Dr. Bonita Sawatzky honoured with 2025 Faculty of Medicine Distinguished Achievement Award for Advancement of Equity, Diversity and Inclusiveness

We are delighted to share that Dr. Bonita Sawatzky has been honoured with a 2025 Faculty of Medicine Distinguished Achievement Award for the Advancement of Equity, Diversity and Inclusiveness.

I began my career in the Department of Orthopaedics at a time when there were no women on the faculty, nor individuals with disabilities. The pediatric orthopaedics faculty recognized my strengths and potential when others told me that a career in medicine would not be feasible for me. I feel privileged to lead our READI initiatives within the Orthopaedics department. The changes we have made would not have been possible without a department committed to fostering a more welcoming environment over the years. Learning from many colleagues within the Faculty of Medicine has also been invaluable. This journey takes time and involves considering multiple perspectives. I am truly grateful to be engaged in this important work.
— Dr. Bonita Sawatzky, Associate Professor and Director, Respect, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity & Inclusion (READI)

Each year, the Faculty of Medicine recognizes faculty members who have made exceptional contributions in the areas of education, research and/or service, and who are dedicated to advancing both the Faculty’s values and vision of transforming health for everyone.

Dr. Bonita Sawatzky

Associate Professor and Director, Respect, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity & Inclusion (READI)

Advancement of Equity, Diversity and Inclusiveness Award

The Advancement of Equity, Diversity and Inclusiveness Award recognizes outstanding contributions in the area of equity, diversity and inclusion through research, teaching or service.

Learn more about Dr. Bonita Sawatzky

About Dr. Bonita Sawatzky

Dr. Bonnie Sawatzky is an Associate Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of British Columbia. She earned her PhD in Applied Sciences from Simon Fraser University and in 2008 became a founding Principal Investigator at International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), serving from its inception until 2023. That year, she transitioned into a new leadership role as the Department of Orthopaedic’s READI Director (Respect, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion).

Throughout her research career, Dr. Sawatzky focused on advancing mobility and improving the quality of life for individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI) and related conditions. Her work has had a lasting impact on both clinical practice and the broader field of rehabilitation science.

Congratulations to the recipients Faculty of Medicine Distinguished Achievement Award Recipients 2025.