Recognizing faculty achievement

Excellence takes many forms across the Faculty of Medicine, and each year, we gather to celebrate the people behind it. Our faculty members lead with passion, push the boundaries of knowledge, and give generously of their time and expertise to serve their students, their communities, and beyond. We are proud to shine a spotlight on a remarkable group of individuals whose contributions in research, education, and service have made a lasting impact. It is a privilege to recognize and share their outstanding achievements.

Faculty of Medicine Excellence in Education Awards

The Faculty of Medicine Award of Excellence in Education and the Faculty of Medicine Early Career Award of Excellence in Education acknowledge excellence in education among our faculty members. 

The Award of Excellence in Education recognizes those faculty members who have eight or more years of teaching experience in the Faculty of Medicine.  

Dr. Akram Jaffar, Department of Medical Neuroscience

Dr. Akram Jaffar, who has been a university teaching fellow at Dalhousie since 2021 and instructor since 2016, is a medically qualified anatomist with a distinguished career in university-level education. 

Dr. Jaffar is recognized for his outstanding teaching abilities and contributions to the academic mission of the Faculty of Medicine. He has developed and implemented innovative online anatomy learning resources, including a YouTube channel with over 200K subscribers, 18 million views, and over 450 detailed videos providing comprehensive reviews and preparation tools for exams. Dr. Jaffar's ability to explain complex anatomical structures through simple explanations has contributed to the academic success of many students, both at Dalhousie University and beyond. His work has significantly increased student engagement and comprehension.  

In addition to his teaching, Dr. Jaffar has co-authored several publications on anatomy and online teaching, actively contributing towards a better understanding of how to engage students and become more effective educators. His dedication to teaching and his ability to inspire students have earned him high praise from colleagues and students alike. 

The Early Career Award of Excellence in Education recognizes a faculty member in their first seven years of their initial appointment. The criteria for this award include contributions to course development, educational innovations, and contributions to the field of medical and graduate education. 

Dr. Ashley Sutherland, Division of Clinical Dermatology & Cutaneous Science, Department of Medicine

Dr. Ashley Sutherland became a faculty member at Dalhousie in 2020, and program director in dermatology the following year. Since that time, she has made significant contributions to medical education at both local and national levels. 

Dr. Sutherland uses an innovative approach to enhancing the educational experiences of residents and learners. She implemented the Royal College Competency by Design curriculum for new residents while maintaining the traditional curriculum for senior residents. Her efforts have improved evaluation methods and fostered a supportive environment for residents, including regular meetings for career mentoring and scholarly projects. She also developed wellness and team-building activities that have strengthened group cohesion in the department.

Dr. Sutherland actively participates in the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA), leading the Education Committee, where she ensures diverse educational programs at the annual conference and manages decisions for accredited symposia and abstract acceptance.

Dr. Sutherland's dedication to medical education, innovative contributions, and ability to balance multiple roles have significantly impacted the training of dermatologists, residents, and medical students.

Faculty of Medicine Excellence in Clinical Practice Awards

The Faculty of Medicine Award of Excellence in Clinical Practice and the Faculty of Medicine Early Career Award of Excellence in Clinical Practice acknowledge excellence in clinical practice among our faculty members. 

The Award of Excellence in Clinical Practice recognizes a clinical faculty member with eight or more years of experience in patient care and service to the teaching hospital or community. This award recipient is an exemplary role model in delivering patient care of exceptionally high quality, has exceptional clinical skills, cooperates with other health professionals, and responds to the needs of patients and their families.

Dr. Aaron Keshen, Department of Psychiatry

Dr. Aaron Keshen, associate professor and co-director of the Nova Scotia Provincial Eating Disorder Service, has greatly improved care for eating disorders in Nova Scotia. His efforts led to the creation of the Nova Scotia Provincial Service for Eating Disorders, training about 70 clinicians and forming the largest dataset on the effectiveness of broad eating disorder training.

Nationally recognized, Dr. Keshen received CIHR grants in 2025 for research on GLP-1 agonists and a new screening and treatment program in bariatric surgery clinics. He is president-elect of the Eating Disorder Association of Canada (EDAC) and will host the EDAC conference in Halifax next year.  

Dr. Keshen is valued for his teaching and mentoring, providing supervision, educational sessions, and workshops to help colleagues and students enhance their skills and knowledge.   

The Early Career Award of Excellence in Clinical Practice recognizes a faculty member in their first seven years of their initial appointment. 

