Grégoire Le Gal

Dr. Grégoire Le Gal is a Professor in the Division of Hematology of the Department of Medicine, a physician in the Thrombosis Program at The Ottawa Hospital, and a Senior Scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. 

A leading, internationally recognized clinician-scientist exhibiting an exceptional record of research contributions, Dr. Le Gal holds a Tier 1 Research Chair in Diagnosis and Management of Venous Thromboembolism. His research, captured in over 450 peer-reviewed articles and reflected in over $30 million in peer-reviewed research funding, has influenced evidence-based guidelines and changed clinical practice in thrombosis medicine. The findings of his SYMPTOMS trial, considered a perfect example of an innovative and practice-changing clinical trial, have led to de-escalation of the use of thromboprophylaxis in some patients, translating into fewer adverse events and to cost savings at a global level.  

An international leader in venous thromboembolism (VTE)-related clinical trials, he is the co-Director of the CanVECTOR network, a pan-Canadian, patient-oriented, community development program centred on VTE-related research, training and knowledge translation. He also served as Chair of INVENT, an independent network of academic research groups promoting collaboration between academic VTE-related research networks and providing financial support to early-career clinicians and scientists to foster international collaborations.  

Ian D. Graham

Dr. Graham is a Full Professor in the School of Epidemiology and Public Health and a Senior Scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. He is a world leader in implementation science, which aims to develop the evidence base for addressing gaps between everyday healthcare and best practice.   

He has published 512 peer-reviewed articles and is regularly identified as among the most cited scientists in the field. He has been awarded over $200 million in research funding, and has several impressive accolades including two Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee medals.   

Among Dr. Graham’s numerous contributions are the development of the Knowledge to Action Framework, which is in the top 1% of highly cited social science articles and was the foundation of the first knowledge translation textbook that is used worldwide; his work demonstrating the importance of clinicians’ perceptions of evidence and of engaging clinicians in evidence production; and advances the implementation of evidence-informed recommendations to improve clinical care.    

Dr. Graham inspires students into the discipline and has supervised and mentored many graduate students, contributing to a critical mass of future academics and leaders in health care, health systems, and policy.  

Samantha Halman

Dr. Halman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine and is active medical staff and Residency Training Program Director with the Division of General Internal Medicine at The Ottawa Hospital. 

Dr. Halman’s work has made a lasting impact on medical education at the departmental, national and international levels. Renowned for her work in medical education assessment, Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE), she has been key in shaping the training programs at uOttawa and informing the practice of CBME locally and nationally. Her leadership and professionalism facilitate a seamless examination experience for the Department’s residents and contributes to its overall quality of medical education. She received the Department’s Medical Education Research Award for her significant contributions to medical education research and leadership as well as her role as a valued mentor and innovator, having a profound impact on the careers and development of up-and-coming medical leaders. 

Accomplished in attracting funding, she has been the principal investigator on multiple highly competitive grants considered top tier in medical education. As a reviewer for several significant grant competitions and having served as Chair of the Scientific Program Committee for the Canadian Conference on Medical Education—the latter a role offered only to individuals with recognized expertise as medical educators—Dr. Halman’s efforts have been crucial in advancing the field of medical education.  

Mireille Khacho

Dr. Khacho is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, and is the Director of Metabolomics Core Facility. She holds a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Mitochondrial Dynamics and Regenerative Medicine. 

A top researcher in Canada, Dr. Khacho’s work is rapidly gaining international recognition. She leads a ground-breaking research program demonstrating that mitochondrial function and metabolic mediators can alter stem cell fate and function. Her highly novel studies have major implications in understanding not only aging and degenerative diseases but also the basic mechanisms of adult stem cell maintenance, and may be the key to future therapeutic strategies for degenerative conditions. She has established important research linkages across disciplines and research areas and fruitful collaborations with clinician scientists and basic scientists, and her ongoing lectures all over North American and Europe are expected to lead to further collaboration and discoveries at the global level.  

