Honours: Drs. Heather MacKenzie and Javeed Sukhera named Top 20 Under 40

Congratulations to Dr. Heather MacKenzie and Dr. Javeed Sukhera for being named to London’s Top 20 Under 40 for 2019, as identified by London Inc. magazine. The honour is given to young leaders who are making a difference in the community.

Head shot photo of Dr. Heather MackenzieDr. MacKenzie is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and a consultant physiatrist with the spinal cord injury and brain injury rehabilitation programs at Parkwood Institute. She is a leading voice on concussion-related research and aims to optimize the potential for better outcomes for patients experiencing prolonged recovery after mild traumatic brain injury.

“It is human nature to seek out community and interpersonal connection. After brain injury - at a time when support is needed most - this can be particularly difficult to achieve, which can leave people feeling isolated,” she said. “As a specialist in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, I focus on function as it impacts community integration and how individuals are able to engage with their everyday lives. As a result, I feel it is particularly special to be recognized by members of the community in which I live.”

She says she is humbled to be named alongside 19 other inspiring and accomplished leaders from diverse industries.

head shot photo of Dr. Javeed SukheraDr. Sukhera is recognized as a leader in child psychiatry and medical education through his involvement in academics, research and advocacy. Serving as the current Interim Chair in the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and a cross-appointed Associate Professor in the Department of Paediatrics, he provides exceptional mentorship to future physicians. He is also Senior Designate Physician Lead, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at London Health Sciences Centre, and a Scientist at the Centre for Education Research and Innovation (CERI).

“It means so much to me to be recognized not only for my work as a physician and academic, but for the acknowledgement of my activism and community advocacy,” said Dr. Sukhera, who is involved in encouraging policy and system change through numerous committees and councils at the local, national and international levels. He is a member of the London Police Services Board and the Board of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

“I am always motivated by the chance to be a role model for others, and this kind of recognition helps demonstrate the importance of health advocacy for those who are at the early stages of their career.”

His research through CERI explores new approaches to stigma reduction and implicit bias recognition and management in health professionals.

Drs. Sukhera and MacKenzie will be featured as two of the Top 20 under 40 recipients in the November issue of London Inc. Magazine, and will be honoured at the 2019 20 Under 40 Cocktail Gala at the London Music Hall on November 7, 2019.