Paying It Forward, One Student at a Time

Dr. John Embil (MD ‘89) grew up in a Halifax household steeped in science and service. His father, a Cuban immigrant, Dalhousie faculty member, infectious diseases consultant and virologist, laid the foundation for a life devoted to infectious diseases.

“I had no imagination,” Dr. Embil jokes. “I followed in his footsteps.”

After earning his medical degree from Dalhousie in 1989 and completing a rotating internship in 1990, Dr. Embil moved west to pursue postgraduate training in internal medicine and infectious diseases at the University of Manitoba.

He then built a thriving career in Winnipeg, where he remains today—a clinician, researcher, educator, administrator, husband, father, and passionate advocate for medical students.

A Legacy of Giving

Over the past three decades, the Embil family has established eight funds at Dalhousie’s Faculty of Medicine to support medical research and education. Each fund reflects a deeply personal story: one honours his mother’s experience with cardiac disease; another celebrates his father’s legacy in infectious diseases. The latest fund is inspired by another meaningful force in Dr. Embil’s life — parenthood.

This new bursary is earmarked for medical students with children, particularly single parents, who are navigating four demanding years of study with little or no income.

He’s seen the demographics of medical students shift dramatically over the years.

“It used to be mostly young, unmarried people. Now we’re seeing older, mature students—some in their 40s—who have fewer years in the workforce to recoup the financial loss. Studying medicine is a full-time job. How can we lessen the burden on someone trying to succeed?”

For Dr. Embil, giving back is a way to honour the institution that shaped his career and the community that supported his journey.

“My family and I are now in a position to give back the same way people gave to us. It’s a commitment to supporting medicine at Dalhousie.”

Gratitude and Opportunity

The impact of these funds goes beyond academic excellence; it’s about mental and physical well-being and the ability to succeed.

“Everything is interconnected,” he explains. “If you don’t have to work a part-time job, you can be fresh and focused. Studying Medicine is hard work, and you can’t miss a chapter. If you’re bartending until two in the morning to make ends meet, you aren’t going to be at your best the next morning to hit the books.”

Legacy, for Dr. Embil, is rooted in gratitude and opportunity.

“To be accepted to medical school is a privilege. To graduate is a privilege. Practicing medicine is a privilege. I still don’t believe I made it—I had imposter syndrome! But I’m grateful for every opportunity I had, and now we can pay it forward.”

He recalls a classmate in 1988 who graduated with $110,000 in debt—a staggering amount at the time, simply a drop in the bucket these days. Today the average student debt at graduation is $250,000.

“Halifax is an expensive city in which to live. Rent, tuition, food, books, clothing, car, gas, insurance—it adds up fast. If we can help someone fulfill a dream that gives back to society, bring it on.”

Philanthropy and the Future of Medicine

Dr. Embil believes philanthropy is essential to the future of medical education in Canada.

“We’re blessed to have excellent, government-subsidized education, but it’s still a struggle for many. With changing demographics—new Canadians, rural, and low-income students—we need to support the best and the brightest who deserve the chance to study medicine. They are the foundation of this country and of the practice of medicine.”

Targeted funds, like the one the Embil family has created for parents, are part of , an important movement towards student diversity in medical schools which will ultimately lead to better patient outcomes, more culturally competent physicians, and research that addresses systemic health disparities, making healthcare more accessible and effective for everyone.

“We’re supporting the infrastructure of the future,” says Dr. Embil. “With societal changes and the push for equity, diversity, inclusivity and accessibility, people who wouldn’t have had the opportunity now do.”

His advice to students facing personal and financial challenges is simple: “Reach out. Use every resource available—Doctors NS, community programs, the Faculty of Medicine. Find a bank with the best rates,” he laughs. “Never lose the dream. Keep focused and keep going.”

The most rewarding part of his journey as a donor? Seeing students succeed.

“Seeing students get the support they need to move to the next phase of their career—that’s priceless.”

Education, he says, is a lifelong gift.

“You can’t take it away. If we help fulfill a dream that gives back to society, that’s the goal. Help others the way we were helped. Give them a chance.”