Dr. Julio Montaner Recognized as One of "10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians" in 2016

posted on December 16, 2016

"It is with great honour and pride that I acknowledge the recognition of the TD Bank 2016 Award for the "10 most influential Hispanic Canadians", presented by His Excellency Luis Almagro Lemes, Secretary General of the Organization of American States. I find it particularly humbling to be spotlighted for my work and as a Hispanic Canadian. The greatest influence in my life and career is my father, Professor Luis Julio González Montaner, who was a respected lung and TB specialist in Argentina. He taught me to think innovatively about medical solutions. When I came to Canada from Argentina, it was for a medical residency at the University of British Columbia. After the emergence of the HIV epidemic, I was compelled to stay and uncover the research and treatment necessary to save lives. I spent three decades battling HIV and AIDS with every single one of my patients, with the support of my colleagues at St. Paul’s Hospital and the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS in Vancouver, and with colleagues internationally. Thankfully, through advances in treatment, HIV is no longer a death sentence. By implementing Treatment as Prevention, we are now aiming for an AIDS-free generation by 2030. I am grateful for the support I have received for Treatment as Prevention from the Government of BC and — more recently — the Canadian federal government. International collaboration, a commitment to human rights, and bold investment in expanding access to testing and treatment are critically needed as we move towards ending AIDS. Thank you for this recognition of my ongoing work. I am optimistic that we can achieve an AIDS-free generation, and I call on nations and leaders to join me in this effort."

— Julio Montaner, OC, OBC, MD, FRCPC, FCCP Director of the British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS; Director of IDC and Physician Program Director for HIV/AIDS Providence Health Care

BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS

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Dr. Julio Montaner Recognized as One of "10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians" in 2016

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