2023 Alumni of Distinction Awards
The 2023 Alumni of Distinction Award recipients are international leaders, accomplished scholars, community advocates and trailblazers in their fields. They have upheld the exceptional reputation of the School and represent what is best in our alumni community.
Congratulations to Dr. Mike Shkrum for receiving an Alumni of Distinction Award for Professional Achievement in Medicine.
Following his graduation from Western’s Faculty of Medicine in 1978, Dr. Michael Shkrum has had a distinguished career in Anatomic and Forensic Pathology and he continues to make important contributions in these domains.
Dr. Shkrum's expertise in forensic pathology is, at its core, attributable to hard work, having performed thousands of medicolegal autopsies over the past 30 years within Ontario's Coroner's Death Investigation System. He is a tireless worker and is the first pathologist in the department in the morning and one of the last to leave. He is a team player, always willing to lend a hand in busy times, take on new challenges, and help colleagues resolve difficult cases.
He has earned a stellar reputation for his meticulous autopsy reports and his clear and fair testimony in court. He is routinely consulted by pathologist colleagues, crown attorneys, and police services for forensic opinion and assistance. His testimony in numerous murder trials and coroner's inquests has been crucial to their resolution. In addition, acting as an expert witness for defence counsel demonstrates his balanced non-partisan attitude to our justice system.
Dr. Shkrum's career has been the total package: A myriad of achievements in service, research, teaching, and leadership. He has truly led the way and left a permanent mark in the field of Canadian Forensic Pathology.
We also acknowledge Phaedra Henley, PhD and Dr. Rebekah Jacques for being nominated this year as well.
