By: Christina Torrealba (she/her), Graduate Student in Community Health and Epidemiology

Dr. Ronald Stewart Award for Student Leadership in Global Health

The Dr. Ronald Stewart Award recognizes a student of Dalhousie Medical School or in the faculties of Health or Dentistry, who has demonstrated leadership in global health and a commitment to improving the health of marginalized communities during their time at Dalhousie. This award honours Dr. Stewart’s dedication to global health and the advancement of social capital worldwide. Dr. Stewart is also a former provincial Minister of Health, Order of Canada recipient, accomplished educator, former director of the Medical Humanities program, and champion for global health education.

2022 recipient: Kathleen MacMillan

Kathleen MacMillan is a member of the Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick Class of 2023, Service Learning Representative, and co-president of the Dalhousie Medicine Class of 2023, among many other engagements. Kathleen is a leader in global health with a commitment to equity in her academic, research, clinical, and community-oriented initiatives. In her roles as member of the Dalhousie Faculty of Medicine Admissions Committee, member of Interprofessional Research.Global, co-coordinator of the interprofessional course Introduction to Cultural Safety in Healthcare for Indigenous Peoples, and Atlantic Regional Director and Government Affairs and Advocacy Dyad for the Canadian Federation of Medical Students, Kathleen is committed to enhancing equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility in medicine and advocating for members of marginalized communities.

Dr Jock Murray Award for Resident Leadership in Global Health

The Dr. Jock Murray Award recognizes a resident who demonstrates outstanding commitment to global health as they advocate for marginalized populations and explore new ways to engage in clinical service, education, and research. The award is in honour of Dr. Murray, a world-renowned expert in multiple sclerosis, medical humanities, and medical history, and is a past Dean of Dalhousie Medical School and Professor Emeritus at Dalhousie University. Dr. Murray is also an Officer of the Order of Canada, and member of the Order of Nova Scotia.

2022 recipient: Dr. Bernard Burgesson

Dr. Bernard Burgesson is the Chief Resident for the Orthopedic Surgery Department at the QEII.  He is a tireless leader in healthcare with a strong dedication to global health.  He is a mentor for the Sophia B Jones Mentorship program, member of the Health Association of African Canadians, and member of the steering committee for Black Physicians of Nova Scotia. Dr. Burgesson is dedicated to advancing the involvement and leadership of Black Nova Scotians in healthcare. In addition to his clinical work as a resident, Dr. Burgesson is engaged in ground-breaking research on quantifying disparities for the BIPOC community in accessing orthopedic surgical care. His clinical practice, scholarly endeavors, and community engagement, make him the perfect recipient for the Dr. Jock Murray Resident Award in Global Health.

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

The Dr. John Savage Memorial Award for faculty leadership in global health was started in 2003 in memory of Dr. John Savage, a friend and colleague of the Dalhousie Medical School and ambassador of the need to promote healthy communities worldwide. Dr. Savage served as a physician, Premier of Nova Scotia, and Mayor of Dartmouth. He had a long-standing commitment to global health, particularly in West Africa with the Nova Scotia Gambia Association. This award is given to a faculty member who exhibits outstanding leadership and humanitarian contributions to global health.

2022 recipient: Dr. David Hasse

Dr. David Hasse is the Co-Chair of PLANS and a retired physician and faculty member, with a commitment to equitable health care and increasing diversity of health professionals. Dr. Hasse has been a mentor to many students and faculty members in the Faculty of Medicine, is one of the original members of the Health Association of African Canadians, and has played a crucial role in supporting the African Nova Scotian community through the COVID-19 pandemic. As a physician, mentor, and educator, Dr. Hasse has had a significant positive impact on the African Nova Scotian community, Dalhousie University, and the province of Nova Scotia as a whole, making him the perfect recipient for the Dr. John Savage Memorial Award.

For more information on these awards please visit the Global Health Awards section of our website.

