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» Go to news mainDalhousie’s Family Medicine Resident Leadership Award Recipient carries on mother’s legacy in community through medicine
“We are proud to present the Family Medicine Resident Leadership Award to Dr. Miranda Lees (MD’ 22) a proven leader in her community who is passionate about helping people with compassion and empathy,” says Dr. Stephen Miller, (MD’ 93), President of the DMAA. “Dr. Lees has been at the center of her community, serving as the Assistant Chief Resident of the New Brunswick Medical Society’s Family Medicine Specialty Council Executive and Primary Care Task Force to advocate for better compensation for physicians in the province.”
Finding community in family medicine
Dr. Lees credits her mother (who passed during her first year of medical school), a dedicated leader with the Asian Heritage Society of New Brunswick, as her greatest inspiration for becoming a family physician.
During her first six months at Dalhousie’s Medical School in New Brunswick (DMNB), Dr. Lees spent much of her time juggling her education and the difficulty of caring for her mom. She describes her biggest challenge as adjusting to the fast-paced environment of medical school while being her mother’s primary caregiver. Dr. Lees expressed that if it weren’t for her mom and her dedication to community she probably would not be involved in as many leadership and advocacy pursuits as she is today.
For Dr. Lees, her mother’s legacy is at the forefront of all her patient care and community involvement. Coming full circle, she sees every patient interaction as a human experience where she can provide compassion and empathy, which her mom’s inspiration has instilled within her – keeping her memory alive within Dr. Lees’s small corner of the world.
Advocating for better organ donation laws in Nova Scotia
Among the other award recipients being honoured is Dr. Stephen Beed (MD’ 87) for his crucial role in changing organ donation laws in Nova Scotia from an opt-in to an opt-out system. As an Intensive care physician at QEII Hospital, Dr. Beed specializes in Adult Critical Care Medicine and Thoracic and Cardiovascular Anesthesia, focusing on intensive care. Dr. Beed is receiving the 2024 Alum of the Year award which has been awarded every year since 1968.
Making the hospital experience a little less painful for kids
Dr. Allen Finley (MD’ 80) originally wanted to become a marine biologist before finding his passion for helping children manage their illness and procedures through pain management. He describes his passion as making it a little easier for kids receiving treatment through pediatric anesthesia and pain management. As a distinguished pediatric anesthesiologist and pain management medical professional, Dr. Finley is an expert with nearly three decades of experience. Starting in 1958, the Exceptional Service Award is given to a veteran alum who is well known in their community and field for their service. Therefore, it was only fitting to present Dr. Finley this year’s Exceptional Service Award for his commitment to pediatric pain management.
Family Physician, Young Alum of the Year, and The Royal College Residents Leadership Awards
Each year, the DMAA recognizes a family physician who consistently makes a significant contribution to medical practice and community. Dr. Deanna Field (MD’ 05), a leader in family practice, has played a pivotal role in establishing the rural week program at Dalhousie Medical School for the Northern Zone and is this year’s recipient of the Family Physician of the Year Award.
The Young Alum of the Year Award was introduced in 2002 to recognize recent graduates for their substantial contributions to the community. Dr. Brent Young (MD’ 19) is this year’s recipient for his leadership in dismantling anti-Indigenous racism in healthcare. He is a family physician at Sipekne’katik Health Centre, Academic Director for Indigenous health at Dalhousie Medical School, and founding clinical lead of Wije’winen Health Centre.
Similar to the Resident Leadership Family Medicine Award, the Royal College recipient of the same award has demonstrated outstanding leadership in their field. This year’s recipient, Dr. Patrick Holland (MD’ 20), has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout his medical education and residency at Dalhousie University.
New this year the 2024 Engagement Award
This year, the DMAA is excited to award its first-ever recipient of the Engagement Award, Dr. Jean Cameron (MD ’83, PGM (Family Medicine ’85). This award recognizes a doctor who fosters meaningful relationships amongst the medical alumni community, as well as learners.
As president of the MD Class of 1983, Dr. Cameron has spearheaded one of Dalhousie's most successful class fundraising projects. The MD Class of 1983 Wellness Fund, raising over $300,000, supports medical students' wellness activities, ranking as the second-largest class fund in the Faculty of Medicine. Dr. Cameron's leadership also garnered high participation rates, with over 56 per cent of classmates contributing. She inspired her class to achieve milestones, including the 200K and 300K Cups, fostering a culture of philanthropy and community among alumni, culminating in a memorable 40-year reunion in 2023.
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