She is an exceptional leader, having gained governance experience at uOttawa and setting herself apart with the additional skills of leadership, vision, communication, creativity and collegiality not always obtained from a lab research-oriented career. Extremely dedicated to mentoring and championing the next generation of researchers, she is a rising star and will become one of the Faculty’s international leaders, whose research will make a major impact in the treatment of devastating muscle wasting and neurodegenerative conditions.  

Gregory L. Hundemer

Dr. Hundemer is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine Division of Nephrology, as well as a Staff Nephrologist with The Ottawa Hospital.  

Dr. Hundemer is a rising star in the nephrology/hypertension community. His expertise in primary hyperaldosteronism has changed the approach to assessment and management of patients with hypertension, demonstrating that the condition is more prevalent and more impactful on cardiovascular outcomes than previously understood. His collaborations around the application of machine learning to improve prediction models in patients with renal disease show promise in improving patient care, opening up new avenues for scholarly activity in the Department. 

In his first five years with the Division he has secured more than $5 million in grant funding, published 75 articles in peer-reviewed journals, and received recognition via new investigator awards from Hypertension Canada, the Canadian Society of Nephrology (CSN) and KRESCENT/CIHR; an endowed research chair in kidney research from the OHRI; induction into the American Journal of Kidney Diseases “reviewer hall of fame”; and an appointment as Adjunct Scientist in the Kidney, Dialysis and Transplantation Program with the Institute of Clinical Evaluative Sciences. 

He is an active participant in supporting scholarly research and related activities, serving in various capacities with the CIHR College of Reviewers, the Canadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease, the Canadian Society of Nephrology, the Kidney Foundation of Canada and Hypertension Canada.  

Giorgia Sulis

Dr. Sulis is Assistant Professor at the School of Epidemiology and Public Health. She holds a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Communicable Disease Epidemiology and is an Associate Scientist in the Clinical Epidemiology Program of the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. 

She is an emerging leader in global health, with main research interests spanning various areas of infectious disease epidemiology including antibiotic utilization and resistance, vaccines, and tuberculosis. Her strong research trajectory has resulted in significant contributions to global health research to inform policy and practice, with her research covering several aspects of infectious diseases, all globally relevant and with particularly important implications for low- and middle-income countries where the burden of such conditions is higher. Applying a range of methods and approaches from knowledge synthesis to observational studies, impact evaluations and interventional designs, Dr. Sulis seeks to generate new evidence with direct implications for clinical and policy decision-making. 

She has an impressive track record of attracting funding as well as research publications, having published 60 articles in peer-reviewed journals, as well as several book chapters and perspective pieces, since joining the University of Ottawa in January 2023. She has contributed to the CoVaRR-Net research initiative and other projects as a co-investigator, has delivered peer-reviewed presentations as an invited speaker at both national and international conference, and has made significant contributions to policy documents and guidelines.  

Tammy Shaw

Dr. Shaw is an Assistant Professor and Obstetric Medicine Lead with the Department of Medicine’s Division of General Internal Medicine, a general internist at The Ottawa Hospital, and an Associate Director of the Core Internal Medicine Residency Training Program. 

She earned a Master of Medical Education in 2022, and despite her early career stage in medical education, boasts an impressive accumulation of high-quality scholarship in the field. Focusing on the learner handover process, she has had significant success in competitive national and international grant acquisition, as well as with publications in high impact journals, including Academic Medicine, considered a top medical education journal. She was the principal investigator (PI) on the Wooster Family Grant in Medical Education from the Canadian Association for Medical Education (CAME), which historically selects new faculty with promising research careers in medical education scholarship.  

She received an International Association for Health Professions Education (AMEE) grant and published her thesis in Advances in Health Sciences Education: Theory and Practice, a journal highly respected for its rigor and strong theoretical foundation. Her project was accepted by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) as a Research in Medical Education (RIME) research paper—a highly sought-after honour and a remarkable achievement for an early career researcher. She subsequently acquired a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada grant to expand on her thesis work as a PI.  

Jonathan Gravel

An Assistant Professor and an Emergency Physician at l’Hôpital Montfort as well as of the Base Hospital Physicians for the Regional Paramedic Program for Eastern Ontario (RPPEO), Dr. Gravel is a passionate educator, playing a pivotal role in preclinical medical education for both English- and French-speaking students alike.  