Dr. Mark Robbins, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine

Dr. Robbins, who joined the Division of Infectious Disease in 2021, balances clinical practice, patient advocacy, professional development, and teaching at a high level. His collaborative approach to clinical decision-making and dedication to education have made him a respected figure in the medical community.

Dr. Robbins has managed complicated cases, including severe tuberculosis and serious reactions to medications in patients with tough-to-treat infections. His expertise in transplant medicine and caring for patients with weakened immune systems has brought valuable knowledge to Atlantic Canada. 

Dr. Robbins excels in clinical practice and education, sharing insights that have inspired novel approaches and improved drug coverage. His mentorship has positively influenced both colleagues and learners, and patients appreciate his care, noting his exceptional rapport and communication skills.

Faculty of Medicine Community Teacher of the Year Awards

The Faculty of Medicine Community Teacher of the Year Awards for Nova Scotia and New Brunswick recognize a current faculty member who teaches and practices in one of the Faculty of Medicine’s distributed teaching sites across each province. The award recipient demonstrates strong mentorship of learners in a community setting, promotes a positive learning environment, and has an ability to engage learners through a variety of teaching methods.

Dr. Alexandra Pettit, Department of Pathology at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital (New Brunswick)

Dr. Pettit, an anatomical pathologist, has shown exceptional dedication to community-based education, mentorship, and patient care in pathology.

When teaching, she makes complex medical concepts practical for learners. Her passion is evident in positive feedback from residents and students. As the community rotation coordinator, she also ensures pathology residents get valuable experience in community labs.

Dr. Pettit has been a leader in quality improvement projects at Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital and has actively participated in resident CaRMS matches as a file reviewer and interviewer. She manages numerous responsibilities while maintaining a calm attitude and providing quality resident teaching.

Dr. Pettit's dedication to community-based education is further exemplified by her involvement in research. She has led investigations into thyroid testing, contributing valuable advancements to community pathology, proving that significant scientific work can be achieved outside major research centers.  

Dr. Ian MacKay, Department of Psychiatry (Nova Scotia)

Dr. MacKay, who has been serving as a geriatric psychiatrist in the Northern and Eastern Zones of Nova Scotia since 2019, has demonstrated exceptional commitment to enhancing access to subspecialist care beyond urban centers. His efforts have significantly improved patient care and education.

Dr. Mackay's teaching has influenced learners at various levels, delivering education on dementia, substance use disorders, and other geriatric psychiatry topics. His innovative approach during the COVID-19 pandemic ensured continued high-quality care and education through virtual platforms. Dr. Mackay's commitment to mentoring and supporting residents has fostered lasting connections and improved the management of seniors with mental illness.

Dr. Mackay has also contributed to public education and advocacy, collaborating with organizations like the Alzheimer Society of NS and providing mental health training to local police. His involvement in national and regional initiatives have further demonstrated his dedication to enhancing geriatric psychiatry education and care. 

Faculty of Medicine Awards of Excellence in Teaching (PhD Faculty)

The Faculty of Medicine Award of Excellence in Teaching (PhD Faculty) and the Faculty of Medicine Early Career Excellence in Teaching (PhD Faculty) recognize excellence in teaching by PhD faculty in undergraduate or graduate programs offered in the Faculty of Medicine.   

The Award of Excellence in Teaching for PhD Faculty recognizes those faculty members who have eight or more years of teaching experience in the Faculty of Medicine. 

Dr. Kim Good, Department of Psychiatry

Dr. Good has made significant contributions to the field of psychiatry and psychology and neuroscience over nearly three decades. As an educator, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to student success and intellectual curiosity. Her teaching style is engaging and innovative, incorporating dynamic classroom activities that foster critical thinking. Her adaptability ensures that all students can engage in the learning process, and she is known for her supportive nature and dedication to student growth.

Dr. Good serves as the associate graduate program coordinator and mentors numerous graduate students. She was also involved in the development of the MSc in Psychiatry Research.

Dr. Good's dedication to excellence in teaching and mentorship, her innovative approach to education, and her unwavering commitment to student success set her apart as an outstanding educator.

The Early Career Excellence in Teaching for PhD Faculty recognizes a faculty member in their first seven years of their initial appointment. 

Dr. Sanja Stanojevic, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology

Dr. Stanojevic has made significant contributions to PhD teaching at Dalhousie University since her appointment in 2020, showing exceptional leadership in education at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Her unique passion for education and boundless energy have made her courses highly effective and engaging.  

Her mentorship extends beyond the classroom where she supervises PhD and MSc students, helping them successfully complete and publish their research, many in high-quality journals. She collaborates with faculty in the Faculty of Science and has obtained Canadian Statistical Sciences Institute mentorship funding to support graduate students in statistics.  

