Originally from Nigeria, Mariam is a Mastercard Foundation Scholar alumnus who graduated with Distinction in Biochemistry from the University of British Columbia.
Before pursuing her medical studies, she made significant contributions to genetic research and advanced initiatives at a leading biotechnology company in Vancouver, focused on developing effective protein therapeutics for challenging cancers and emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Since starting medical school, Mariam has dedicated herself to enhancing equity and diversity within BC's health care system. She co-founded and leads the UBC Black Medical Students’ Association, promoting the professional development of Black medical students through networking and mentorship. As a UBC Outreach Ambassador and Pathways to Medicine Mentorship Lead, Mariam educates diverse youths about careers in medicine and supports a high school mentorship program aimed at improving recruitment and diversity in BC's medical sector.
An advocate for health care accessibility, Mariam collaborated with the Real Time Virtual Support program for pediatric care in rural BC (CHARLiE) to inform the development of a map that will detail the availability of pediatric care resources in remote communities across BC, thus improving timely access to care.
As she continues her medical journey, Mariam remains committed to advancing health equity and addressing disparities by exemplifying leadership and compassion.
Inspired by 2023 Laureate Carol Herbert, MD
Safaa’s commitment to community service and advocacy, and her passion for promoting equitable healthcare access is evident in her significant leadership roles including heading the Black Medical Student Association. Under her leadership, the association has successfully organized an annual health fair to promote equitable healthcare information access for the BIPOC community. Her dedication to this cause and collaboration with other black student associations on a shared community engagement vision is commendable.
Recognizing the need for more representation in surgery, she co-founded the UpSurge UofA chapter, a platform that supports BIPOC students aspiring for surgical careers.
Born and raised in Sudan and with strong family ties, Safaa remained steadfast in her pursuit of academic excellence despite the challenges brought by the war. Her capacity to maintain high educational standards amid adversity is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and exceptional abilities.
Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Safaa finds joy in hiking, traveling with friends and exploring the natural beauty of rural Alberta. She also values quality time with her family and friends, often dedicating her free time to nurturing these relationships.
Inspired by 2018 Laureate Emily Stowe, MD
Chaten is committed to making a tangible impact towards equity for all Canadians. Serving as the Director of Government Affairs on the CFMS Board of Directors, Chaten led transformative initiatives, including a historic advocacy campaign for Universal Access to Contraception, successfully integrated into Canada's National Pharmacare Program, impacting more than 9 million Canadians.
A champion for Indigenous education, Chaten secured $659,000 for the "Pre-Pathways to Education for Indigenous Students in Southern Alberta" project, breaking down barriers and providing tuition for 166 Indigenous students at the University of Calgary. Additionally, he co-founded the Decolonize Health Care Congress with a $200,000 grant, aiming to decolonize health care through collaborative efforts with Indigenous communities. His commitment extends to national advocacy, where he played a pivotal role in the Canadian Medical Forum's EDII Task Force, promoting anti-racism and establishing inclusive French gender labeling for medical learners.
His innovation extends to neurotech with the co-founding of BraVRy, a virtual reality solution supporting anxiety disorder treatment. His holistic leadership and entrepreneurial spirit continue to empower future healthcare leaders to drive meaningful change and equity.
Inspired by 2024 Laureate Allison McGeer, MD
A Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physiology and Pharmacology graduate, Natisha’s strong commitment to women's health as an advocate for government-funded contraception led to her co-found the organization Universal Access to Contraception Saskatchewan. She has a special interest in reproductive rights as a Chapter Lead for Medical Students for Choice Saskatchewan, through which she recently completed an externship at an abortion clinic in the United Kingdom. Her leadership further extends to roles such as Vice-President Internal Regina for the Student Medical Society of Saskatchewan and Co-President of the OBGYN Interest Group.
Natisha has been actively engaged in research, presenting her work at prominent national and international conferences. One of her notable presentations includes Mother Earth and Maternal Health: The Effects of the Climate Crisis on Female Reproductive Health at a Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada’s conference. She has also won several scholarships and awards, including the College of Medicine First Year Student Award and the Hatlelid Family Memorial Fund Scholarship.
With a passion for advancing women's health, Natisha aims to pursue a career in OBGYN and is committed to making a meaningful impact in her patient’s lives.
Inspired by 2007 Laureate Elizabeth Bagshaw, MD
Guided by her experiences as a Pakistani woman receiving life-saving health care, Tooba is passionate about advancing equity and inclusion in medicine. As Vice-Stick EDI on the Manitoba Medical Students Association, she participates in curriculum reform, is a voting member on the Admission Committee, and recently planned a conference on training effective physician advocates. She is also involved in projects examining student experiences through an EDI lens to inform new policies. She has served as the campus co-lead for the Muslim Medical Association of Canada, creating safe spaces and mentorship for Muslims in medicine.