In addition to being the content expert for acute and chronic pain, he has been involved with many aspects of the pre-clerkship curriculum. Outside the traditional classroom environment, Dr. Gravel has developed and led innovative workshops aimed at improving the care of patients with substance use disorders.  

Colleagues and students alike commend his accessibility, his contagious enthusiasm, and most of all, his ability to foster a safe and collaborative learning environment.  Dr. Gravel has previously received accolades for his work as an educator, such as the Health Advocate Award, a category of the Faculty’s Undergraduate Medical Awards in Education competition.  

Yanick Massé

Dr. Massé distinguishes himself as an exceptional educator in the MD program, especially within the Francophone component. Since 2017, he has led the clerkship's emergency rotation, coordinating both mandatory and elective rotations for medical students.

His commitment to pedagogical innovation is impressive. Dr. Massé has developed new clinical cases for simulation sessions, updated workshops for externs, and created widely popular bi-weekly sessions on complementary medical topics.

As an instructor at the Hôpital Montfort Simulation Lab since 2012, his contributions have continually improved both evaluation and teaching methods. His teaching style, which blends rigour with empathy, creates an inclusive and dynamic learning environment.

Dr. Massé’s approach has earned him outstanding student evaluations, with many describing him as a dedicated, attentive and inspiring preceptor. His leadership extends beyond clerkship coordination; he played a pivotal role in redesigning the emergency course for family medicine residents and serves on various academic committees.

Dr. Massé exemplifies excellence in medical education, making him a highly deserving recipient of the Clerkship Educator of the Year Award.

Lisa McMurray

Dr. McMurray has distinguished herself as an outstanding educator in the psychiatry residency program, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to excellence in postgraduate teaching. Her innovative leadership is evident in her highly acclaimed ECT simulation course and her role as Director of the Interventional Psychiatry Program.

As former residency program director and current chair of the Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, she has guided the program through two successful accreditation cycles. Her teaching approach skillfully balances autonomy and supervision, creating a positive and stimulating learning environment.

Resident evaluations over six years testify to her exceptional impact. She is regularly cited as one of the best preceptors, recognised for her expertise, constructive feedback and inspirational mentoring. Her ability to cultivate interest in geriatric psychiatry and provide research opportunities is particularly valued.

Dr. McMurray excels at creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment, while innovating teaching through the simulation centre and interventional psychiatry platform. As a role model for students, residents and colleagues, Dr. McMurray demonstrates how to balance a busy practice with quality teaching, making her an outstanding winner of the Educator of the year award. 

Talal Al-Atassi

Dr. Al-Atassi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery and the Program Director of the University of Ottawa Cardiac Surgery Residency Program. His innovative approach, dedication to continuous quality improvement, and outstanding patient care and mentorship have had an immeasurable impact on cardiac surgery learners.      

He implemented cardiac surgery’s Competency by Design curriculum, created mock Royal College exams to motivate and prepare learners, and advocates for monthly skills and simulation labs for the residents to provide hands-on skill acquisition.  

In the operating room, he is an inspirational teacher, sharing his technical and clinical wisdom and consistently providing meaningful feedback. His empathy and compassion for patients sets a strong example. His passion for teaching and mentorship inspires others to teach, aiming to emulate his enthusiasm, approachability, and patience. He is an excellent research mentor, supporting projects, abstract and manuscript submissions, and applications for awards.   

Nationally, he has initiated and led the first North American Structural Heart Valve Area of Focused Competence Diploma and has made the University of Ottawa Heart Institute a leading center in Canada in transcatheter aortic valve implantations.   

Doran Drew

Dr. Drew is a lecturer in the Department of Emergency Medicine and the Director of Continuing Professional Development (CPD; simulation component). He is also the Senior Medical Educator for the Patient Safety Simulation Programme. Known for his exceptional commitment to CPD, he has revolutionised the approach to staff training, such as with the innovative use of in situ simulations, identifying and correcting latent threats to patient safety. 

