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Friday, July 3, 2026

Dr. Kona Williams appointed to the Order of Canada

Health Sciences North (HSN) is proud to congratulate Dr. Kona Williams on her appointment as a Member of the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest civilian honours.

 

A respected forensic pathologist, academic leader and advocate for Indigenous health and justice, Dr. Williams has been recognized for her extraordinary contributions to forensic medicine and her commitment to advancing culturally informed practices across Canada.

 

As Canada's first First Nations forensic pathologist, Dr. Williams has helped transform forensic practice through national advocacy, system reform and leadership that strengthens death investigations and promotes equity for Indigenous communities. Her work has also advanced efforts to improve responses to missing Indigenous people and has helped shape modern forensic standards nationwide.

Monday, June 22, 2026

Freezing Out Cancer: A New Era in Kidney Tumour Treatment

Patients in Northeastern Ontario are now benefiting from a ground-breaking kidney cancer treatment at Health Sciences North (HSN), one that eliminates the need for major surgery.

Cryoablation therapy, a minimally invasive procedure that uses extreme cold to destroy cancer cells, allows patients to be treated closer to home while preserving kidney function and reducing recovery time.

For Cameron, a 36-year-old Northeastern Ontario resident, the diagnosis came as a shock.

“It’s scary when you first hear it,” he said. “You hear the word cancer and you just automatically think the worst.”