Trent Alumnus Dr. James Orbinski '80 was announced one of 25 Top Transformational Canadians on Monday October 4, 2010 by the Transformational Canadians program sponsored by The Globe and Mail, CTV, La Presse and Cisco. The program honours 25 living citizens who have immeasurably improved the lives of others through their vision, leadership and actions.

When asked about his vision of the world, Dr. Orbinski says, "It can be better. It can be fairer. It can be more just. It can be more equitable. This requires mind, time and energy, and most importantly, that we strive to make the world as it can be."

Named to the Order of Ontario in January, 2010, Dr. James Orbinski of Toronto is a physician, scientist, author and internationally renowned humanitarian. He is currently the co-founder and chair of Dignitas International, a medical humanitarian organization working to dramatically increase access to life-saving treatment and prevention in areas overwhelmed by HIV/AIDS.

Dr. Orbinski's recent best-selling book An Imperfect Offering: Humanitarian Action in the Twenty-first Century won the ninth annual Shaughnessy Cohen Prize, also chronicled in the documentary film, Triage: Dr. James Orbinski's Humanitarian Dilemma.

Past president and founding member of Doctors Without Borders (MSF), Dr. Orbinski accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of MSF in 1999. He was Head of Mission both in Zaire during the refugee crisis of 1996-97 and in Rwanda during the civil war and genocide in 1994. He was also medical co-ordinator in Somalia during the 1992-93 famine and civil war.

Dr. Orbinski graduated from Trent University in 1984 with a degree in Psychology. Trent presented Dr. Orbinski with an honorary degree in 2001 and the Trent University Alumni Association honoured Dr. Orbinksi in 1992 with the Spirit of Trent Award.

In recognition of Dr. Orbinski's efforts, Cisco will donate up to $25,000 worth of technology to the non-profit or charitable organization of his choice. The technology will be donated in partnership with Allstream.

You can read more about this honour in the Globe and Mail, and watch Dr. Orbinski's interview on Canada AM.