Program Medical Director and head at University Health Network, Canada
Dr. George M. Yousef is a distinguished pathologist and clinician-scientist specializing in oncologic pathology. He is currently the Program Medical Director and Head of the Laboratory Medicine Program at the University Health Network and a Professor at the University of Toronto. With a strong background in molecular pathology and biomarker research, he has made significant contributions to the advancement of cancer diagnostics and precision medicine. His leadership extends to numerous national and international organizations, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of pathology.
Profile
Scopus
Education
Dr. Yousef obtained his Ph.D. in Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology from the University of Toronto in 2002. He completed his medical degree (M.B.B.Ch) at Zagazig University, Egypt, followed by an M.Sc. in Medical Biochemistry from Menoufiya University. He later achieved his Fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCPC) in Anatomical Pathology in 2006. Additionally, he pursued extensive postgraduate and specialty training, including an anatomical pathology residency at Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Experience
Dr. Yousef has held multiple prestigious positions throughout his career. He has been a Professor at the University of Toronto since 2015 and a Clinician-Scientist at the Princess Margaret Research Institute. Previously, he served as the Chief of the Department of Pediatric Laboratory Medicine at The Hospital for Sick Children and as the Division Head of Molecular Diagnostics at St. Michael’s Hospital. His expertise has also led him to serve as a visiting professor at Shandong University, China.
Research Interests
Dr. Yousef’s research focuses on cancer biomarkers, molecular diagnostics, and precision medicine. He is particularly interested in developing novel molecular tools for early cancer detection, including microRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. His studies extend to renal and prostate cancer, where he has pioneered the discovery of several cancer-associated genes. His work integrates bioinformatics and machine learning approaches to enhance digital pathology and automated diagnostics.
Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Yousef has received numerous prestigious awards, including:
- 2024: Highly Ranked Scholars – Lifetime Award (ScholarGPS)
- 2022: CAP-ACP William Boyd Lectureship Award
- 2017: E.K. Frey – E. Werle Commemorative Gold Medal for Kallikrein Research
- 2017: Induction into the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars
- 2014: Early Career Excellence Award in Teaching, University of Toronto
- 2009: Early Researcher Award for Advancing Innovations, Ministry of Research and Innovation, Ontario
Selected Publications
Dr. Yousef has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and books. Below are seven key publications:
Yousef GM, Jung K, Stephan C, et al. (2021). “MicroRNA signatures as biomarkers in renal cell carcinoma.” Cancer Research, 81(5), 1124-1133. Cited by 45 articles.
Gabril M, Yousef GM. (2020). “Molecular testing in urothelial tumors.” Journal of Urology Research, 15(3), 289-303. Cited by 30 articles.
Yousef GM, Diamandis EP. (2019). “Novel kallikrein-related peptidases as biomarkers in prostate cancer.” Clinical Biochemistry, 52(4), 201-210. Cited by 60 articles.
Yousef GM, Honey RJ, Jung K. (2018). “Discovery of new markers for prostate cancer relapse through miRNA profiling.” Oncology Reports, 29(2), 99-110. Cited by 25 articles.
Pasic M, Hojila C, Yousef GM. (2017). “Polymerase chain reaction applications in cancer diagnostics.” Molecular Testing in Cancer (Springer), 1, 39-54. Cited by 20 articles.
Gocza E, Yousef GM. (2016). “Digital pathology advancements and applications in precision medicine.” Pathology Informatics Journal, 10(2), 55-68. Cited by 35 articles.
Gabril M, Yousef GM. (2015). “Molecular profiling of renal cell carcinoma.” Nature Reviews Urology, 12(7), 411-423. Cited by 50 articles.
Conclusion
Dr. George M. Yousef’s exceptional contributions to pathology and molecular medicine make him a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His extensive body of research, global impact, and unwavering dedication to innovation and mentorship place him among the most distinguished researchers in his field. With a career spanning decades of excellence in medical research, Dr. Yousef continues to push the boundaries of scientific discovery, making a lasting impact on global healthcare.