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Class of 2021
Award Recipients
Overall Achievement Awards
The Alpha Kappa Kappa Beta Kappa Scholarship and Gold Medal in Medicine
Emily Dzongowski
Awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate student completing year four in the; Doctor of Medicine (MD) program who achieves the highest academic standing.
The Class of 1917 Prize
Kawmadi Abeytunge
Awarded annually to a graduating student from the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry who has obtained the second highest academic standing based on all four years of the program.
The Dr. F.R. Eccles Scholarship
Emily Dzongowski
Awarded annually to the student obtaining the highest standing in the final year of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.
The Kingswood Scholarship
Emily Dzongowski
Awarded to the student in the graduating year of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, considered most proficient by the authorities of the University.
The Medical Alumni Gold Medal
Emily Dzongowski
Awarded annually to a graduating student from the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry that has obtained the highest academic standing based on all four years of the program.
Achievement Awards
The Alpha Kappa Kappa Beta Kappa Scholarship and Silver Medal in Medicine
Kawmadi Abeytunge
Awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate student completing Year 4 in the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, who has demonstrated academic achievement, class/school leadership and involvement in community service activities.
The Theo Mary Anderson Scholarship in Family Medicine
Madeline Taylor
Awarded annually to a year four medical student showing superior achievement in studies in Family Medicine as determined by the Department of Family Medicine.
Meds Class of 2003 Dr. Jason Ashley Memorial Award
Avalon O’Connor
Awarded annually to a year four student graduating from the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, based on academic achievement and involvement in medical school extracurricular activities throughout their time at Schulich Medicine.
Dr. Douglas Bergstrome Meds Class ’93 Award
Abigail Arnott
Awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate student who is graduating from the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program and has made an outstanding personal contribution to bettering the lives of others through an ongoing commitment to the Creative and/or Dramatic Arts, while attending the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.
The Dr. Henri Breault Award
Natalie Sloof
Awarded to the student who receives the highest evaluation at the completion of a year four elective or selective in Paediatrics.
Drs. Edwin Seaborn and Richard Maurice Bucke 125th Anniversary Award in Rural Family Medicine
Matthew Hewak
Awarded to a graduating student of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program based on academic achievement, professional characteristics and financial need, who has been accepted to a family medicine rural/regional residency training program at Western.
The J.B. Campbell Memorial Scholarship in Medicine
Hsin Liu
Awarded to a student who has shown outstanding proficiency in medicine and clinical medicine in the final two years of the program.
Audrey and Delmar Cobban Rural Southwestern Ontario Medical Residency Award
Colin Gunn
Natan Veinberg
Natan Veinberg
Awarded to a graduating student of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program based on academic achievement, professional characteristics and financial need, who has been accepted to a family medicine rural/regional residency training program.
Audrey and Delmar Cobban 125th Anniversary Alumni Rural Southwestern Ontario Medical Residency Award
Natan Veinberg
Awarded to a graduating student of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program based on academic achievement, professional characteristics and financial need, who has been accepted to a family medicine rural/regional residency training program.
Dr. T.H. Coffey Memorial Prize in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Sydney Knight
Awarded to a student in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation who obtains the highest standing in a one-month elective or selective rotation through, and presents a suitable case study on rehabilitation at Grand Rounds.
The Collins and Banks Prizes in Geriatric Medicine
Katie Marriott
Awarded annually to a graduating student who has completed an elective in Geriatric Medicine and who, in the opinion of the Division of Geriatric Medicine and the Progression and Awards Committee in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, has shown outstanding interest and promising skill in the field of geriatric medicine.
The Rocco V. Gerace Award in Emergency Medicine
Mohamed Mohamed Ali
Awarded to the graduating medicine student who, in the opinion of the Division of Emergency Medicine, demonstrates the highest potential for pursuing a life-long career in academic emergency medicine.
The Dr. Fred N. Hagerman Memorial Prize in Surgery
Alex Pittini
Awarded to the student showing the greatest merit in surgery during the final two years of the MD program, as assessed both by marks in written examinations and performance in clinics.
The Kenneth A. Harris Vascular Surgery Award
Jovana Momic
Awarded annually to the undergraduate Doctor of Medicine (MD) program student at the completion of his/her fourth year who has excelled in vascular surgery during their clerkship rotation and/or the four years of undergraduate medical education.
