listeners and viewers. Known to many as scrubbedout on social media, Dr. Huang uses his platform to connect, educate, and inspire the orthopaedic community across Canada and beyond. This award recognizes his outstanding commitment to the Association’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.

Changemaker Award – Dr. Catherine Coady

Dr. Catherine Coady is honoured as a true changemaker in Canadian orthopaedics. Known for her leadership, creativity, and innovative approach to patient care, Dr. Coady has championed meaningful change within the orthopaedic community. Her dedication to thinking outside the box has led to impactful initiatives that have benefited both patients and colleagues. Though unable to attend this year’s Annual Meeting in person, Dr. Coady’s influence continues to be felt across the profession. This award recognizes her vision, determination, and ability to create lasting, positive change.

Lifetime Achievement Award – Dr. Graham King

Dr. Graham King is celebrated for an extraordinary career dedicated to advancing orthopaedic care, research, and education. With decades of service, his leadership and expertise have influenced practice standards nationally and internationally.

Dr. King’s work has spanned groundbreaking research, clinical excellence, and the mentorship of countless trainees, leaving a legacy that continues to shape the profession. This Lifetime Achievement Award honours his tireless commitment to improving patient outcomes and strengthening the field of orthopaedics for generations to come.

Presidential Award for Excellence – Dr. Mohit Bhandari

Dr. Mohit Bhandari is recognized with the President’s Award for Excellence for his exceptional achievements in orthopaedic research, education, leadership, and advocacy. His work has advanced evidence-based practice and elevated Canada’s profile in global orthopaedic research. As a mentor, scholar, and leader, Dr. Bhandari has inspired peers and trainees alike, demonstrating a relentless pursuit of excellence in all aspects of his career. This award honours his far-reaching contributions to the profession and his enduring commitment to improving orthopaedic care worldwide.

Doug Thomson Best Booth Awards

Congratulations to OrthoPediatrics and Johnson & Johnson MedTech for winning the 2025 Doug Thomson Best Exhibit Booth Awards. These awards recognize the booth's overall appeal, design, interactive attendee experience, and the proactivity and positivity of exhibiting representatives. We commend both companies for their exceptional displays.