Dr. Stanojevic's dedication to teaching and mentorship, coupled with her expertise in respirology and Cystic Fibrosis, has made her a highly respected educator at Dalhousie.

Dr. Allan Cohen Memorial Award for Community Service

The Dr. Allan Cohen Memorial Award for Community Service honours the late Dr. Allan Cohen, a distinguished member of Dalhousie Medical School, and recognizes faculty, staff, and students who work to fulfill the mission of the Faculty of Medicine by displaying outstanding community service with health-related organizations and causes. 

Dr. Abraham (Rami) Rudnick, Department of Psychiatry

Dr. Rudnick, who is professor and clinical director of the Nova Scotia Operational Stress Injury Clinic, has made outstanding contributions to community service. He holds leadership roles in several national and provincial organizations, including the Canadian Psychiatric Association, Doctors Nova Scotia, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and Autism Nova Scotia. He was also the inaugural chair of Research Canada’s Task Force on Racial and Indigenous Justice in Health Research. Dr. Rudnick consistently champions person-centred, evidence-informed, and socially responsible mental health care, both in practice and through scholarly work. His efforts have earned him numerous local, national, and international recognitions.

The Wayne Putnam Award

The Wayne Putnam Award recognizes an individual who, like Dr. Putnam himself, has consistently contributed in notable ways to the continuing education of Maritime physicians. Those contributions could be in the form of teaching or organizing any form of continuing medical education program.

Dr. Brian Moses, Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine    

Dr. Moses has made exceptional contributions to internal medicine and medical education in Nova Scotia. As the head of the internal medicine program in Yarmouth, Dr. Moses has significantly advanced patient care and created a nurturing environment for teaching. He has been instrumental in establishing local training opportunities for internal and family medicine residents, including creating a satellite program site in Yarmouth. 

Dr. Moses is renowned for his dedication to teaching, often traveling to Halifax on short notice to participate in clinical care and procedural skills training. His passion for medicine and teaching is evident in his extensive involvement in educational activities, both locally and provincially. 

Dr. Moses demonstrates an unwavering commitment to his community and his role in mentoring the next generation of physicians.

Dr. John Savage Memorial Award for Faculty Leadership in Global Health

The Dr. John Savage Memorial Award for Faculty Leadership in Global Health recognizes a faculty member who has made an outstanding humanitarian contribution to global health. Established in 2003 in memory of Dr. John Savage—a physician, former Premier of Nova Scotia, and global health advocate—the award honours his legacy of promoting healthy communities worldwide.

Dr. Vincent Agyapong, Department of Psychiatry

Dr. Agyapong, who has been head of the department since 2021, has made exceptional contributions to mental health on a global scale. His leadership has impacted policy and mental health care delivery, and his innovative initiatives have helped marginalized populations worldwide. 

Dr. Agyapong has played a pivotal role in advancing digital mental health solutions for UNICEF and designing care pathways for slum residents in Nigeria and Bangladesh. His work in Ghana includes founding the Inter-medical Students Public Speaking Competition and promoting international fellowship programs. In Canada, he launched the Transcultural Mental Health Program and the Rapid Access and Stabilization Program, significantly improving access to psychiatric care. 

Dr. Agyapong's dedication to global mental health and his unwavering commitment to improving access to care and supporting vulnerable populations is worth of recognition.

The Faculty of Medicine Excellence in Basic Research Award

The Faculty of Medicine Excellence in Basic Research Award recognizes outstanding contributions to basic science research within the Faculty of Medicine. 

Dr. Kazue Semba, Departments of Medical Neuroscience and Psychiatry

Dr. Kazue Semba, a distinguished researcher at Dalhousie University, has made transformative contributions to the field of sleep neurobiology over the past three decades. Her research has advanced our understanding of key areas such as the organization of sleep-wake regulatory neurocircuits, hormonal influences on sleep, and the effects of chronic sleep deprivation.

For over 35 years, Dr. Semba’s work has been consistently supported by CIHR and NSERC, reflecting its scientific excellence and impact. She has developed several innovative models and methodologies, including a widely used rat model of chronic sleep restriction and pioneering studies on astrocyte-neuron interactions.

Beyond her research achievements, Dr. Semba is a dedicated mentor who has trained numerous postdoctoral fellows, PhD and MSc candidates, and undergraduate students. Her leadership and scientific excellence have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Scientist Award from the Canadian Sleep Society. Dr. Semba’s work continues to shape the field of sleep research at the local, national, and international levels.