The R.A.H. Kinch Prize in Community Medicine
Jielin Lu
Awarded annually to the medical student in the final year who demonstrates the greatest competence in the community aspect of medicine, as determined by the Department of Family Medicine.
Marvin and Geoffrey Kwitko Scholarship in Ophthalmology
Rachel McInnis
Awarded annually to a graduating student of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, who throughout their Ophthalmology rotations demonstrated enthusiasm and clinical excellence.
The Gerry & Vi Livingston Award in Medicine
Emma Coburn
Awarded annually to a graduating student of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, who has been accepted to the Family Medicine Rural/Regional Residency Training Program at Western. Preference will be given to students who originate from a rural area particularly students who originated from Oxford County; and/or will complete their residency, or a significant portion of their residency, in Oxford County.
The Dr. Archibald McCausland Memorial Prize in Psychiatry
Jin Liu
Awarded annually to the student with the highest standing in Psychiatry at the conclusion of the final two years of the program of the medical course.
Dr. David McCourtie Memorial Award in Allergy and Immunology
Alina Abbasi
Awarded to a student completing Year 4 in Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, who has shown keen interest and/or aptitude in allergy/ immunology, has completed a clinic rotation in allergy/immunology at Western during the final two years of the program and submits an essay on a topic in allergy or immunology.
Hughes McKellar Rural Southwestern Ontario Medical Residency Award
Kelsey Ruetz
Awarded annually to a graduating student of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, who has been accepted to a family medicine rural/regional residency training program or Royal College program with designated training time in the rural/region area. Preference will be given to students who originate from a rural area, particularly students who originate from Kincardine, Ontario, then Bruce, Grey or Huron Counties.
Dr. David Meltzer Undergraduate Award in Haematology
Sarah O’Neill
Awarded annually to a graduating student of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry who has completed clinical work in the field of Hematology during their time at Western.
Dr. Max Taylor Nathan Award in Paediatrics
Kawmadi Abeytunge
Awarded annually to the undergraduate Doctor of Medicine (MD) program student at the completion of his/her fourth year who has accepted a paediatric residency program and who demonstrated clinical excellence during the paediatric rotation. This undergraduate student best exemplifies the physician roles identified by the undergraduate MD program curriculum objectives.
Dr. Colin Nisbet Award for Excellence in Emergency Medicine
Aleksa Zubic
Awarded annually to a graduating student of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry – Windsor Campus, who demonstrates a proficiency and passion for emergency medicine. This student will have demonstrated a commitment to providing excellent care in emergency medicine to patients and their families while being a considerate and knowledgeable part of the health care team.
Meds Class of 1966 Scholarship in Professionalism
Sarah O’Neill
Awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate Doctor of Medicine (MD) student completing year four who best exemplifies the Four Pillars of Professionalism: altruism, integrity, responsibility and respect.
Meds 1969 Dr. Fred & Anne Pattison Humanitarian Award
Natalie Sloof
Awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate Doctor of Medicine student at the completion of his/her fourth year who has made an outstanding personal contribution to bettering the lives of others through volunteer work and humanitarian acts.
Drs. James and Leslie Rourke Convocation Award in Medicine
Joshua Quisias
Awarded annually to the undergraduate Doctor of Medicine program student at the completion of his/her fourth year who has made an outstanding personal contribution to bettering the lives of others through volunteer work and humanitarian acts while maintaining a high academic standing.
The Ivan H. Smith Memorial Prize
John Loggie
Awarded to the final-year medical student demonstrating outstanding interest in oncology.
Dr. Peter Swedko Memorial Merrymakers Award
Kiera Harnden
Awarded to a graduating student from the Undergraduate Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, who has demonstrated academic achievement and who has been extensively involved in medical school extracurricular activities throughout their time at Schulich.
The R. Gibb McGugan Award
Jordan Berry
Marcus Pieterman
Marcus Pieterman
Awarded to students in their final year who have confirmed their participation as a resident in Western’s Family Medicine Rural/Regional program or a Postgraduate Medicine Specialty program with a designated Rural/Regional rotation. The successful students will embody the ideal characteristics of a physician as outlined in the Medical Undergraduate Education Objectives.
