Barbara Schmidt, MD, FRCP(C), MSc Barbara Schmidt, MD, FRCP(C), MSc Barbara Schmidt, MD, FRCP(C), MSc, an attending neonatologist in the Division of Neonatology at CHOP and the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and a professor of Pediatrics and the Kristine Sandberg Knisely Chair in Neonatology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, recently learned she will receive the Order of Canada. This honor is similar to receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civil award in United States.

Schmidt, a senior scholar in the Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, was recognized for her “contributions to advancing the standard of care for critically ill newborns in Canada and abroad.” The Canadian Governor General presents honors and awards on behalf of all Canadians to recognize those people who have demonstrated excellence, courage, or exceptional dedication to service in ways that bring special credit to Canada.

Schmidt, who is a Canadian citizen, earned her medical degree from Georg-August University, Göttingen, Germany, and completed her residency at University Children’s Hospital, Freiburg, Germany, before moving to Canada. She completed her fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and earned a master of science degree in Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.

“I am honored and humbled by this award and delighted that rigorous clinical research in neonatal medicine has received this recognition from the Canadian government,” Schmidt says.