Tooba is keen on advancing knowledge through innovation. She has been involved in research since she was in high school and has played a key role in identifying molecular drivers of colorectal cancer. Her passion for discovery continues through her current research focus on identifying drug targets that can exploit the underlying genetics of cancer.
Outside of medicine, Tooba works with several non-profits, including the Canadian Cancer Society, and the Manitoba Schools Science Symposium. For her efforts, she was selected as a fellow of the UofM’s President’s Student Leadership Program and received the Athena Leader of Tomorrow Award.
In her free time, Tooba enjoys decorating cakes, hiking, and reading.
Inspired by 1997 Laureate Charles Beer, PhD
Emma was honoured as a Dean Braun Scholar and received the President’s Award for her leadership and community involvement while completing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Lakehead University.
As Chair of Compass North, a student-led health outreach organization, Emma actively supports the implementation of initiatives to address health and social needs in Northern Ontario. She focuses on empowering community members through health education, ensuring the organization’s sustainability, and promoting professional development.
Emma is actively involved in research assessing blood pressure health literacy and student-led health workshops as an intervention for community health promotion. She has also contributed to the development of a web-based trivia application to assess knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of substance use in Northern Ontario. She recently led a study on reciprocity in interprofessional education at NOSMU aimed at ensuring that social accountability be embedded in curriculum update design. Emma aspires to continue her work, furthering research and educational initiatives that benefit her community and the broader fields of health care and medicine.
Emma also enjoys coaching skating, playing soccer, and traveling.
Inspired by 2023 Laureate Carol Herbert, MD
Iman completed a BSc and MSc in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Waterloo where she was awarded the AHS Senate Scholarship for having the top grades in her department. Iman’s graduate thesis explored a novel pathway that could elucidate the relationship between chronic kidney disease and new-onset diabetes.
Iman served for four years as a clinical researcher at the Bone Research and Education Centre, a McMaster University research site. Iman has co-authored 10+ publications, two medical textbook chapters and assisted with guideline development for international task forces on Parathyroid Disease and Hypophosphatasia.
Iman also served as the Executive Director for Canadians in Support of Refugees in Dire Need (CSRDN), a not-for-profit organization dedicated to upholding the principles of equality and justice for all people regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity, and advocating for victims of genocide.
As a proud representative of her community, Iman aspires to champion culturally competent health care. She owes her success to mentors in her life and is passionate about giving back through youth mentorship and community volunteering.
Inspired by 2020 Laureate Harvey Max Chochinov, MD PhD
As a fervent champion for mental health, Hargun has spearheaded national mental health policies and volunteered with organizations such as CMHA and the Schizophrenia Society. Her leadership extends to various boards and councils, including those of the City of Hamilton, LOFT Community Services, and McMaster University. She represented Canada at the G7 Youth Summit, leveraging her platform to advocate for inclusive policies and amplify the voices of gender-marginalized individuals, people of colour, and first-generation Canadians.
Driven by her experiences as a woman of colour and an immigrant, Hargun is deeply committed to addressing health inequities and uplifting marginalized communities. She has led impactful public health campaigns with the South Asian Community Health Task Force, played a pivotal role in developing a Health Canada-funded cannabis and mental health course tailored for youth, and represented young caregivers on CIHR’s Older Adult Advisory Council.
Hargun’s research builds on her community leadership, including more than 15 publications on gender inequities, harm reduction strategies, and child and youth mental health. She hopes to lead change at the intersection of medicine, research, advocacy, and innovation to improve health for the most neglected people and problems.
Inspired by 2013 Laureate Bette Stephenson, MD
While an MD–PhD student, Matthaeus has made immense contributions to U of T's landscape. He has served on ten of its administrative bodies, including the Tribunal and Graduate Education Council. He led the non-profit, Toronto Notes, as its Production Co-Manager and then Co-Editor-in-Chief. He just concluded his sixth year as Co-Director of Adventures In Science (AIS), which he developed with a partner. AIS is a longitudinal volunteer program that mentors 250 high school students through an engaging curriculum. Outside of AIS, Matthaeus mentors students and supports youth in crisis through multiple volunteer programs.
Matthaeus has organized four conferences including U of T’s Medical Student Research Day, and served on student executive teams including MD–PhD Class Council, Paediatrics Interest Group, and Clinician-Investigator Trainee Association of Canada. For five years, Matthaeus co-directed Noteworthy Music Program and participated as a volunteer singer and violinist. This past year, he performed as a lead cast member in the MD program’s annual fundraiser musical. Scientifically, Matthaeus just completed his basic science PhD in brain cancer neuroscience. Ultimately, Matthaeus strives to be a kind, compassionate leader in academic medicine.
