Dr. Simge Erdogan-O’Connor Honoured with Kingston Young Professionals 40 Under 40 Award

The Kingston Economic Development Corporation has named Dr. Simge Erdogan-O’Connor as one of this year’s recipients of the Kingston Young Professionals 40 Under 40 Award. Dr. Simge Erdogan-O’Connor is the Director of the Museum of Health Care and has played a pivotal role in shaping Kingston’s cultural heritage sector since 2020. She previously served as Manager (2020–2022) and Director (2023–2024) at the Murney Tower Museum, and was a Board Member of the Kingston and Area Association of Museums, Art Galleries and Historic Sites (2023-2025).

Dr. Erdogan-O’Connor is the first recipient of the 40 Under 40 Award from Kingston’s heritage sector, a recognition that underscores the growing importance of museums and cultural institutions in the city’s future.

In addition to her leadership role at the Museum of Health Care, Dr. Simge Erdogan- O'Connor is Course Director for Museum and the Community, a course within the Certificate in Museum Studies program offered by the Ontario Museum Association. She is also a Research Associate with the North American Cultural Diplomacy Initiative (NACDI). She holds a Ph.D. in Cultural Studies from Queen's University (Kingston, Canada), an MA in Museum Studies from University College London (UCL) (London, UK), and a BA in History from Boğaziçi University (Istanbul, Turkey).⁠

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“The members of the board of the Museum of Health Care are delighted that the Kingston Economic Development Corporation has awarded Dr Erdogan-O’Connor with the Kingston Young Professionals 40 under 40 award this year’, said Dr Ian Gemmill, chair of the Museum’s board. “It is a recognition of the energy and enthusiasm of the museum’s new director, and we are very proud of her.  This award is well-deserved, and we thank the KEDCO for showcasing this promising young person.”

About the Kingston Young Professionals 40 Under 40 Awards

The Kingston Economic Development Corporation, together with award sponsor Rockwell Commercial, is pleased to announce the outstanding recipients of the third annual Kingston Young Professionals 40 Under 40 Awards. The awards celebrate individuals who have demonstrated exceptional professional achievements, community involvement, and leadership in their fields. This year’s recipients demonstrate the remarkable depth and diversity of young professional talent that calls Kingston home.

The awards will be presented to recipients on September 17, 2025.

To learn more about Kingston Young Professionals and previous recipients, visit investkingston.ca/youngprofessionals

About the Museum of Health Care

Founded in 1991, the Museum of Health Care preserves this rich legacy by collecting, studying, and sharing the country’s medical history. Today, the museum is home to the largest medical collections in the country — approximately 35,000 artifacts that illustrate the evolution of health care in Canada.

Housed in the historic Ann Baillie Building—a 1904 former residence for nursing students—the Museum invites visitors to explore the lived experiences of patients and caregivers across generations, offering valuable context and insight into today’s health care challenges.