Fostering the Next Generation of Health Leaders and Innovators

Each year, 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 2026 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Calgary, Alberta. 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.

“It means a lot,” says Jeremiah Philips a second-year medical student at Dalhousie University. “It’s not just a recognition but also a reminder that the way one chooses to show up in medicine really matters. Personally, I’ve never taken a traditional approach to medicine, and there’s been times where I’ve questioned whether it was the right approach. Whether that’s leaning into technology and entrepreneurship or community service.

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.

“Receiving this award from an organization that celebrates people who have shaped the future of medicine is very motivating and grounding and pushes me to do better not only for myself, but for the people and communities who have shaped who I am today.”