Congratulations to Dr. Nermin Diab, MD, MPH a newly recruited pulmonologist, Assistant Professor, and clinician-scientist at the MUHC and McGill Department of Medicine, is the recipient of the MUHC Foundation’s 2025 Rising Star Award. The Rising Star Program was created to support early-career clinician-scientists during a critical window before eligibility for major funding programs. The Rising Star Award provides the protected time and resources needed to launch innovative research programs and build long-term impact.
Dr. Diab’s research focuses on severe asthma, challenging traditional lung-focused treatment models by examining how co-existing conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases, influence disease progression and treatment response. Inspired in part by personal experience with a family member affected by severe asthma, Dr. Diab aims to move toward truly individualized, whole-person care.
Receiving the award was both surprising and validating for Dr. Diab:
“When I found out I won, I experienced a brief moment of surprise,” she said. “I’m new to the MUHC, so this was incredibly validating for my career and for the research I’m passionate about working on here in Montreal. I was thrilled.”
Dr. Marc Rodger, Chair of the Department of Medicine, confirmed the choice of award recipient, and emphasized that this award is often a turning point, helping clinician-scientists gain momentum, secure future funding, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
“Dr. Diab’s research is not only highly promising, but it will also lead to tangible improvements in respiratory care,” he explained. “This award is often a turning point. It helps young clinician-scientists build momentum, secure salary awards, and ultimately deliver even greater impact for patients.”
Funded through philanthropy, the Rising Star Program reflects the powerful role of donor support in advancing research and care, helping ensure that promising discoveries translate into real-world impact for patients.
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Nermin Diab receives Rising Star Award for early career clinician-scientists. By the MUHC Foundation. McGill Health e-News, March 26, 2026.