Young Alum of the Year
Recognizing passion and dedication
We first presented this award in 2002. We wanted to recognize Dalhousie Medical School graduates who, in the first two decades of their career, have already made significant contributions, either to a medical school or their community. The contribution can be to clinical practice, teaching, research, or public service.
2025 Recipient
Dr. Leah Jones (MD’18, BSC’13)
Dr. Leah Jones stands out as an extraordinary recipient of the DMAA Young Alum of the Year Award for her unwavering commitment to equity in healthcare and medical education. A 2018 Dalhousie Medical School graduate and the inaugural Academic Director of Black Health, Dr. Jones has emerged as a transformational leader whose impact reaches from the clinic to the classroom. What truly sets her apart is her deep and sustained mentorship of Black medical students—through programs like the Sophia B Jones Mentorship Program and her day-to-day advocacy, she has fostered an inclusive and supportive environment that counters systemic inequities.
Clinically, her work with the Nova Scotia Sisterhood program has revolutionized primary care access for Black women, pairing culturally responsive care with innovative community outreach. Her advocacy for institutional change—spearheading initiatives like the Black Learners Admissions Pathway and curriculum reform—demonstrates a bold vision for a more just and representative medical system. Dr. Jones exemplifies the leadership, dedication, and compassion that define this award.