The Caitlin VanDeCappelle Award in Medicine
Faiha Fareez
Awarded annually to an undergraduate fourth-year student graduating from the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, who has demonstrated academic achievement and volunteer involvement in the community.
The Roche Scholarship
Basmah El-Aloul
Awarded to a year four medical student at graduation, for work in the final phase of the course. It will be based on the general lines of the Rhodes Scholarship, in which proficiency, progress, and leadership will be evaluated by a board of assessors. Award named for Dr. William Roche, the first graduate of Schulich Medicine at Western University.
The University of Western Ontario Award in Cardiology
Danning Li
Awarded annually to the student in year four completing work in cardiology who best demonstrates interest and ability in this field as judged by the Department of Medicine.
James Walker Wood Award in Medicine
Basmah El-Aloul
Alexandra Raynard
Alexandra Raynard
Awarded annually to a graduating student of the of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, who has demonstrated academic achievement and who has been accepted to a Family Medicine Rural/Regional Residency Training Program or Royal College Program with designated training time in the rural/region area. The recipient must be a Canadian citizen. Preference will be given to a student from a rural location who is involved in extracurricular and/or community activities such as: medical research, rural family medicine interest groups, music, drama, etc.
Dr. Dana Winterburn Memorial Award
Justine Fletcher
Awarded annually to a graduating student of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, who has been accepted to a Family Medicine residency program and who has an interest in working with Indigenous communities in a career that includes advancing Indigenous health issues and/or serving Indigenous communities.
Dr. Justin W. Yan Emergency Medicine Research Award
Jordan Ho
Awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate Doctor of Medicine (MD) Student, graduating in fourth year, who demonstrates the highest potential for pursuing a lifelong career in academic emergency medicine with a focus on research.
Peer Recognition Awards Selected by Graduating Class
Dr. Rajendra Harricharan Memorial Award
Natalie Sloof
Awarded annually to a full-time student completing Year 4 of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program who best exemplifies the qualities of integrity, commitment to serving their community and caring about the welfare of others.
Suzanne Leigh Killinger-Johnson Award
Adrina Zhong
Awarded to a student graduating from the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program who, in the opinion of classmates and faculty, has demonstrated the capacity for caring and compassion and has shown an awareness of societal issues as they relate to women in the field of medicine.
The Meds Class of 1991 Award
Matthew Hewak
Awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate student completing year four of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, based on academic achievement as well as the qualities of honesty, humour and a generosity of spirit and time.
The Robin Middleton Memorial Award
Jonathan Hu
Natalie Sloof
Natalie Sloof
Awarded to a student in year four who, in the opinion of classmates and faculty, has been a medical student of moral worth, who has contributed to the life of the medical students, and shows promise of being an outstanding physician.
The Bill Mood Memorial Award
Emily Kogel
Awarded to a member of the graduating class who has demonstrated a breadth of interests, both academic and non-academic, and who, in the opinion of the student’s peers, is felt to have the professional and personal attributes important in pursuing a successful career in family practice.
The John William Rohrer Memorial Award
Sarah Luciw
Awarded to the year four medical student who, in the opinion of the Dean, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, and the Hippocratic Council, has contributed most significantly to the improvement of the quality of all aspects of the lives of undergraduate medical students – academic, social, and personal.
The Dr. Glen S. Wither Memorial Award
Emily Dzongowski
Awarded to the final-year medical student who, in the opinion of peers and associates, demonstrates the highest attributes of the physician – integrity, concern of patients, compassion, and a devotion to the profession.
Learner Peer Award of Excellence in Medical Education
Amanda Stojcevski
Aaron Wang
Aaron Wang
Awarded to a Schulich Medicine – Windsor Campus student who in the opinion of their classmates, has displayed exceptional interest, enthusiasm, and the ability to generate student enthusiasm and has made a significant contribution to the quality of academic or extracurricular student life in Windsor.
The Dr. Francis Chan Distinction
Adrina Zhong
Awarded to a member of the graduating class who demonstrates: enthusiasm and dedication to advocating for the rights of others within the school and/or external community; balance in life with a passion for extracurricular activities; and involvement in the school and/or external community.
Convocation Awards Selected by Hippocratic Council
Meds 2009 Dinh La Memorial Award
Amanda Stojcevski
Awarded annually to the full-time undergraduate student in year four of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry who best exemplifies the spirit of the graduating class through his/her vibrant, energetic and cheerful nature.
