Dr. Peter Nickerson

Dr. Peter Nickerson has made transformative contributions to organ donation and transplantation in Canada, serving over 12 years as medical advisor to Canadian Blood Services. He played a central role in building a nationally coordinated transplant system through the development of programs such as the Kidney Paired Donation Program and the Highly Sensitized Patient Program. His leadership in standardizing human leukocyte antigen (HLA) laboratories and developing an interprovincial organ sharing network has led to more than 1,000 transplants for hard-to-match patients. His research in transplant immunology and rejection has directly shaped new clinical standards, and he is recognized nationally for his expertise and impact in this field.  

Currently, as the Dean and Vice-Provost (Health Sciences) of the Max Rady College of Medicine at the University of Manitoba, Dr. Nickerson continues to shape the future of transplantation through academic leadership and mentorship. He maintains active involvement with Canadian Blood Services, offering strategic advice on interprovincial organ sharing. His distinguished career, marked by numerous awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Society of Transplantation and the Paul I. Terasaki Award Lecture, reflects his commitment to improving transplant access and outcomes. Dr. Nickerson’s dedication, innovation, and leadership make him highly worthy of this notable award.