Legendary surgeon Dr. Tirone David to be inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame

Cardiovascular surgeon at University Health Network’s Peter Munk Cardiac Centre recognized for global contributions to medicine.

UHN Foundation is proud to announce that Dr. Tirone David, an internationally acclaimed cardiovascular surgeon at UHN’s Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, has been announced among the first round of Canada’s Walk of Fame Inductees for 2025 in the Science, Technology and Innovation category. Recognized as a trailblazer in his field, Dr. David has redefined cardiovascular surgery having developed 15 groundbreaking procedures that went on to be implemented globally.

“Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we were able to support Dr. David’s big, bold ideas that ultimately revolutionized cardiovascular surgery,” said Julie Quenneville, CEO of UHN Foundation. “His groundbreaking innovations have not only rewritten the medical books but have also had a profound impact on patient care around the world. This incredible achievement underscores the vital role philanthropy plays in retaining top talent and driving life-changing advancements in health care.”

Dr. David’s legacy is unparalleled, and his decorated career is a testament to his dedication to improving outcomes for patients everywhere. His innovations have not only saved countless lives, but have set new standards for excellence in cardiovascular care. Some of Dr. David’s incredible contributions to cardiac surgery include:

Developed 15 life-saving surgical procedures to treat heart disease

More than 15,000 open heart surgeries completed with almost 100% success rate

Over 450 scientific papers published

“This is an incredible honor, and I am humbled to be recognized in this way,” said Dr. David. “None of these achievements would have been possible without the exceptional team I have had the privilege of working with throughout my career. I am also profoundly grateful to the donors whose generosity has fueled my work and enabled the contributions I’ve made to cardiovascular care. I share this recognition with all of you—my colleagues, supporters, and the community that has inspired and sustained me every step of the way.”