The Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) proudly celebrates Dr. Anna Karwowska, Vice President, Education, as the recipient of the Francisco Hernández Order of Merit in Medical Education from the Pan American Federation of Medical Schools (FEPAFEM).

This distinguished honour from FEPAFEM, which represents more than 650 medical schools across the Americas, recognizes Dr. Karwowska’s exceptional leadership and her lasting impact on learners and institutions.

Through her leadership at AFMC, Dr. Karwowska has championed curriculum innovation, embedded wellness as a strategic priority, and promoted a culture of academic excellence in teaching and learning. She led multi-year consultations and co-authored the report on “Rethinking the Final Year of Medical School”, to better equip graduates with the skills, resilience, and readiness needed to succeed in residency and clinical leadership. These contributions are helping shape medical education systems to be more responsive to the realities of practice and the evolving needs of society.

“Anna’s leadership was pivotal in shaping the ‘Rethinking the Final Year of Medical School’ report into a blueprint for change,” says Dr. Roger Wong, Vice President, Medicine and Academic Affairs, Vancouver Coastal Health, and Former Vice Dean, Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia. “Her commitment to innovation and learner readiness will have a lasting impact on how future physicians transition into residency and clinical practice.”

This recognition highlights both her individual achievements and AFMC’s broader commitment to preparing the next generation pf physicians through innovative and equitable medical education.

Congratulations, Anna. We are immensely proud of you and grateful for the expertise and leadership you bring to AFMC.

Learn more about AFMC’s work in medical education.