Celebrating Excellence in Academic Medicine: 2026 AFMC Awards Recipients 

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January 23, 2026 

The Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2026 AFMC Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to medical education, research, leadership, equity, and health advocacy across Canada and beyond. 

This year, 22 individuals are being honoured across 19 awards for their exceptional commitment to advancing academic medicine, improving health systems, and strengthening the next generation of learners, educators, scientists and physicians. 

“Congratulations to the 2026 AFMC Awards recipients whose leadership, innovation and dedication are helping shape a stronger and more compassionate future for health and medical education in Canada,” said Constance LeBlanc, President and CEO, AFMC.“ Their work reflects the very best of academic medicine and our shared commitment to excellence, equity, collaboration and social accountability.” 

2026 AFMC Award Recipients Across Our Three Strategic Pillars 

Social Accountability 

  • AFMC May Cohen Equity, Diversity and Gender Award
    Umberin Najeeb, Toronto Metropolitan University 
  • AFMC Wellness Award
    Melanie Lewis, University of Alberta 
  • AFMC Charles Boelen International Social Accountability Award
    Lionel Green-Thompson, University of Cape Town, South Africa 
  • AFMC Leadership Award for the Promotion of Health in Francophone Communities – Lifetime Achievement
    Anne Leis, University of Saskatchewan 
  • Indigenous Health Advocacy Lifetime Contribution Award
    Valerie Arnault-Pelletier, University of Saskatchewan 
  • Indigenous Health Advocacy Emerging Leader Award
    Jamaica Cass, Queen’s University 
  • Indigenous Health Advocacy Learner Award
    Zoey Bourgeois, University of Saskatchewan 

Education 

  • AFMC President’s Award for Exemplary National Leadership in Academic Medicine
    Jason Frank, University of Ottawa 
  • AFMC Learner Changemaker Awards 
    Quinten Clarke — Medical Learner, University of British Columbia 
    Sara Saddiqi — Graduate Student, University of Ottawa 
  • AFMC Administration Award
    Beverly Pindar Donick, McMaster University 
  • AFMC Award for Outstanding Contribution to Faculty Development
    Latika Narula, Toronto Metropolitan University 
  • AFMC John Ruedy Award for Innovation in Medical Education
    Korshid Mohammad, University of Calgary 
  • AFMC Mentorship Award
    Rosalia Lia Sanzone, McGill University 
  • AFMC John Ruedy Award for Excellence in Graduate Health Professions Education Scholarship 
    Lorenzo Madrazo, University of Ottawa 
    Amanda Lee Roze des Ordons, University of Calgary 
    Molk Chakroun, Université de Sherbrooke 
  • AFMC Young Educators Award
    Lea Harper, University of Calgary 
  • AFMC Clinical Teacher Award
    Paul Olszynski, University of Saskatchewan 

Research 

  • AFMC Clinician–Scientist Award
    Robert Hegele, Western University 
  • AFMC Scientist Award
    Mary-Ellen Harper, University of Ottawa 
  • Edwin Kroeger Global Emerging Scientist Award
    Molly Shen, McGill University 

Stay tuned as we share more about each of these deserving individuals ahead of the awards ceremony at ICAM 2026.