Faculty of Medicine celebrates excellence

Dalhousie’s Faculty of Medicine came together on June 2 to celebrate the outstanding achievements of faculty members whose work continues to shape education, research, clinical care, and community impact across the region.

The Faculty of Medicine Awards of Excellence recognize individuals who embody the Faculty’s mission. This year’s recipients reflect a shared commitment to innovation, mentorship, and compassionate care that defines Dalhousie Medicine.

Early Career Award of Excellence in Education

The Early Career Award of Excellence in Education was presented to Dr. Alexandra Manning, assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry.

Since joining the faculty in 2021, Dr. Manning has quickly assumed key leadership roles, including Program Director of the Psychiatry Residency Program, where she has strengthened accreditation processes and helped build a more supportive and responsive learning environment.

Her impact extends nationally and internationally through her contributions to accreditation and educational policy, including service with the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools and the Royal College. A collaborative leader and dedicated mentor, Dr. Manning is known for creating learning environments where learners feel supported to succeed.

The Award of Excellence in Education

The Award of Excellence in Education was awarded to Dr. Gerard Corsten, assistant professor in the Department of Surgery, a respected surgical educator and mentor whose decades-long commitment to teaching has shaped generations of learners at Dalhousie and beyond.

Since joining the Faculty in 2001, Dr. Corsten has played a central role in advancing surgical education, serving for more than a decade as Program Director of the Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Residency Program and currently as Education Director for the Department of Surgery.

Dr. Corsten has received multiple resident-selected teaching awards over the course of his career, reflecting a sustained, consistent excellence in teaching and mentorship that continues to inspire those around him.

Community Teacher of the Year

Recognizing the importance of distributed medical education, the Community Teacher of the Year Award was presented to the Department of Medicine’s Dr. Jeffrey Ratushny, assistant professor of general internal medicine. Dr. Ratushny is a dedicated community-based educator whose learner-first approach makes an impact on how trainees experience general internal medicine in Nova Scotia.

Based in Bridgewater, Dr. Ratushny has built a highly sought-after training experience within a community hospital setting, where he works closely with residents in a one-on-one mentorship model. His hands-on approach gives learners a rare and meaningful opportunity to connect clinical reasoning with real-time patient care.

For many trainees, time spent in Bridgewater with Dr. Ratushny is not only educational; it is career-defining.

Early Career Award of Excellence in Clinical Practice

The Early Career Award of Excellence in Clinical Practice was awarded to Dr. Sarah Fancy. Assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Fancy’s clinical expertise and leadership are transforming care for some of the most complex youth mental health cases in the Maritimes.

Since joining the IWK in 2020, Dr. Fancy has devoted her practice to acute inpatient psychiatry at the Garron Centre—the province’s only tertiary inpatient unit for children and youth—where provides care for patients with the most severe and diagnostically complex presentations.

In 2023, Dr. Fancy was appointed medical director of the Garron Centre and continues to strengthen care delivery in a high-acuity, fast-paced clinical environment. Under her leadership, the inpatient psychiatry experience has become highly sought after by learners, many of whom pursue careers in child and adolescent psychiatry.

Award of Excellence in Clinical Practice

The Award of Excellence in Clinical Practice was presented to Dr. Min Lee, chief of vascular surgery and assistant professor in the Division of Vascular Surgery.

Widely respected for her technical skill and sound clinical judgment, Dr. Lee approaches even the most complex cases with calm precision. As a leader within the vascular surgery program, she has helped advance integrated, high-quality care across inpatient services, outpatient clinics, and diagnostic programs.

Dr. Lee is also a highly valued mentor and role model for learners. Through her calm, supportive teaching styleshe exemplifies the very best of patient-centred surgical care.

Early Career Excellence in Teaching for PhD Faculty Award

The Early Career Excellence in Teaching for PhD Faculty Award was presented to Dr. Joshua Slysz, instructor in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics. Dr. Slysz is an innovative educator whose approach to teaching is transforming how students experience physiology at Dalhousie.

Since joining the faculty in 2022, Dr. Slysz has made a significant impact across both Known for his engaging and inclusive teaching style, he creates dynamic learning environments that encourage students to move beyond memorization to develop a deep, applied understanding of physiology.

Through his creativity and commitment to inclusive teaching, Dr. Slysz is helping to shape the next generation of health professionals and educators.

Early Career Excellence in Teaching (MPAS Faculty) Award

This year also marked the introduction of a new award: the Early Career Excellence in Teaching (MPAS Faculty). The inaugural recipient, Erin Sephton, is a physician assistant and educator whose leadership and innovation have been instrumental in shaping Dalhousie’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program.

As unit head for the Skilled Clinician unit, Sephton has led the development and implementation of a comprehensive two-year clinical skills curriculum, integrating innovative teaching methods, rigorous assessment, and hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for the realities of clinical practice.

