2026 Distinguished Rheumatologist Award

Evelyn Sutton, MD, FRCPC

Dr. Evelyn Sutton is a distinguished rheumatologist and academic leader known for her contributions to clinical care, medical education, and collaborative research in Canada. She served as President of the Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) from 2020–2022, guiding the organization through a transformative period. At Dalhousie University, she held several major leadership roles, including Division Head of Rheumatology and Director of the Nova Scotia Arthritis Centre (2004–2015), and Program Director (1993–2004).

A Professor of Medicine in the Division of Rheumatology, Dr. Sutton is widely respected for her commitment to medical education. Alongside colleagues Drs. Blye Frank and Karen Mann, in 2004 she established a one-month medical education elective for senior residents across all specialties, recognized by the Royal College as a program of excellence and still running many years later. She recently completed 19 years in the Deanery—nine years as Assistant Dean of Admissions and ten years as Associate Dean of Undergraduate Medical Education.

Dr. Sutton has been an active CRA member throughout her career, contributing to numerous resident pre-courses, chairing both the Annual Resident Review Course and the Annual Scientific Planning Committee, and fostering strong relationships between the CRA and the Arthritis Society. She served a decade on the Arthritis Society’s Board, advocating for alignment between the organizations in advancing care for individuals with rheumatic diseases.

Her teaching excellence has been recognized with multiple honours, including the 2014 CRA Teacher-Educator Award and a Certificate of Excellence from the Canadian Association for Medical Education. Her book, A Primer on Musculoskeletal Examination, underscores her lasting influence on training future medical learners.

A founding member of the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group, Dr. Sutton has helped advance understanding of this under-studied disease. In 2005, recognizing critical gaps in patient care, she led the creation of the multidisciplinary Nova Scotia Pulmonary Artery Hypertension Program, improving access to specialized care across the region.