Fostering the Next Generation of Health Leaders and Innovators

Each year, 17 medical students from across the country are recognized by the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) for their outstanding community leadership, superior communication skills, and demonstrated interest in advancing knowledge. 

The CMHF Student Award is given to emerging health leaders and innovators who demonstrate the qualities of CMHF Laureates: perseverance, collaboration, and entrepreneurial spirit. Each awardee receives a $5,000 cash prize and a travel subsidy to attend the 2025 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Hamilto, Ontario. Here, they will have the chance to meet CMHF Laureates and engage with health leaders from across the nation.

The CMHF Award for Medical Students is sponsored by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), MD Financial Management Inc. (MD), and Scotiabank, all of whom are dedicated to supporting the medical profession and advancing health in Canada. Demonstrating this commitment, Scotiabank, in partnership with the CMA and MD, is investing $115 million to support physicians and the communities they serve across the country.

“I’m incredibly humbled and honoured to be this year’s recipient of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Medical Student Award here at Dalhousie University” says Madeline Power, a second-year medical student at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick. “To be among so many incredible leaders is truly a privilege and I’m extremely grateful to my family, friends, and mentors for their unwavering support throughout the years.”   

Throughout her training, Madeline has shown dedication to integrating innovative technologies and sustainable practices into healthcare. During her master’s degree, she published peer-reviewed research on nutrients and G protein-coupled receptors, earning her the Governor General's Gold Academic Medal. Her current research includes 3D printing for presurgical planning and creating greener hepatitis C screening methods. 

Madeline developed education initiatives on environmental health and contributed to peer-reviewed reports as part of the Global Health Liaison and Planetary Health Report Card. As a member of the Dalhousie Medicine Students’ Society and Medical Students for Choice, she led efforts to improve access to sexual and reproductive health resources for all students.

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.

Madeline's passion for health and wellbeing is demonstrated in her diverse accomplishments. Prior to medical school, she became the first athlete from New Brunswick to represent Canada on the senior national taekwondo team, winning the Commonwealth Championship, and ranking 21st in the world. Driven by her commitment to youth health, she founded the Kids Run Club in New Brunswick, a charitable organization that encourages children to lead active, healthy lives. As she prepares to start her clinical rotations, Madeline is eager to continue advocating for preventive and sustainable medicine.

“The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame celebrates outstanding leaders in Canadian healthcare and education and allows us to understand these leaders who made such an impact in our communities,” says Madison. “I think especially as medical students, their stories serve as inspiration for our own healthcare journeys.”