Dr. John Embil named HSC Giving Champion for 2027
As an infectious disease specialist, Dr. John Embil spends his days preventing the spread of illness. But when it comes to supporting the HSC Foundation, he’s hoping for a case of highly contagious enthusiasm.
Dr. Embil, who has called Manitoba home since 1990, believes deeply that donor support is central to improving patient experiences throughout the health care system. He backs up that belief with regular donations to the Foundation, and has recently committed to a $20,000 lead gift to the 2027 Innovation HSC Radiothon, presented by MARIC. With this early, generous gift, Dr. Embil has been designated the “HSC Giving Champion” for the 2027 Radiothon.
“We need to look to ourselves, and we need to take care of ourselves as a community,” says Dr. Embil of his support. “We live in a small province and our resources are limited. If we want to advance care, we need to give.”
Dr. Embil’s passion for community stems from his own family’s experience and outlook on life. His parents arrived in Canada from Cuba in 1961 with professional training, but little else. (His father was also an infectious disease specialist and researcher at Dalhousie University in Halifax, where Dr. Embil earned his medical degree.) His mother and father taught him the importance of education, gratitude, and helping to create opportunities for others.
Those lessons continue to shape his outlook today, particularly as he watches the pressures on Manitoba’s health care system continue to mount.
“There are so many demands on public funding,” he says. “Floods, forest fires, addictions, homelessness—there are many competing priorities. So, if we’re passionate about moving health care forward, then we need to own this and move it forward ourselves as donors.”
Dr. Embil appreciates that his support of the HSC Foundation—including the Innovation HSC Radiothon—has the power to elevate care.
“Whether we’re talking about equipment, infrastructure, research, or patient supports, the gifts we make are all tied to delivering better patient care and enhancing the patient experience now and in the future,” he says. “Someday we’re all going to need these services. I urge my colleagues across HSC—and all Manitobans—to join me in supporting the Radiothon and other HSC Foundation initiatives. If we want change and progress, we all need to dig in. We’re in this together.”
“Dr. Embil is truly generous and inspirational and we’re grateful for his support and his example,” says Jonathon Lyon, President and CEO of the HSC Foundation. “When medical leaders like John say ‘yes’ to the Foundation, it is a powerful vote of confidence in our vision, and a strong reminder that we must continue to work hard to help our health care professionals provide the best care possible. I hope that other doctors, hospital staff, and all Manitobans follow Dr. Embil’s lead.”
The 2027 Innovation HSC Radiothon, presented by MARIC, will be held January 22 on 680 CJOB, Power 97, and Country 99. It is a day of powerful and inspirational storytelling designed to help Manitobans understand the impact of their support. The 2026 Radiothon raised over $525,000—a new record for the HSC Foundation. Donate early and help us make history again for the benefit of all Manitobans.
Click here to donate today or call 204-515-5612 or 1-800-679-8493 (toll-free).