Meds Merrymakers of ’47 Award
Jonathan Hu
Awarded to a student, normally in the final year of Medicine, who, in addition to having maintained a satisfactory academic standing, has demonstrated qualities of leadership and innovation in extracurricular activities (exclusive of sport) that have contributed to the growth of fellowship, pride, and loyalty within the student’s community of peers and faculty.
The Dr. Jim Silcox Award
Emily Dzongowski
Natalie Sloof
Natalie Sloof
Awarded to medical students who, in the opinion of the Hippocratic Council and the Student Affairs Committee, have contributed most significantly to the lives of students, faculty and the community.
Douglas Bocking Award 2020
Douglas Bocking Award 2020
Dr. Robby Stein
The Douglas Bocking Award is one of the highest teaching awards at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. Created in honour of the former Dean of Medicine and Vice Provost, it is given annually to a faculty member at the School who has made an outstanding contribution to the development of medical education during the past four years.Today, I have the distinct pleasure of presenting the 2020 and 2021 recipients of this award.
The 2020 recipient is renowned for his tireless work as an educator across the Doctor of Medicine Program curriculum, as a health-care leader, scholar and provider, serving vulnerable populations and as a student advocate, excelling in mentoring and supporting the health, career success and personal wellness of our student body.
As an educator, the 2020 recipient quickly became known for his innovations and use of patient and panel presentations, debates and games as he actively engaged learners in large group sessions.
As a two-term Chair of Clerkship, he redefined this program signature course, while prioritizing students. Under his leadership, Clerkship was consistently the most highly valued learning and career-shaping course in the MD Program.
He prioritized students’ learning experiences, developing competency, rewarding success and adapting to the needs of those who required special pathways of education.
As a leader, he builds from and with effective processes and harnesses valued relationships across all professions. As a learner advocate, he is there for many of our students for their career development and wellness.
His recent and most lasting legacy has been supporting students in need, promoting and advancing wellness while implementing processes for their career development as the Assistant Dean (Undergraduate) Learner Experience.
A defining leadership moment has been his advocacy for a fair residency match timeline for the Class of 2021, and his advocacy for student wellness in the academic year during the summer months.
His accomplishments are not what he speaks of. His humility is his signature. Quite simply, he makes our health care system a better place for care and enriches the lives of students and graduates.
It is with great pleasure I announce Dr. Robert Stein as the 2020 Douglas Bocking Award recipient.
Douglas Bocking Award 2021
Douglas Bocking Award 2021
Charys Martin, PhD
The 2021 Douglas Bocking Award acknowledges a faculty member known to all and respected as a strong student advocate, effective educator and leader in the Doctor of Medicine Program.
Passionate not only for her discipline, this education leader has also been integral in living the value of integrated learning. Her collaborative approach is well known and first- second- and fourth-year students will often engage with her and clinical colleagues in their courses.
This educator has worked tirelessly with colleagues moving the MD Program curriculum to a new learning paradigm since 2017. She supported new curriculum and courses across the foundational years of medical student education.
As a course chair previously, she has been a leader in integrating clinical disciplines while grounding in the basic sciences. An effective teacher and role model for peers, she is highly valued for her delivery in large and small group sessions and her use of strategies to drive critical thinking and inquiry.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant challenge for the MD curriculum and the components led by the 2021 recipient. Other schools moved to complete online sessions without in-person sessions.
This leader not only pivoted past curriculum to an online environment, but worked collaboratively to provide learners with the best possible experience.
She implemented new technologies for on-campus learning through flexible schedules, completely revising protocols and models of learning to allow the students an in-person experience that will be invaluable across their careers.
Her commitment and dedication to medical education is illustrated in part by the numerous teaching awards she has received including the School’s Hippocratic Student Council Teaching Awards and the University’s prestigious Marilyn Robinson Award for Excellence in Teaching.
The 2021 nominee has demonstrated commitment, dedication and passion for medical student education since her appointment. She is an outstanding teacher, innovator, mentor and leader embracing high standards in education.
Each day, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry students and graduates see anatomy coming to life in clinical medicine from the curriculum she has developed and delivered. I am pleased to present the 2021 Douglas Bocking Award to Dr. Charys Martin.
