Dr. Francis Ho Medical Honouree: Dr. Eric Yoshida

Dr. Eric Yoshida is a Professor of Medicine at the University of British Columbia and is currently the President of the Medical Staff Association at the Vancouver General Hospital (VGH). Having published more than 400 papers in peer-reviewed journals in the area of liver disease and liver transplantation, Dr. Yoshida is well known nationally and internationally. He is also the founder of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada’s Diploma Program in Hepatology and has received the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal, the CASL Distinguished Service Award, the VGH Clinical Excellence Award, and the Order of BC. Dr. Yoshida has served for almost a decade as the Chair of Liver Canada’s National Medical Advisory Committee. A highly respected gastroenterologist and liver specialist, he has been featured in both mainstream and ethnic media on innumerable occasions. He has provided many Continuing Medical Education lectures to physicians and lectures to the public on behalf of Liver Canada, including our LIVERight Health forums over the years and has contributed to written articles for the LIVERight Gala program books. He is one of the inaugural Fellows of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and is the only adult hepatologist in BC with that distinction.

Patient Honoree: Madilynn (Madi) Ukranitz

Madi has a rare, non-curable liver disease called Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) that impacts her bile ducts. Madi is waiting for a new liver because transplantation is her only option. Madi first told her story at our 2024 Stroll for Liver where she registered a team and posted a link on social media. The next thing she knew, she had a team of over 60 people, and collectively, all the participants raised $30,000 for liver research and education that day! This year, Madi’s team gathered again at our Move for Liver where she spoke in a room full of people who were all wanting to support the cause, as well as educate themselves about rare diseases. The love and support were overwhelming. The symbolism of everyone embracing the journey with Madi showed that she was not alone. It demonstrates the power of courage, love, faith and hope and is a true testament to how strength, perseverance and gratitude, along with the advanced treatments that brought forth by the investment of research, education, patient support and advocacy will overcome the challenges that liver disease endures.