The Faculty of Medicine Early Career Investigator Award

The Faculty of Medicine Early Career Investigator Award recognizes outstanding contributions to basic and/or clinical research during a faculty member’s early career phase within the Faculty of Medicine. 

Dr. Kara Dempster, Department of Psychiatry

Dr. Dempster has been a faculty member at Dalhousie University since 2021. Throughout her young career, she has made notable contributions to the neurobiology of early psychosis. She is credited with 24 publications, many appearing in high-impact journals, and has presented her research at international conferences. Her work on first episode psychosis has been featured in Molecular Psychiatry, and she has secured competitive grants and led various projects. 

Dr. Dempster serves as the associate clinical director of the Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program and holds a position on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Consortium for Early Intervention in Psychosis. 

Dr. Dempster is also actively involved in supervising learners at various levels, and in teaching courses at both the MSc and PhD level. 

Dr. Dempster has been extraordinarily productive as an early career researcher.

The Faculty of Medicine Award for Excellence in Research Mentorship of Trainees

The Faculty of Medicine Award for Excellence in Research Mentorship of Trainees recognizes outstanding research mentorship of trainees, including graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, research staff, medical students, and medical residents, within the Faculty of Medicine.  

Dr. George Roberston, Departments of Pharmacology and Psychiatry

Dr. Robertson has had an extraordinary impact upon the training of graduate students in the Faculty of Medicine here at Dalhousie University. Over his career, he has supervised 23 graduate students, including six PhD and 17 MSc students, and continues to mentor additional students. His mentees have gone on to successful careers in academia, health professions, government, and industry. 

Dr. Robertson is praised for his personalized mentorship, tailoring guidance to meet individual needs and career goals. He fosters a collaborative and inclusive research environment, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration. His mentorship has prepared trainees well for their careers, providing them with strategic advice, constructive feedback, and support in professional development. Dr. Robertson's dedication to his students' success and well-being has had a lasting impact on their careers and lives.  

The Award for Excellence in Research Mentorship of Faculty

The Award for Excellence in Research Mentorship of Faculty recognizes outstanding research mentorship of faculty colleagues within the Faculty of Medicine.

Dr. Stephen Bearne, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Dr. Bearne is widely recognized by faculty for providing exceptional mentorship and guidance. Over his 25-year tenure, he has been a trusted advisor on various topics, including undergraduate teaching, graduate studies, grant panels, journal editorships, promotion and tenure, and personnel conflicts. 

Dr. Bearne's mentorship is characterized by his deep knowledge of Dalhousie's research, teaching, and administration ecospheres.

He has been generous with his time and ideas, providing specific advice even in challenging situations. 

Dr. Bearne's commitment to academia is evident in his well-funded and productive research program, his personal dedication to enzymology, and his effective management of the department's honours program.

His exceptional mentorship has helped many faculty members become better mentors themselves and is well-deserving of recognition.

The Faculty of Medicine Award for Career Excellence in Research Mentorship

The Faculty of Medicine Award for Career Excellence in Research Mentorship recognizes outstanding research mentorship of trainees and/or colleagues over the course of a faculty member’s career within the Faculty of Medicine. 

Dr. Martin Alda, Department of Psychiatry 

Dr. Martin Alda, professor and Killam Chair in Mood Disorders, is renowned for his exceptional career mentoring in research. He has mentored a diverse group of individuals, including graduate students, fellows, residents, junior colleagues, and research staff. His mentees have achieved remarkable success, and include Canada Research Chairs, Chief Medical Officers at major pharmaceutical companies, and world-renowned experts in their respective fields. 

Dr. Alda fosters a nurturing and inclusive environment, encouraging professional and personal growth. He actively supports mentees' development by connecting them with influential experts, recommending projects, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. His mentorship style is adaptable, respectful, and built on open communication and mutual respect. 

Dr. Alda's dedication to mentorship has influenced countless individuals.

The Program Director Awards

The Program Director Awards recognize outstanding contributions of residency program directors who teach residents and fellows; develop, organize, and administer training programs; develop innovative approaches to teaching, research, and evaluation; or serve as mentors and advocates to postgraduate medical trainees.

Dr. Leanne McCarthy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the innovations in postgraduate education category

Dr. Leanne McCarthy is recognized for her exceptional leadership and innovative contributions to medical education within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Since assuming the role in 2020, Dr. McCarthy has transformed the postgraduate training program through the development of a comprehensive wellness framework, the introduction of a Balint group for residents, and the standardization of debriefing practices and time-off policies. These initiatives have significantly enhanced the culture of support and resilience among both residents and faculty.