He has revitalised the simulation programme with monthly multidisciplinary sessions and has designed continuing education workshops for specific departmental needs, such as neonatal resuscitation for rural doctors.

His impact extends beyond the Emergency Department, benefitting various departments within The Ottawa Hospital and supporting community partners. He is an active researcher in the areas of simulation, emergency medicine and trauma, shares his expertise at national and international conferences. 

Chantal Whelan

Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Whelan, is renowned for her outstanding commitment to community-based psychiatry education. For decades, she has been integral to the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams, offering students and residents invaluable experiences with vulnerable and marginalized patients in shelters, homes and group homes.

As a top supervisor, Dr. Whelan creates a welcoming and stimulating learning environment. Residents praise her thoughtful and practical approach to patient care, her inspirational clinical leadership, and her constructive and detailed feedback.

Her supervisory style balances autonomy and support, fostering responsibility while remaining available for guidance. She is particularly valued for her insightful discussions of clinical cases, which not only address the medical elements, but also broader issues such as professional development and leadership.

Dr Whelan exemplifies professionalism with a positive, passionate attitude. Her lasting impact on future psychiatrists and her dedication to community teaching make her an outstanding winner of this award. 

Keith Wheaton

Dr. Wheaton, a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology Translational and in the Molecular Medicine program, is celebrated for his innovative approach and unwavering dedication to his students. He plays a key role in shaping and delivering courses such as Cancer Biology and Metabolism, breaking down complex concepts into engaging and accessible material. 

His dynamic teaching style, featuring classroom discussions, learner-led seminars and case-solving sessions, has transformed the learning experience within the MMT. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Wheaton is actively involved in student research, often collaborating on publications. A recipient of numerous awards for excellence in teaching, including the 2021 Educator of the Year, Dr. Wheaton is also known for his support of students, guiding them in their professional development. 

Dylan Burger

Dr. Burger, an Associate Professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Senior Scientist at OHRI, excels as an educator and mentor, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to education that surpasses expectations for a research-focused scientist.

Dr. Burger teaches a broad spectrum of topics annually, such as pharmacology, vascular biology, hypertension, and cell signaling; coordinates “Advanced Topics in Cell Regulation”; and contributes to case-based learning sessions in the Renal Block curriculum.

Known for his excellent communication skills, Dr. Burger conveys complex topics with clarity and precision. He has supervised over 30 students, creating a supportive environment that fosters their academic and professional growth. His mentees have received numerous awards and distinctions.

Dr. Burger further shows his enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment to basic science education as a member on many thesis advisory committees across multiple departments and universities. 

Laurent Montpetit

Since joining the Faculty of Medicine's School of Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2023 as a Clinical Professor, Dr. Montpetit has quickly distinguished himself through his exceptional commitment to teaching and pedagogical innovation. 

He played a pivotal role in developing the new PharmD program, particularly as the course leader for "Pharmacien et le réseau de la santé" and "Consultation de première ligne I." His innovative teaching methods include integrating advanced technologies, such as the CORE ELM longitudinal skills monitoring tool, which he implemented in collaboration with his colleagues. 

Dr. Montpetit also co-organized the first Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) for the program’s inaugural cohort, establishing a strong foundation for future professional practice labs. 

Known for his student-centred approach, Dr. Montpetit goes above and beyond by making himself available outside of class to ensure student success. His passion for teaching extends beyond the classroom, as he also dedicates time to educating patients, empowering them to make informed health decisions. 

Debra Eagles

Dr. Eagles, an Associate Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine and the School of Epidemiology and Public Health, is internationally recognized for her expertise in managing elderly patients requiring emergency care. She is an innovative researcher, with a focus on frailty, cognitive impairment and atrial fibrillation. 

Since 2015, Dr. Eagles has been a leading figure in mentorship, offering guidance to medical students, residents, health care professionals, and researchers alike. She fosters a trusting environment that promotes learning. 

Beyond academic support, she provides personalized coaching helping her colleagues and students flourish. She has supervised many clinical research colleagues and is a regular speaker on the topic of mentorship. 

