News

Now in its second year, the James Walker Wood Award in Family Medicine is a transformative investment in the future of rural primary care. 

Funded by a $1.2-million contribution from the James Walker Wood Foundation, the award provides an unprecedented $100,000 to each of two graduating medical students who commit to rural family-medicine residency training in the Maritimes. 

Beyond easing financial barriers, the award signals that family medicine matters—and that tomorrow’s physicians must be prepared to lead high-scope, interprofessional teams that deliver sustainable, community-rooted care.

2025 Recipients

Jordin Fletcher —Matched to the North Nova site, with rural training at the Sipekne’katik (Sebaganagedi) Health Centre. Jordin co-founded Dalhousie’s Indigenous Medical Student Association and is dedicated to expanding culturally responsive care and Indigenous representation in medicine.

Tyler Upshaw — Also joining the North Nova site, Tyler’s work focuses on dismantling barriers faced by Black communities through mentorship and health-equity advocacy, aiming to build long-term, trusting patient relationships.

Watch the video and see the moment Tyler learned he was one of the successful recipients of the James Walker Wood Award.