Where leadership meets impact

Members of the Faculty of Medicine community gathered on June 18, for their annual staff meeting, and to celebrate the 2026 Awards of Excellence in Leadership recipients. These awards are an opportunity to recognize the individuals and teams who strengthen the Faculty through their dedication, collaboration, and commitment to excellence.

The awards highlight the diverse ways leadership is demonstrated across the Faculty of Medicine, whether through innovation, mentorship, operational excellence, or the ability to build strong, inclusive communities.

Aligned with the Faculty’s Valuing People priority, the ceremony underscored the importance of creating a workplace where people feel supported, respected, and empowered to succeed.

This year’s recipients exemplify what it means to lead with purpose, advancing our mission while supporting the colleagues, learners, and communities around them.

The Ryan Clow Team Collaboration Award: Human Body Donation Program Team

The Human Body Donation Program Team was recognized for its outstanding collaboration in navigating a significant and unexpected challenge that threatened the delivery of anatomy education.

When unfavourable air quality testing results in the Gross Anatomy Labs made it impossible to use cadaveric material as usual, the team responded quickly, working together to identify solutions, adapt processes, and ensure continuity of learning.

Through extensive coordination, experimentation, and problem-solving, they implemented a new embalming method—one not previously used in Canada—and began the complex process of replacing hundreds of specimens.

The Ryan Clow Team Collaboration Award recognizes a team that has worked together to achieve a meaningful goal, demonstrating exceptional collaboration, shared responsibility, and collective impact in advancing the Faculty’s mission. This team’s work is a powerful example of what can be achieved through collaboration, ingenuity, and a shared commitment to excellence.

Professional & Managerial Leadership Award: Kelly Maher

Kelly Maher, Chief Operating Officer for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, was recognized for her exceptional strategic leadership and lasting impact on departmental operations.

The Professional and Managerial Leadership Award honours an individual who demonstrates strategic leadership, strengthens team performance, and advances operational success. Over more than 15 years in her role, Kelly has demonstrated a remarkable ability to anticipate future needs, navigate complex systems, and align departmental priorities with broader health-system realities.

Her leadership in the Academic Funding Plan has been instrumental, and she has also played a key role in physician recruitment, ensuring that decisions are aligned with long-term workforce needs and the evolving demands of clinical care, education, and research.

Through her thoughtful, collaborative approach, Kelly has helped build a more resilient and forward-looking department.

Academic Leadership Award: Dr. Lisa Sutherland

The Academic Leadership Award celebrates a leader in an academic role whose work advances education, supports learners, and contributes to a culture of excellence. Dr. Lisa Sutherland, Assistant Dean, Student & Resident Affairs at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick, was recognized for her outstanding academic leadership and unwavering commitment to learners. 

Dr. Sutherland has been a strong advocate for learner wellbeing, particularly around academic accommodations. Her work has helped ensure that students facing health, learning, or personal challenges are supported with fairness, dignity, and respect.

Dr. Sutherland fosters environments grounded in psychological safety, where learners, faculty, and staff feel heard, supported, and empowered to succeed. Her leadership has had a lasting impact on learner support, program quality, and the Faculty’s commitment to inclusive, people-centred education.

Leadership in Administrative, Clerical & Technical Support: Tina Bowdridge

Tina Bowdridge, Graduate Program Administrator in the Department of Community Health & Epidemiology, was recognized for her exceptional leadership and service over more than three decades. 

This award celebrates someone whose leadership in a support role is essential to operational excellence in the day-to-day success of the Faculty. A cornerstone of her department, Tina serves as a vital connector, supporting students, faculty, and staff while ensuring that programs run smoothly and effectively. She is widely known for her deep institutional knowledge, her proactive approach to problem-solving, and her ability to anticipate needs before they arise.

Tina has played a key role in strengthening graduate programs through updates to policies, revisions to student funding models, and the development of admissions pathways that support Indigenous and African Nova Scotian learners.

Above all, Tina was recognized for the care she brings to her work, creating a welcoming, supportive environment where students and colleagues feel valued and connected.

Emerging Leader Award: Nicholas Lignos

Nicholas Lignos, Communications and Community Impact Advisor at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick, was recognized as this year’s Emerging Leader.

The Emerging Leader Award honours a staff member early in their career who demonstrates leadership potential through innovation, initiative, and meaningful contributions to their team and workplace. In his work with the Volunteer Patient Program, Nick brought professionalism and calm leadership to fast-paced and often unpredictable scheduling challenges, ensuring a positive and respectful experience for community volunteers.

As he transitioned into his current role, he has developed standard operating procedures that strengthened team operations and improved clarity and consistency for staff.

Known for his approachable and collaborative style, Nicholas fosters trust and strengthens team effectiveness, making him a valued colleague and a promising leader for the future.

Valuing People Innovation Award: Angela Vermeir

Angela Vermeir, who leads the Volunteer Patient Program in Undergraduate Medical Education, was recognized for her outstanding contributions to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.

Since establishing the program in 2010, Angela has built a vibrant and engaged community of volunteer patients who play a critical role in clinical skills education. With her leadership, the program has grown into a trusted and valued partnership between the Faculty and the broader community.

She is also a strong advocate for accessibility and inclusion, ensuring that all volunteers can participate fully and comfortably. Through her work, Angela has enhanced the learning experience for students while strengthening the Faculty’s connection to the communities it serves.

Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients, whose leadership continues to shape a stronger, more collaborative, and more inclusive Faculty of Medicine.