In recognition of her contributions to the profession, she was named the 2024 Physician Assistant of the Year by the Canadian Association of Physician Assistants. Through her leadership, mentorship, and commitment to excellence in teaching, Erin Sephton has played a central role in building a dynamic and impactful training program, one that is preparing the next generation of physician assistants to deliver high-quality care.

Dr. Allan Cohen Memorial Award for Community Service

The Dr. Allan Cohen Memorial Award for Community Service was presented to the Department of Psychiatry’s Dr. Cinera States, a community psychiatrist and leader whose work is advancing culturally responsive mental health care for equity-deserving communities across Nova Scotia.

Her work focuses on improving access to care for historically marginalized populations, including Black and African Nova Scotians, Indigenous Peoples, newcomers, and individuals experiencing homelessness.

Her impact has been recognized nationally, including the awarding of the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025 for her contributions to transcultural psychiatry and community advocacy. Drawing on her lived experience, she supports and inspires the next generation of learners, with a particular focus on increasing representation of people of African descent in the medical profession.

The Wayne Putnam Award

The Wayne Putnam Award was presented to Dr. Simon Jackson, professor in the Division of Cardiology and a distinguished clinician and leader whose sustained contributions to continuing medical education have shaped cardiovascular care and physician learning across Atlantic Canada.

A graduate of Dalhousie University, Dr. Jackson has devoted his career to advancing education in cardiology and internal medicine. Over more than two decades, he has played a central role in training and mentoring physicians, serving as Program Director of the Adult Cardiology Residency Training Program and leading key academic initiatives such as Cardiology Grand Rounds and Morbidity and Mortality Rounds.

Dr. Jackson’s impact on continuing medical education is particularly evident through his leadership of the Atlantic Canada Cardiovascular Conference, a flagship annual event that brings together physicians from across the region.

Through his dedication, Dr. Jackson exemplifies the spirit of the Wayne Putnam Award.

Faculty of Medicine Excellence in Basic Research Award

This award was presented to Dr. Morgan Langille, Professor in the Departments of Pharmacology and Microbiology & Immunology. Dr. Langille is an internationally recognized leader whose work is transforming how scientists understand microbial communities and their impact on human health

His research at the intersection of microbiology and computational biology has produced widely adopted tools that have become foundational to microbiome research around the world. With more than 90 publications and tens of thousands of citations, his work has helped shape best practices in the field while advancing understanding of health issues such as cancer, aging, and inflammatory disease.

As founder of the Integrated Microbiome Resource, he has also built a globally recognized research hub that has significantly expanded Dalhousie’s capacity for microbiome science and strengthened its international reputation.

Faculty of Medicine Early Career Investigator Award (clinician category)

The Early Career Investigator Award for a clinician was presented to Dr. Thomas (Tommy) Brothers, assistant professor with the Department of Medicine, an exceptional early-career researcher whose work is improving care for people with substance use disorders.

Dr. Brothers has quickly established himself as a leading clinician-investigator, with dozens of publications, thousands of citations, and research that informs national clinical guidelines and policy.

His work is deeply connected to patient care, focusing on improving outcomes for people who use drugs through evidence-based, compassionate approaches. Notably, he helped establish an addiction medicine consultation service in Nova Scotia and has translated research into meaningful system-level changes, improving care for a historically underserved population.

Faculty of Medicine Early Career Investigator Award (research faculty category)

The Early Career Investigator Award for a research faculty member was presented to Dr. Melina Agosto, assistant professor in the Departments of Physiology and Biophysics and Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, an emerging leader whose innovative research and commitment to mentorship are advancing our understanding of vision and brain function.

Since joining Dalhousie in 2021, Dr. Agosto has established a research program focused on the formation and function of synapses in the retina. Her work, spanning molecular biology and neuroscience, has already resulted in a strong publication record and growing international recognition.

She has successfully secured competitive research funding and built a dynamic lab environment, mentoring graduate and undergraduate trainees whose work is contributing to high-quality publications. Through her scientific curiosity, collaborative approach, and dedication to developing the next generation of researchers, Dr. Agosto is helping to shape the future of vision science research.

Faculty of Medicine Award for Excellence in Research Mentorship of Trainees

This award was presented to Dr. Mark Asbridge, professor and department head in the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, a dedicated mentor whose guidance has shaped the careers of students and colleagues across the Faculty of Medicine.

Dr. Asbridge is widely recognized for his commitment to supporting mentees at every stage of their development. He provides individualized guidance on research design, publication, and career progression, while also connecting trainees and colleagues to broader academic and policy networks.

His mentorship has contributed directly to student success, including major scholarships, high-impact publications, and career opportunities in leading institutions. He fosters a collaborative and supportive environment where learners are encouraged to pursue meaningful, policy-relevant research.

This year, the Faculty introduced the  David Anderson Awards for Clinical Research Excellence, recognizing faculty whose work is advancing clinical research and improving patient care. The awards are named in honour of Dr. David Anderson, dean of the Faculty of Medicine from 2015-2026, whose career has been defined by a deep commitment to collaboration, mentorship, and patient-oriented research. An internationally recognized researcher, Dr. Anderson has published more than 190 peer-reviewed papers and helped build a collaborative research culture through initiatives such as the VECTOR Research Group. These awards recognize excellence in clinical research and will carry his name as a tribute to his lasting impact.