Melissa Brouwers

Dr. Brouwers is a full professor with, and Director of, the School of Epidemiology and Public Health (SEPH). A health services researcher, she has a special interest in knowledge translation, implementation science and evaluation. 

Dr. Brouwers has created a culture of connectivity and mentorship within SEPH, and a supportive and welcoming environment for faculty and students. Engaged in the career development of faculty, she is lauded as a significant mentor to many, sharing tools, important skills and insights with colleagues to navigate their careers. She places emphasis on junior faculty, with whom she takes special care to support and whose achievements she is eager to celebrate. Her encouragement and guidance for colleagues has helped shape many career paths, building confidence in seeking new responsibilities in leadership, research and student supervision. She creates opportunities for new faculty to work together, and her mentorship has led to research collaborations related to social accountability and community and population health. 

With a passion for graduate school education, she encourages faculty to consider how they might develop the next generation of public health scientists, epidemiologists and leaders coming out of SEPH. Positive and empathetic with all learners, she provides a highly personalized motivational approach, and with warmth and commitment, she strengthens the SEPH community.  

Han Kim

Dr. Han Kim, Associate Professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, is renowned for his dedication to the growth and success of his trainees.

With an unparalleled commitment to fostering academic excellence, Dr. Kim provides personalized mentorship in areas ranging from critical thinking and research design to data analysis and scientific communication. His guidance in laboratory techniques and bioinformatics has led numerous awards and scholarships for learners. He fosters a collaborative, supportive, family-like lab culture that helps his mentees thrive academically and personally.

His mentorship has inspired many to pursue advanced degrees, with trainees excelling in PhD programs, MD/PhD studies, and beyond.  

Sarah Russell

Dr. Russell is an Assistant Professor with the Department of Psychiatry and a Geriatric Psychiatrist with The Ottawa Hospital.  Passionate about mental health and the well-being of others, Dr. Russell advocates for patients and their families, learners, and colleagues. Offering exceptional care and service to patients, she demonstrates compassion and service to the medical trainees she supports and the teams she leads, providing a safe space for learning and innovation. She seamlessly balances supervision with independence, empowering learners to realize their full potential. She offered her limited clinical time in Timmins to provide service to the underserviced population and an interesting training experience for residents, and led an initiative to bring international trainees to the geriatric psychiatry training program, furthering the Faculty’s mandate of internationalization.  

Dr. Russell enhances the growth of colleagues to improve the care of the Dementia Behavioural Support Team by preparing them to succeed and by promoting a trusting and supportive environment. She offers empathetic support, inspiring colleagues to develop new skills. Her patients and their support systems trust her to cover every base and to keep them at the forefront of the decision-making process. She continues to yield positive results for the clinical and academic missions of the Department and the Faculty. 

Erika Tanner

Dr. Tanner is a lecturer in the Department of Family Medicine and a family physician as part of the Family Health Organization. A trained musician, she is well-versed on the research exploring the benefits to one’s mental state of singing and playing music, particularly in a group setting. Having won a Community Wellness Grant from the Department of Family Medicine, she was inspired to launch a choir focusing on promoting wellness and improving the well-being of medical community members. The GAD7 Choir brings together the Faculty’s medical community to make beautiful music, nurturing mental health in its members and imparting a sense of purpose and accomplishment as the group works toward public performances.  

Participant questionnaires have shown that making music together decreases anxiety. Dr. Tanner’s generosity of time, talent and energy is cherished by participants, who look forward to rehearsals as an outlet for the stresses clinical work, and an opportunity for learners, physicians and residents to connect in a non-evaluative setting. The choir also aligns with the Department’s overarching curricular goals of increasing exposure to the humanities and the arts within the context of providing patient-centered, holistic generalist primary care.  

Heidi Dutton

Dr. Dutton is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine and an Endocrinologist at The Ottawa Hospital in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism. 

As the Wellness Representative for the Division and for the Residency Training Program Committee, she has made outstanding contributions to creating a culture of wellness. Her generous, positive and uplifting demeanor fosters a sense of family and a willingness to speak up and share; a role model of collegial support, she takes the time to ask and listen, engage in conversation, discuss solutions, and follow up. Inspired by her example, faculty recognize the importance of checking in on each other. 

