DJ Cook, neurosurgeon at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) and associate professor at Queen’s University, has been named to the annual Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 list.

Dr. Cook was recognized for his work in developing minimally invasive surgical procedures for complex brain disorders, as well for his innovative research focusing on therapy and treatments to enhance recovery for patients who have suffered a stroke.

“This is a real honour. I know that a few neurosurgeons have been recognized in the past, but this is a list focused on leaders in the private sector. So, it’s a big honour to be considered for this award as a surgeon-scientist,” says Dr. Cook. “I think it speaks to the impact of the work we are doing at KHSC and Queen’s with the Translational Stroke Research Program.”

Each year Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 serves as a showcase for emerging leaders across the country. Founded in 1995 by the Caldwell Partners, Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 has recognized more than 680 outstanding Canadians since its inception.

Dr. Cook credits his nomination for this prestigious award to the strong, innovative environment provided through the clinician-scientist program offered by the Southeastern Ontario Academic Medical Association (SEAMO) in partnership with Queen’s and KHSC.

“I must also thank my highly-supportive partners in the neurosurgery program who help facilitate my sometimes overwhelming research schedule,” he says.

This year’s 40 winners were selected from over 800 nominees by an independent advisory board, comprising more than 20 business leaders from across Canada. Honourees were chosen on four key criteria: Vision and Innovation; Leadership; Impact and Influence; and Social Responsibility.

“It was a rigorous process that included a series of interviews with business leaders from across the country. I think the panel was interested in the impact our work is having in academia and the promise it holds for healthcare and our society,” says Dr. Cook. “It’s recognition that our research in stroke and neurosurgery is of interest to a broader audience who understand the potential benefit for patients worldwide.”

This year’s winners will be recognized at a gala event in Toronto in November.

Also making the list were five Queen’s alumni:

• Neil Pasricha (Com’02), Best-selling author, speaker, thinker
• Jamie Shea (Com’11), Co-founder and CEO, Chefs Plate
• Patrick Meyer (Com’11), Co-founder and CSO, Chefs Plate
• Andrew Turnbull (Artsci’01), Senior Vice President, Small Business Banking, CIBC
• Allison Wolfe (Com’01), Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President, Finance and Strategy, Oxford Properties Group

The full list is available on the Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 website.

 – With files from Kingston Health Sciences Centre.