James J. Orbinski

James J. Orbinski is a Professor at the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine, and serves as Principal of Massey College. A medical doctor, humanitarian practitioner, and global health scholar, he has dedicated his career to advancing justice and humanitarianism through medical relief in conflict zones, epidemic responses, and advocacy for neglected diseases.

His work spans medical humanitarianism, global health governance, and the health impacts of climate change. He was instrumental in founding the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research at York University and co-founded Dignitas International and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi).

Dr. Orbinski authored the bestselling book An Imperfect Offering: Humanitarianism in the 21st Century and is featured in the award-winning documentary Triage: the Humanitarian Dilemma of Dr. James Orbinski. He holds an MD from McMaster University and an MA in International Relations from the University of Toronto.

• Scientific Awards:
• Nobel Peace Prize (1999, accepted for Médecins Sans Frontières)
• Officer of the Order of Canada
• Canada’s Meritorious Service Cross

As Principal of Massey College since 2020, he continues to advocate for interdisciplinary education, teaching a course on global health and climate change in the MGA program.