Dr. McCarthy has also demonstrated outstanding leadership in implementing the Competency by Design (CBD) curriculum, fostering a culture of mutual accountability and continuous improvement. Her steadfast commitment to resident advocacy, educational excellence, and the creation of a positive, supportive learning environment has profoundly shaped the residency experience. Dr. McCarthy’s vision, dedication, and impact make her an exemplary candidate for this prestigious award.

Dr. Sasha Sealy, Department of Family Medicine, in the leadership category

Dr. Sasha Sealy has made outstanding contributions to postgraduate medical education, particularly through her leadership of the Family Medicine Residency Program at Dalhousie University. Since assuming the role in May 2020, she has guided the program through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, steadfastly advocating for residents and ensuring their successful progression and graduation despite significant disruptions.

Under Dr. Sealy’s leadership, the program has expanded considerably, with increased residency seats and the establishment of new teaching sites across the Maritime Provinces. She also initiated the inaugural Program Simulation and Procedures Education Weekend, which received highly positive feedback and is now planned as a biennial event.

Dr. Sealy has led key curricular innovations aligned with the Outcomes of Training Project and has played a vital role in accreditation processes, further enhancing the quality and rigor of the program. Her commitment to comprehensive patient care, combined with her active role in teaching and mentoring residents, underscores her deep dedication to medical education.

Dr. Sealy’s visionary leadership, resident advocacy, and innovative contributions make her a most deserving candidate for the Program Director Leadership Award.

Canadian Association of Medical Education (CAME) Certificate of Merit Awards

The Canadian Association of Medical Education (CAME) Certificate of Merit Awards recognize senior faculty who have made an exceptional contribution to medical education throughout their academic career. This year, there are three deserving recipients from Dalhousie. 

Dr. Allen Tran, Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine

Dr. Tran has made substantial contributions to medical education and research at Dalhousie University. As Program Director of the General Internal Medicine (GIM) subspecialty residency training program, he has introduced a range of innovative educational initiatives, including a study on impression management in the Competency by Design era and the development of a comprehensive Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) curriculum. He has also led the transformation of the Morbidity and Mortality review process to deepen residents’ understanding of quality improvement principles.

Dr. Tran’s research on video-recorded teaching sessions and the alignment of GIM training with graduates’ practice needs has been published in leading peer-reviewed journals. His influence extends nationally through his roles as co-chair of the Thrombosis Canada Meeting and the Canadian Society of Internal Medicine Annual Scientific Meeting.

With a steadfast commitment to continuous quality improvement and a strong focus on cultivating a collaborative, scholarly environment, Dr. Tran has earned widespread recognition and numerous accolades. His leadership and vision continue to elevate the standards of internal medicine training both at Dalhousie and across Canada.

Dr. Jack Rasmussen, Departments of Critical Care and Surgery

Dr. Jack Rasmussen has made outstanding contributions to medical education and clinical practice and has played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape through visionary leadership and sustained commitment to excellence.

He has held several key leadership positions, including Director of the Surgical Clerkship Program and chair of multiple competence committees. His efforts to revamp the surgery clerkship learning exam and to update the Faculty of Medicine’s clerkship in-training evaluation report have significantly enriched the educational experience for medical students.

A dedicated lecturer and preceptor, Dr. Rasmussen is consistently recognized with outstanding evaluations from both students and residents. His contributions to educational scholarship, including published works on innovative teaching and assessment strategies, further underscore his impact on the field.

Dr. Rasmussen’s exceptional mentorship, educational leadership, and unwavering dedication have left a lasting mark on colleagues and learners alike.  

Dr. Stuart Wright, Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management & Perioperative Medicine

Dr. Stuart Wright is recognized for his outstanding contributions and leadership in medical education. 

Over the past 12 years, he has played a central role in Dalhousie’s UGME communication skills curriculum—developing content, leading clerkship workshops, supporting student remediation, and serving on key committees. He created a powerful module on perspective-taking in priority populations, giving students insight into healthcare barriers faced by marginalized groups.

Beyond UGME, Dr. Wright is a passionate educator in pediatric anesthesia and pain management. He teaches daily in clinical settings, developed a curriculum for pediatric residents, and is regularly invited to present to allied health professionals and other disciplines. Known for his clarity, empathy, and patience, he makes complex topics accessible and inclusive for all learners. Recently named Undergraduate Teacher of the Year by the Department of Anesthesia, Dr. Wright exemplifies dedication, innovation, and excellence in medical education.

Thank you and congratulations to this year’s award recipients and thank you to all faculty members for your hard work and continued contributions to our mission, vision, and values.