Dr. Julio Montaner appointed Officer of the Order of Canada

Just a month after B.C. recognized him for a lifetime of work in HIV/AIDS, the Governor General has appointed Dr. Julio Montaner as an Officer of the Order of Canada.

The veteran research is widely recognized as a major contributor to the establishment of a global standard of care in the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS.

He developed treatments for HIV/AIDS over the course of several decades beginning with his early work at St Paul's Hospital in Vancouver. in the 1980s.

The Order of Canada is one of the nation's highest civilian honours and was established in 1967 in Canada's centennial year to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the country.

As an Officer of the Order, Montaner receives its second highest title.

It's tremendous and humbling said Montaner.

“I had a unique opportunity to help a population that, in the beginning, few wanted to work with. I attribute my success to the inspiration provided by my patients, as well as the guidance provided by my parents and the support of my wife and children, and my many outstanding coworkers and colleagues at the BC-CfE.”

“I will continue in my life-long pursuit to eliminate HIV and AIDS in BC, in Canada and the world, so that we can truly achieve an AIDS-free generation globally."

Montaner was also recently inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.