Committed to organizing a key wellness project annually, she launched a buddy system to give those on holidays a true break from the burden of managing incoming messages—a project praised as a concrete and meaningful step toward wellness. She is a vocal advocate of resident wellness, speaking out in support of their health and access to nutritious food. With an emphasis on camaraderie, she organizes resident wellness days involving nature, hikes, picnics and movies; she invited the divisions’ physicians, admins and residents to her home for a social evening and encourages the group to hold more of these events. As with patients, she promotes nutrition, exercise and lifestyle as major components of healthy living to colleagues, family and friends, who admire her continued dedication to improving their wellness.  

Jerry M. Maniate

Dr. Maniate is an Associate Professor in Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine with a cross-appointment to the Department of Innovation in Medical Education. He is Vice-President, Education at The Ottawa Hospital and a Clinician Investigator in the Clinical Epidemiology Program at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. 

Dr. Maniate aims to reduce health disparities by addressing inequities and advocating for system changes. Within his division, he challenges his team to think with a fresh perspective. He received a uOttawa Community Based Research (CBR) Grant from the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation for his project “Strengthening Community Engagement in Co-operative Education for Students from Marginalized Communities.” He has also served as Vice-President of Diversity, Inclusion & Education at The Ottawa Hospital.  

He is the creator and Executive Director of the Equality in Health Systems (EqHS) Lab, a network of leaders, influencers, learners and patient partners from across Canada aiming to educate others to understand inequities in the health system and encourage co-creation of interventions to address health disparities. The Lab’s multi-prong approach includes learning strategies, mentorship, quality improvement initiatives and research; he also provides mentorship and collaboration to physicians to broaden understanding and scholarship. Dr. Maniate has shown unparalleled innovation, leadership and advocacy throughout his many educational and administrative roles as he works to make a difference in health care.  

Claire Kendall

Dr. Kendall is a Full Professor with the Department of Family Medicine and cross-appointed to the School of Epidemiology and Public Health. She is Associate Dean of Social Accountability, an investigator with numerous research organizations, and a family physician with the Bruyère Academic Family Health Team. 

Dr. Kendall brings an unwavering and respected voice to the table for vulnerable populations, helping establish a more equitable, inclusive and integrated health care system. She has championed numerous initiatives aimed at integrating social accountability into the core functions of the Faculty, and is committed to graduating the next generation of socially accountable physicians and health scientists, supporting research for social impact, and positioning the Faculty as a true partner in improving the health of our community.  

Holding a Tier 2 Clinical Research Chair in Strengthening Primary Care for Integrated Health Equity, her work underscores community engagement as a cornerstone of socially accountable initiatives. She is co-convener of CityStudio Ottawa, a partnership between the city, uOttawa and other regional postsecondary institutions that brings students, faculty, city staff and community members together to address Ottawa’s priority health concerns. Her patient-centered research, leadership work, and scholarship output have been adapted by leading institutions internationally, and her ability to inspire and mobilize others is driving meaningful change within the institution and the broader community. 

Heather Lochnan

Dr. Lochnan is a Full professor in the Department of Medicine, Head of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and Assistant Dean of Continuing Professional Development. She is a member of the UGME Professionalism Committee and Co-Chair of the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada Professionalism Group.  

Dr. Lochnan promotes the Faculty’s core values of professionalism throughout her various roles, reflecting and promoting the professional and ethical behaviour expected among our community of learners and colleagues. Teaching at all levels, she models and advocates for exemplary conduct in the work and learning environments. She demonstrates leadership in enhancing professional behaviour by creating faculty development courses to assist with professional skill development; supporting awards for professional academic behaviour; and engaging faculty without judgement to reflect on the tensions they feel in their roles and guiding them forward. 

She has received grants to support professionalism, resulting in presentations and publications that have informed change in the field in her division, department and beyond. She has been recognized for her many achievements over the years, several reflecting her championing of professionalism. Exhibiting grace under pressure, she leads quietly and serves always, and her calm, patient and effective leadership and mentorship are well respected by colleagues. 