Inspired by 1997 Laureate Brenda Milner, PhD
Corey is a zealous advocate who aspires to revolutionize healthcare. Prior to starting medical school, Corey completed his law degree (JD). Corey has always had a passion for helping others and noticed a disconnect between law and medicine, he saw opportunities to use his varied educational and work experiences to address disparities in health.
Corey served as the Director of Finance for the Black Medical Student’s Association of Canada. He worked with colleagues to establish partnerships with community stakeholders and established a multi-day conference supporting Black learners throughout Canada. Corey also created region-specific initiatives across Canada and is introducing the organization’s first MCAT Bursary.
Internationally, Corey has worked with Small Island Developing States and Least Developing Countries at the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. He aided to enhance the institutional memory of these countries and worked with ambassadors to address human rights goals.
He is currently doing research concerning blood disorders and the impact of culturally competent changes to medical education. In his free time, Corey loves being active and enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
Quote:
“Receiving the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award for Medical Students is not just a lifelong dream; it is a testament to the dedication, innovation, and excellence occurring in the field of medicine. I am proud to be a part of a tradition that recognizes the potential for future contributions to healthcare and that inspires a commitment to the highest standards of medical practice and research.”
Inspired by 2004 Laureate Maurice LeClair, MD
Katelyn is inspired by a vision of innovative, empathy-driven healthcare that is formed on principles of equity and accessibility. Her social advocacy began with her work creating capacity-building programs to empower young leaders and coordinating initiatives for newcomer and refugee children. She represented Canadian youth at the 65th UN Commission on the Status of Women and co-founded Ontario’s first research-based youth advisory report through Young Ontarians United.
At uOttawa, Katelyn is involved in research on linguistic minorities' barriers to primary care with the Centre for Care Access and Equity Research. She is enthusiastic about medical education and best practices to equip medical students to deliver culturally safe care. These efforts led to her work with the Faculty's Social Accountability student group where she collaborated with the community paramedic, Mental Wellbeing Response Team. In addition, she organized initiatives to address homelessness and created a student advisory for the social medicine curriculum.
Katelyn continues to express her creativity through jewellery-making and glasswork, as well as presenting her poetry at local events. She assisted in writing the script and played trumpet for her school's charity musical, MedShow and enjoys leading weekly bible studies.
Inspired by 2010 Laureate Vera Peters, MD
Mark has made important contributions to the field of lung cancer, that his research has been recognized with a top 10 science discovery prize in Quebec. His study published in Nature, used artificial intelligence to predict post-surgical progression for lung cancer patients. These findings can help guide clinical management after surgery by predicting which early-stage lung cancer patients would benefit from chemotherapy and which patients would be harmed by it.
Mark was selected as one of three Canadians to represent Canada at the 72nd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, a conference dedicated to biomedical research that brought together 40 Nobel laureates and over 600 young scientists from around the world to discuss the increasingly important role of science in our society.
During his time as a post-doctoral student, Mark noticed the lack of representation for MD-PhD students and the limited mentorship and support for junior students. As a result, Mark helped rally other students in co-founding the McGill MD-PhD Society, where he served as the inaugural President for two years. As a representative on the Program Advisory Committee, he engaged with Faculty leadership to defend and advocate for student interests.
Inspired by 2010 Laureate Phil Gold, MD PhD
Maxine is passionate about health innovation and medical research. Since 2021, she has been the leader of the Kids Help Phone Youth Engagement Committee. She founded and presided over the Digital Health Interest Group at the University of Montreal (GISNUM), which plays a key role in raising awareness about health technologies by organizing a dozen of conferences and workshops attracting over 1000 students.
As a co-founder of a data science training program focused on the R programming language, she has equipped around a hundred participants with crucial statistical skills for medical research. Committed to medical research and integrating digital health into the medical curriculum, she has published a dozen scientific articles and presented her work at local and international conferences.
Maxine is also the project lead for the educational website Montreal Derm FilEZ, which offers free dermatology resources to a global audience. Her initiatives include training programs on skin cancer prevention and an online educational program for children with eczema at Sainte-Justine Hospital. Her commitment was recognized with the Young Leader Award from the Canadian Medical Association in 2023.
Inspired by 2022 Laureate Noralou Ross, PhD
Natasha is deeply committed to research, health care and community service.
