Senior Scientist Receives Distinguished Investigator Award from the Canadian Rheumatology Association

Vancouver (January 28, 2026) – Congratulations to Arthritis Research Canada senior scientist Dr. Cheryl Barnabe, who is the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Investigator Award from the Canadian Rheumatology Association. The award recognizes her outstanding leadership and impact in rheumatology research and clinical care.

Dr. Barnabe is a professor in the Departments of Medicine and Community Health Sciences at the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary. She is also the director of the McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health.

As a member of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, Dr. Barnabe has provided rheumatology care in Treaty 7 territory in both urban and on-reserve settings for more than 15 years. Her research has advanced understanding of the epidemiology of rheumatic diseases in First Nations and Métis communities. She identified higher incidences of osteoarthritis and autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases in First Nations communities, yet they had less access to specialty care. Working in partnership with Indigenous communities, she examined how racism, policy barriers, and inequities in social determinants of health contribute to disparities in arthritis outcomes.

“This recognition reflects the strength of the partnerships and communities I have the privilege of working with,” said Dr. Barnabe. “I am deeply grateful to the patients, community leaders, trainees, and collaborators who continue to guide and inspire this work toward more equitable arthritis care.”

Arthritis Research Canada is proud to celebrate Dr. Barnabe’s achievements and her continued commitment to advancing equitable, patient-centred arthritis research and care.

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ABOUT ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CANADA:

Arthritis Research Canada is the largest clinical arthritis research institution in North America. Our mission is to transform the lives of people impacted by arthritis through patient-centred research and engagement. Arthritis Research Canada is home to a team of over 100 researchers, trainees and staff whose life-changing research is creating a future where people with arthritis have the knowledge and tools to triumph over pain and disability. Arthritis Research Canada is conducting research from coast to coast with centres in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia and scientists affiliated with 10 major Canadian universities.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Bernice Rahman
Marketing and Communications Officer
Arthritis Research Canada
brahman@arthritisresearch.ca