David Ponka

Dr. Ponka is a Full professor in the Department of Family Medicine (DFM), a family physician with Bruyere Continuing Care. He has dedicated his career to helping underserved and marginalized populations attain equity in health care. A humanitarian to his core, his numerous projects and partnerships are having a tremendous impact in advancing family medicine as a global, connected and collaborative discipline. With capacity building at the core, his work advances important research in building health equity as well as capacity in family medicine programs globally. He has helped build infrastructure within global communities by training fellows and empowering physicians to better serve local populations, and his leadership skills have helped support new primary care programs in middle to low-middle income countries. He is a role model for learners in his equity-focused practice and through his work with global health partnerships; his curriculum development has advanced global health teaching at DFM, equipping residents with skills to address the complex needs of these communities and inspiring them to pursue careers in global health. 

As the Director of the Besrour Centre for Global Family Medicine, he was integral to the signing of the first-of-its-kind MOU between the Faculty and the College of Family Physicians of Canada to advance global training and research, providing DFM with access to a network of international collaborators to expand its impact and reach in education, research and family medicine training globally. 

Aliza Moledina

Dr. Moledina is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine and an internal medicine physician at The Ottawa Hospital. Dr. Moledina is committed to improving the well-being of vulnerable populations, promoting multidisciplinary approaches to global health initiatives, and advancing the Faculty’s global health strategic mandate. She played a pivotal role in establishing a formal partnership between uOttawa and Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre University (KCMC-U) in Moshi, Tanzania in which she coordinated grant funding for electives, supported physician exchanges, and strengthened local capacity in Moshi. Her leadership on health boards and committees exemplify her dedication to advancing global health, including facilitating access to Canadian health care for vulnerable population, as well as liaising between Aga Khan Health Services Afghanistan and the Aga Khan Health Board Canada to deliver critical medical education sessions and develop strategies for hospitals in Afghanistan. She designed and implemented national protocols to screen and triage thousands of newcomer Ismaili Muslims across Canada, ensuring high-risk individuals received timely connections to primary care and community resources, for which she helped establish quality metrics for continuous improvement. 

Her significant contributions to global health research showcase her dedication to evidence-based practices and innovative solutions, such as examining the impact of language on health outcomes and developing interventions to improve the well-being of marginalized populations. Her research has been presented at several prestigious conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. 

Christine Landry

Dr. Landry, an Assistant Professor in the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Faculty of Medicine, has distinguished herself as a pioneer in French-language pharmaceutical education in Canada. Her dedication to la Francophonie is reflected in her instrumental role in establishing the first French-language Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program outside of Quebec at the University of Ottawa. 

Involved in the project since 2018, Dr. Landry has led both the development and management of the program, showcasing exceptional leadership throughout. Her efforts culminated in a successful accreditation survey in January 2024, underscoring the program’s excellence and the high standards she has helped build. 

A passionate advocate for Francophone pharmaceutical education, Dr. Landry has forged strong partnerships with various organizations and professional associations. She consistently champions the importance of pharmacy education in French at national and international conferences. She has been instrumental in recruiting and nurturing the academic team, ensuring its growth and development. 

Dr. Landry's unwavering belief in the necessity of accessible health care education in French, combined with her exemplary leadership and communication skills, make her a truly deserving recipient of the Award for the Promotion of Francophonie. 

Shaun Visser

Dr. Visser, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine, has earned himself widespread recognition for his exceptional dedication to the francophone community in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario. From 2011 to 2019, he served as Chief of the Emergency Department at Hôpital Montfort, where he played a pivotal role in expanding and improving services for francophones. 

As President of the Association médicale universitaire de l'Hôpital Montfort, Dr. Visser was instrumental in transforming the hospital into a teaching centre strengthening Montfort’s academic and clinical missions. This transformation has not only advanced medical education in French but also elevated the quality of care provided to the francophone community. 

His initiatives have significantly improved the accessibility and quality of health care for francophones in the region. 

Despite being an Anglophone, Dr. Visser’s steadfast commitment to promoting la Francophonie makes him a truly deserving recipient of the Francophilie Award.