An Ottawa neurologist has received a prestigious Canada Gairdner prize for his work on stroke prevention and treatment.
Dr. Antoine (Tony) Hakim received the award, which includes a $100-thousand cheque, at a ceremony in Toronto on Tuesday.
Hakim, who is a professor at the University of Ottawa and works at the Ottawa Hospital, has helped revolutionize the analysis and treatment of strokes; both the signs a stroke is coming and the medicine to administer once a stroke has happened.
The 74 year old's work has led to the reduction in the number of strokes, and a far better prognosis if a stroke is suffered.
More than 80 of past Gairdner prize winners have gone on to win Nobel Prizes in their fields.
Dr. Hakim was inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame.