Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award for Medical Students: Analyssa Cardenas

Seventeen medical students from across the country have been recognized by the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) for their community leadership, superior communications skills, and demonstrated interest in advancing knowledge. 

Each year, the CMHF Award for Medical Students is presented to a new generation of health leaders and innovators who exemplify qualities of CMHF Laureates: perseverance, collaboration and an entrepreneurial spirit. Each recipient receives a cash prize of $5,000 and a travel subsidy to attend the 2024 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in n Vancouver, British Columbia where they will have the opportunity to meet CMHF Laureates and interact with health leaders from across the country.  

The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame partners with donors, MD Financial Management Inc. (MD) and Canada’s medical schools to recognize young leaders who show outstanding potential as future leaders and innovators of health care in Canada.  

“I am truly humbled and honoured to be a recipient of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award for Medical Students,” says Analyssa Cardenas, the 2023 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award winner from Dalhousie. “Given the incredible accomplishments of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Laureates, this recognition inspires me to continue to pursue my passion for scientific discovery and improving patient outcomes.”  

Analyssa, who completed a BSc in Kinesiology (co-op) from the University of Waterloo and a MSc in Rehabilitation Science from the University of Toronto, is passionate about research innovation and health advocacy. During her MSc, she conducted a clinical trial exploring the impact of a cycling-based exercise video game on post-operative pain, quality of life, and well-being in children with cerebral palsy. As a clinical research coordinator at The Hospital for Sick Children, she managed multi-site trials aimed at enhancing health outcomes for children with medical complexities and their caregivers. Her work has yielded eight peer-reviewed articles, including five as the first author.

Each of Canada’s faculties of medicine facilitated the review of applicants and recommended one award recipient. Three letters of support are required by applicants including a non-academic community reference describing their community impact, along with a 1,000 word essay describing why they should be considered for the Award and articulating the qualities of the CMHF Laureate who inspires them most. At Dalhousie, the Dalhousie Medical Alumni Association facilitates the review.  

“We are incredibly impressed by Analyssa’s extensive list of accomplishments, and her dedication to pediatric research and care,” says Dr. David Anderson, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie. “Her passion is evident, and given all that she has already achieved, I am certain that she will do great things for the patient population and healthcare system.”  

At Dalhousie, Analyssa co-led Dalhousie Medicine’s Pediatrics Interest Group, volunteered with the Wije’winen Health Centre, and held the position of National Officer of Communication with the Canadian Federation of Medical Students. Her passion for advocating for children across Canada continues as she currently leads a research study exploring the relationship between pediatric research funding and health outcomes across Canada.   

“To be among so many inspiring leaders is truly an honour,” says Analyssa on receiving the award. “I am grateful for the unwavering support of my peers, mentors, and community who have supported me along the way.”