Ivar Mendez

Dr. Ivar Mendez is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Surgery at the University of Saskatchewan and Director of Virtual Care and Remote Presence Robotics Programs. A neurosurgeon and neuroscientist, his research spans functional neurosurgery, brain repair, stem cell therapy, and remote-presence robotics for healthcare delivery.

Mendez has pioneered robotic applications including the first long-distance telementoring neurosurgery (2002) and remote neuromodulation programming (2013). He leads initiatives deploying telerobotic ultrasound services to rural/Indigenous communities. His honors include Officer of the Order of Canada and Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.

Awards:

• Canadian Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year (2010)
• Health Canada Award for Improving Health of Canadians (2011)
• Government of Canada Public Service Award of Excellence (2016)
• Officer of the Order of Canada (2022)