Established in 1976, the Alan Ross Award is the most prestigious honour given by the Canadian Paediatric Society. The award recognizes lifelong excellence in the fields of paediatric research, education, healthcare and advocacy.
The award is presented during the CPS Annual Conference. The recipient is awarded a commemorative plaque and a gift of $2,000 and complimentary CPS membership for one year.
Dr. Shoo K. Lee is receiving this year’s Alan Ross Award to recognize his stellar career in neonatal/perinatal medicine, a field he transformed through collaborative research, data collection, publishing, advocacy, and practice quality improvement. Dr. Lee founded the Canadian Neonatal Network in 1995 on a model that has been adopted since around the world. He went on to create a system of neonatal/perinatal satellite networks for research and practice here and internationally. In Canada these linked databases high-risk pregnancies admitted for tertiary perinatal care, every infant admitted to a NICU, and every infant needing certain surgeries. They have helped standardize neurodevelopmental outcomes for all high-risk infants in Canada, an achievement unique in the world.
By targeting practice change for specific neonatal diseases and family integrated care, Dr. Lee increased capacity, improved outcomes, and reduced mortality and morbidity in NICUs worldwide. His interest in reducing variability in neonatal care practice and improving outcomes led him to develop EPIQ, the Evidence-based Practice for Improving Quality, now in its 22nd year and in Canada and widely embraced by other networks around the world.
An inspiring mentor and leader, Dr. Lee established neonatal-perinatal training programs between Canada and China that reduced newborn and maternal mortality and morbidity significantly. Alongside many prestigious awards, Dr. Lee has received the Order of Canada and the Magnolia Gold Award, the highest recognition given to foreigners, from the government of Shanghai.
Dr. Lee is Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto, Honorary Physician at Mount Sinai Hospital, and President of the Canadian Neonatal Foundation.
Alan Ross was a distinguished and recognized leader in Montreal paediatrics for over 40 years. As Physician-in-Chief for 15 years at the Montreal Children’s Hospital and Chair of the Department of Paediatrics at McGill University, Dr. Ross earned an international reputation for his work in child health. His very special qualities along with his many talents made him an outstanding and well-respected physician, leader and teacher.
In 1968, Dr. Ross became the founding Professor of Paediatrics at the University College Medical School in Nairobi, Kenya. There, he encouraged a new approach to medical education, encouraging paediatricians from the western world to come to Africa and share their knowledge. As a result, many African paediatricians have stayed in their homeland to provide desperately needed medical care rather than move to more developed countries. To this day, many paediatricians inspired by Dr. Ross continue his important work the world over.
Nominees should be individuals who have made outstanding lifetime contributions in the field of child and youth health throughout their careers. The recipient must be a Canadian resident but need not be a member of the CPS.
The Awards Committee will evaluate candidates based on:
Nominations must be formally resubmitted each year to be reconsidered. Current CPS board and Awards Committee members are not eligible for nomination and cannot nominate candidates while serving their terms.
Submissions must include:
Submit your nominations using the Submit Nomination button.
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Last updated: May 21, 2025