David Anderson Award for Clinical Research Excellence (research faculty category)

The inaugural David Anderson Award for Clinical Research Excellence was presented to Dr. Manuel Mattheisen, associate professor, Department of Community Health and Epidemiology. Dr. Mattheisen is an internationally recognized leader whose work is transforming our understanding of the genetic basis of complex mental health conditions.

Dr. Mattheisen’s research sits at the intersection of genetics, data science, and psychiatry, with a focus on identifying genetic risk factors and improving approaches to diagnosis and treatment. He is a leading contributor to global efforts in psychiatric genomics, including leadership roles within the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, and has authored hundreds of publications in top-tier journals such as Nature, Science, and JAMA Psychiatry.

His work has been cited tens of thousands of times and is helping to advance more precise, equitable approaches to mental health research and care. Through his scientific leadership, Dr. Mattheisen is driving discoveries with real potential to improve patient outcomes worldwide.

David Anderson Award for Clinical Research Excellence (clinician category)

The first David Anderson Award for Clinical Research Excellence was presented to Dr. Michael Bezuhly, assistant professor in the Department of Surgery. A clinician-scientist, Dr. Bezuhly’s work bridges the lab and the bedside to improve outcomes for patients.

Dr. Bezuhly’s research spans clinical, translational, and basic science, with a focus on wound healing, fibrosis, and complex reconstructive challenges. His work has led to new approaches for managing scarring and improving surgical outcomes, including innovative efforts to repurpose existing therapies for novel applications.

With more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, sustained national funding, and leadership roles across major research organizations, he has built a program that advances both scientific discovery and patient care.

Faculty of Medicine Award for Career Excellence in Research Mentorship

Dr. Gregory Hirsch, Professor in the Department of Surgery’s Division of Cardiac Surgery was awarded the Award for Career Excellence in Research Mentorship. Dr. Hirsch is a dedicated mentor whose decades of guidance have shaped a generation of clinician-researchers.

Over a distinguished career, Dr. Hirsch has built a culture of mentorship and is known for his hands-on teaching and commitment to involving trainees in meaningful, patient-focused research, helping them develop skills in study design, data analysis, and knowledge translation.

His mentees consistently take on leading roles in publications and projects, reflecting his emphasis on independence and intellectual ownership. Through his leadership and enduring commitment to trainee success, Dr. Hirsch has had a lasting impact on both research and clinical care.

Faculty of Medicine Award for Excellence in Research Mentorship – Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

This award was presented to Dr. Ejemai Eboreime, assistant professor, Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Eboreime is an exceptional mentor whose work centers equity and inclusion in research and training.

Dr. Eboreime is recognized for his commitment to supporting trainees from equity-deserving and underrepresented backgrounds, creating pathways for them to succeed as independent researchers.

Through his leadership in global mental health and implementation science, he provides opportunities for mentees to lead research, build international collaborations, and engage in community-driven work. His mentorship emphasizes both academic excellence and social impact, empowering trainees to conduct research that is inclusive, ethical, and responsive to the needs of diverse populations.

Faculty of Medicine Award for Excellence in Research Mentorship of Faculty

Dr. Roy Duncan, professor in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology and Killam Chair in Virology, was presented with the Excellence in Research Mentorship of Faculty Award. Dr. Duncan is a respected mentor whose guidance has supported early- and mid-career researchers across Dalhousie and beyond.

Over a long and distinguished career, Dr. Duncan has provided mentorship that is both rigorous and deeply supportive, helping faculty develop successful research programs and navigate key stages of their careers. He is known for his generosity with time, thoughtful feedback on grant and research proposals, and commitment to building strong professional networks for his mentees.

An internationally recognized leader in virology, he has also served as a role model for collaborative, curiosity-driven research. Through his sustained mentorship and leadership, Dr. Duncan has helped shape a vibrant and successful research community within the Faculty of Medicine.

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

This award 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 around the world.

This year’s award is presented to Dr. Nabha Shetty, associate professor in the Division of General Internal Medicine in the Department of Medicine. As a champion of change, Dr. Shetty has led the development of initiatives that reduce the environmental impact of healthcare while maintaining high-quality patient care. 

At the heart of her work is a commitment to equity. Dr. Shetty consistently highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable and marginalized communities, advocating for more inclusive and socially accountable approaches to care.  

Through her leadership and advocacy, Dr. Shetty is helping to inspire a new generation of physicians to think differently about their role, not only as caregivers, but as stewards of both human and planetary health.

Celebrating a culture of excellence

Together, this year’s recipients represent the breadth and depth of talent within the Faculty of Medicine, from innovative educators and dedicated clinicians to community leaders and mentors.

Their work advances medical education and patient care and strengthens the Faculty’s commitment to equity, collaboration, and excellence across the Maritimes and beyond.