For the past three years, Natasha has supervised volunteer services at Shelter Movers Montreal, an organization providing free moving and storage services to families experiencing abuse. Natasha is also the founder and co-president of the Coda committee at her campus, focusing on cancer fundraising and awareness. She actively volunteers at Maison Internationale de la Rive-Sud, assisting with healthcare appointments for new immigrants.
During her master’s degree in biomedical sciences at Université de Montréal, Natasha contributed to cutting-edge research and published scientific papers on cancer cures and immunotherapy. Currently, she conducts research at CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center under the supervision of Dr. Ramy El-Jalbout, studying renal fat content in adolescents with obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Natasha currently serves as the academic representative for her colleagues, advocating for student concerns. She is also actively engaged with improving campus life as a member of the Comité de vie de campus, initiating projects to support medical students and ensure an optimal learning environment.
Inspired by Dr. Catherine Hankins and other CMHF laureates, Natasha aims to make a lasting impact in medicine through her work and service.
Inspired by 2024 Laureate Catherine Hankins, MD PhD
Nikol is a first-generation immigrant that has learned how to navigate a new educational and cultural system while pursuing her academic aspirations. She is appreciative of the exhilarating journey that has led to her pre-clinical program graduation with a research profile. In her role as the project lead, she was instrumental in developing and updating educational tools for the gastroenterology course for the medical doctorate program at the University of Laval. As a result, over 1,600 slides were created across 33 PowerPoint presentations, which were delivered by multiple physician-educators.
Additionally, she participated in five research projects related to sustainable health, nephrology, and hemato-oncology. She recently initiated a national research project with the Canadian Sarcoma Research and Clinical Collaboration, where she will serve as the primary author. As the tutoring coordinator for the Groupe d’Enseignement Médical Étudiant, Nikol oversaw over 40 effective tutoring sessions, which led to her earning the GEME Volunteer of the Year award from the University of Laval Medical Students' Association.
Nikol is passionate about judo as she has made an eight-year athletic career competing at provincial and national levels. She shares her passion for judo by coaching and instructing at summer camps for children aged 4 to 10. She has also received several awards for academic excellence and school engagement. Beyond athletics and academics, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Inspired by 1997 Laureate Charles Beer, PhD
Madeline is passionate about integrating innovative technologies and sustainable practices into healthcare. During her master’s degree, she published peer-reviewed research on the interaction between nutrients and G protein-coupled receptors and was awarded the Governor General's Gold Academic Medal.
Her current research projects include exploring the use of 3D printing technology in pre-surgical planning and developing greener pathways for hepatitis C screening. As part of the Global Health Liaison and Planetary Health Report Card, Madeline helped develop education and curriculum initiatives focused on environmental health and contributed to the publication of peer-reviewed reports.
As a member of the Dalhousie Medicine Students’ Society and Medical Students for Choice, Madeline spearheaded initiatives to improve access to sexual and reproductive health resources for all students.
Before medical school, Madeline was the first athlete from New Brunswick to represent Canada on the Senior national taekwondo team, where she won the Commonwealth Championship and was ranked 21st globally. Her passion for promoting youth health and well-being led her to establish a Kids Run Club initiative in New Brunswick. This charitable organization allows children to embrace active, healthy living. Madeline is excited to begin clinical rotations and hopes to continue advocating for preventive and sustainable medicine.
Inspired by 2023 Laureate Carol Herbert, MD
Parsa has a background in chemical (biomedical) engineering from Queen's University, where he was honoured with the gold medal for achieving the highest overall standing in his graduating class. Dedicated to improving patient support and advocacy, he co-founded Vitiligo Voices Canada, the first Canadian vitiligo support group, and serves as a lead representative for Melanoma Canada in Newfoundland.
Deeply passionate about research, Parsa has authored over 35 peer-reviewed publications in leading dermatology journals, including the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the British Journal of Dermatology, and the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, as well as contributing to global health epidemiology in The Lancet. His enthusiasm for research led him to co-found ResearchConnect, a platform designed to make research more equitable and accessible.
Beyond his academic and research achievements, he is dedicated to community health education and mentorship. He recently received a Pfizer Independent Medical Education Grant and spearheaded the 'RuralSkinGuide', an initiative aimed at empowering rural healthcare practitioners with dermatological education.
Driven by a passion for equity and innovation in healthcare, Parsa strives to make a lasting impact on the communities he serves.
Inspired by 1994 Laureate Sir Frederick Banting
About the CMHF
The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) celebrates Canadian heroes whose work advances health in Canada and the world, fostering future generations of health professionals through the delivery of local and national youth education programs and awards.
This enduring tribute to our country’s rich medical history is showcased here and in our physical exhibit hall in London, ON
