An investiture ceremony on Oct. 4, 2023 at Government House, saw seven people named to the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador.

One of those was Dr. Patrick Parfrey, O.C., Distinguished University Professor, Faculty of Medicine._­

“The seven exceptional Newfoundlanders and Labradorians invested today join a prestigious group of now 142 individuals who have received the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador since the honour was first bestowed in 2004, first approved by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2003,” said Lieut.-Gov. Judy M. Foote.

“As Chancellor of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador, it was an honour to congratulate these exemplary members of our community for their commitment to their respective fields, and recognize the impact their dedication has in our province, country, and the world.”

The recipients were recognized for their demonstrated excellence and achievement in any field of endeavour benefiting in an outstanding manner Newfoundland and Labrador and its residents.

“On behalf of the Provincial Government and the entire province of Newfoundland and Labrador, I extend sincerest congratulations to the seven remarkable individuals who were invested into the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador today, many of whom have made invaluable contributions to recent government initiatives,” said Premier Andrew Furey. “It was a privilege to celebrate their accomplishments as they received the province’s highest honour. Their contributions to life in this province are numerous, spanning the arts and culture, health care and environmental conservation among others. We are grateful for your service to this province and its people.”

Patrick Parfrey, O.C.

Dr. Patrick Parfrey is a clinical epidemiologist and nephrologist with an international reputation for patient-related research in kidney disease and genetic disease.

Throughout his distinguished career in the field of health care, Dr. Parfrey has had a profound influence on the well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. He was instrumental in building the discipline of nephrology as a clinical service and teaching program, the clinical Epidemiology Unit, and the building of the new medical school. Dr. Parfrey’s work led to the establishment of Quality of Care NL, an applied health and social systems research and evaluation program aimed at improving social and health outcomes in our province. He was also a John Lewis Paton Distinguished Professor at Memorial University.

He has published hundreds of research papers, multiple books, and contributed many book chapters. His globally recognized research has led him to attract more than $100 million to advance his work.

In November 2020, Dr. Parfrey was appointed co-chair of Health Accord NL, along with Sister Elizabeth Davis. They led a team to help make recommendations to help inform a reimagined health care system that better meets the needs of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

In 2022, he was appointed Deputy Minister of Health Transformation in the Office of the Executive Council.

Dr. Parfrey is an officer of the Order of Canada, Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.