Amidst the chaos of genocide, civil war, and famine, Dr. James Orbinski OC, OOnt ’80 (Traill College) often found himself in some of the world’s most harrowing crises as he led Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams in Rwanda, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Kosovo. 

Dr. Orbinski's transformation from student to global humanitarian leader was influenced by his formative years at Trent. He credits Trent with laying the intellectual foundation for his future endeavours.  

"Being a physician isn’t just about medical knowledge," he says. "It involves having an approach to understanding the human condition, the political forces at play, and the social determinants of health. Trent gave me the intellectual tools to think critically about these issues." 

On National Physicians Day (May 1), Dr. Orbinski, who accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in 1999 on behalf of MSF, urges healthcare workers to prioritize effectiveness, excellence, and equity in their work — ensuring care reaches even the most marginalized populations.  

"In doing so, you will create better health outcomes for all your patients and ultimately a better world," he says. 

When he was just 17 years old, Dr. Orbinski was drawn to Trent by a recruiter who was authentic and passionate about the University.  

"I felt I was going to a place where there was a real sense of community, and from the day I set foot on campus, to the day I graduated, that hope was fulfilled in droves," he recalls. 

During his time at Trent, Dr. Orbinski found not only academic rigour but also a community that shaped him personally and professionally. He made lifelong friends and developed critical thinking skills in courses that spanned the sciences, humanities, and performing arts.  

As he puts it, "Trent gave me the space to ask big questions and pursue answers that would guide my future." 

Thanks to Trent’s unique collegiate system, he says, he found a vibrant community at Catharine Parr Traill College where he found both friends and professional connections. In fact, he returned to Trent in the fall for Traill’s 60th anniversary celebrations that included a screening of his film Triage: Dr. James Orbinski's Humanitarian Dilemma. 

When visiting those friends in Peterborough, he never fails to drive through campus and enjoy the stunning architecture, which he calls architect Ron Thom’s “masterpiece.”  

“The campus is an extraordinary jewel architecturally and it’s a pleasure just to walk through,” he says.  

Following his time at Trent, Dr. Orbinski has made an indelible mark in global health. He is a professor of medicine at the University of Toronto as well as a professor at the Munk School of Public Policy. He has served as chair of Global Health at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, the CIGI chair in Global Health Governance at the Balsillie School of International Affairs, and as founding director of the Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research at York University.  

Dr. Orbinski is principal of Massey College at the University of Toronto. 

Inspired by Dr. James Orbinski?  Listen to him share further details about how Trent impacted his journey. Enjoy additional interviews with many other inspiring Trent University alumni who have made an impact in their communities, the nation, and the world.