The COMP Gold Medal

The COMP Gold Medal

The Gold Medal is the highest award given by the Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists and is given to currently active or retired individuals to recognize an outstanding career as a medical physicist who has worked primarily in Canada. A significant contribution is defined as one or more of the following:

  • A body of work which has added to the knowledge base of medical physics in such a way as to fundamentally alter the practice of medical physics.
  • Leadership positions in medical physics organizations which have led to improvements in the status and public image of medical physicists in Canada
  • Significant influence on the professional development of the careers of medical physicists in Canada through educational activities or mentorship

The medal is awarded as appropriate candidates are selected and generally will not be given more than once per year.

To be considered for presentation at the 2024 ASM, nominations must be submitted by  April 30, 2024 and must be made by a Full Member of COMP. Nominations must include:

1. The nominator's letter summarizing the contributions of the candidate in one or more of the areas listed above;
2. The candidate's CV;
3. The candidate's publication list (excluding abstracts) which highlights the candidates most significant 10 papers;
4. Additional 1 to 2 page letters supporting the nomination from three or more members of COMP

Nominations for the COMP Gold Medal are accepted through our online portal

Candidates selected for the medal will be invited to attend the Annual Scientific Meeting where the award will be presented by the COMP President. Travel expenses will be paid for the medal winner. The medal winner may be asked to give a  scientific presentation at the meeting in addition to a short acceptance speech when the medal is presented.

2024 COMP Gold Medal Winner

Frank Prato

 The Canadian Organization of Medical Physicists (COMP) is pleased to announce that the recipient of the 2024 Gold Medal is Dr. Frank Prato. The Gold Medal is the highest award given by COMP and recognizes an active or retired member who has worked mainly in Canada, has had an outstanding career, and has made a significant contribution to the field of medical physics in Canada.

Dr. Prato has been an integral part of the Medical Physics community at St. Joseph’s Health Care London, London Health Sciences Center, and the University of Western Ontario for over forty years. His work spans critical advancements in Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Radiology, notably including:

  • The development of bone mineral density measurement, essential for osteoporosis management.
  • Performing the first MR brain imaging in Canada, setting a national standard.
  • Pioneering MR cardiac imaging techniques, enhancing the understanding of myocardial scarring and blood flow assessment.
  • Introducing the first PET/CT and PET/MR scanners in Canada, revolutionizing molecular imaging and proving the economic value of advanced imaging technologies. 

“Dr. Prato's groundbreaking work in Medical Physics includes pioneering MR brain imaging when the technology first became available and leading the installation of the first PET/MR scanner in Canada, fostering a collaborative clinical and research program around this technology.

Dr. Prato exemplifies outstanding professionalism and leadership, consistently achieving significant outcomes in clinical practice and research. His contributions have advanced our field and shaped the careers of many emerging scientists. I am proud to have been his colleague for the past 36 years”- Ting-Yim Lee

Dr. Prato's leadership extends beyond his technical achievements. As the founding president of COMP, he played a crucial role in establishing the organization, advocating for Medical Physicists' independent voice and professional growth. His tenure as President and Board Member of the Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine (CCPM) was marked by significant advancements, including enhancing certification processes and establishing reciprocity with the American Board of Medical Physics.

Dr. Prato is also a dedicated mentor, having guided over 60 MSc and PhD students and Post-Doctoral Fellows, many of whom have won awards and secured prominent positions in the field. His mentorship has been instrumental in the success of numerous scientists within the Imaging Program at Lawson Health Research Institute.

In recognition of his tireless service, Dr. Prato received the Valuable Service Award from CCPM in 2002 and was named a Fellow of COMP in 2013. These accolades reflect his enduring impact on Medical Physics.

COMP extends its congratulations to Dr. Frank S. Prato on his COMP Gold Medal nomination, acknowledging his extraordinary contributions and unwavering dedication to advancing Medical Physics.

Join COMP in recognizing Frank, his achievements, and this honour, at the COMP Annual Scientific Meeting Gold Medal ceremony on Friday June 7th at 11:30 AM, in Regina, SK.



COMP Gold Medalists


 

2023

 Michael Evans

[untitled]

2022

Joanne Cygler

[untitled]

 2021

Gino Fallone

Gino B. Fallone

2019

Terry Peters

 2012

David W.O. Rogers

David W.O. Rogers' gold medal talk - page 131

2018

Anna Celler

2011

Jake Van Dyk

InterACTIONS article on Jake Van Dyk - page 105

2017

Jerry Battista

Jerry Battista's acceptance speech 

2010

Aaron Fenster

2016

G. Peter Raaphorst

InterACTIONS article on G. Peter Raaphorst

2009

Margaret E. J. Young

Margaret E. J. Young's acceptance speech - page 136

2015

Michael S. Patterson

Michael S. Patterson's acceptance speech - page 72

2008

Ervin B. Podgorsak

Ervin B. Podgorsak's acceptance speech - page 116

2014

Chris Thompson

Chris Thompson's acceptance speech

2007

John C. F. McDonald

2013

John Aldrich

2006

John (Jack) Cunningham, Sylvia Fedoruk, Douglas Cormack

InterACTIONS article on gold medal recipients - page 135