By: The Global Health Office

It is with great pleasure and respect that we announce the 2021 Global Health Awards recipients. These awards were established to recognize the outstanding contribution made to the global health community by our Medical faculty and residents as well as students in Medicine, Health and Dentistry. These annual awards are presented to individuals who advance the global health community at Dalhousie through:

We are grateful for the many nominations we receive each year and for the global health community that continues to grow; at Dalhousie and beyond. We hope you will consider submitting a nomination for the 2022 Global Health Awards.

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

2021 Recipient: Dr. Douglas McMillan 

Pediatrician, IWK 

Dr. McMillan (photo credit: IWK)

This award was established in 2003 in memory of Dr. John Savage, a friend and colleague of the Dalhousie Medical School and a tireless champion of the need to promote healthy communities worldwide. The Dr. Savage Memorial Award for Faculty leadership in Global Health recognizes an outstanding humanitarian contribution to global health by a Dalhousie Medical School faculty member.

Dr. McMillan has dedicated his career to improving the health of women and children locally and globally. He has acted as a mentor to numerous faculty, staff, and students, and exhibits true dedication to the ongoing development and integration of newborn care programs in the developing world.  He has fostered longstanding collaborative multidisciplinary partnerships to deliver training programs in numerous countries.  His contributions and commitment to the Helping Babies Survive (HBS) Program has contributed to its global success. Dr. McMillan has also been an advocate for capacity building initiatives that have trained the trainer to allow these initiatives to thrive. Giving freely of his time to ensure that sustainable solutions exist for women and children has been the cornerstone of his work. Dr. McMillan believes strongly that working in partnerships to advance global health requires an open mind and flexibility to understand, appreciate and learn from cultural and contextual differences and that together, partnerships can use creativity and resourcefulness to find strategies to overcome the challenges to improving health outcomes globally. 

Dr. Jock Murray Award for Resident Leadership in Global Health 

2021 Recipient: Dr. Henry Annan 

• PGY2, Pediatrics 
• Past President, CFMS 

Dr. Annan (photo credit: Dalhousie University)

This award was established in 2010 to recognize excellence within residents at Dalhousie Medical School who demonstrate commitment to global health as they advocate for marginalized populations and explore new ways to engage in clinical service, education and research in underserviced populations in Canada and abroad. 

Dr. Annan brings his passion for leadership in health policy and health delivery for marginalized populations to every aspect of his practice. Among his focus is the health of women and children, the African Nova Scotian community as well as Francophone health programs. He has been involved at a national level as a health advocate and works to highlight the health equities in our communities; working collaboratively to find solutions.  

Dr. Ron Stewart Award for Student Leadership in Global Health 

2021 Recipient: Justine Dol 

• PhD in Health 
• QES Scholar in Tanzania (with the Global Health Office) 

Dr. Dol (photo credit: Dalhousie University)

This award was established in 2006 and is given to a student of Dalhousie Medical School or in the faculties of Health or Dentistry, who has demonstrated leadership in global health and a commitment to improving the health of marginalized communities during their time at Dalhousie. This award honours Dr. Stewart’s personal, professional and educational support and dedication to global health, and the advancement of social capital worldwide.

Dr. Dol has prioritized academic and research excellence during her education and she has achieved both. She has been involved in many research projects locally and globally, that have focused on improving the health of women and children. She has worked on interdisciplinary teams to learn from the communities and provide solutions that respect cultural and clinical outcomes. Justine has both lead and assisted in program delivery adding to her skills as a health advocate.  

By: Rachel Ollivier, PhD Candidate in the School of Nursing

The Dr. Ronald Stewart Award for Student Leadership in Global Health was established in 2006 and is presented, annually, to a student of Dalhousie Medical School or in the faculties of Health or Dentistry, who has demonstrated leadership in global health and a commitment to improving the health of marginalized communities during their time at Dalhousie. This award honours Dr. Stewart’s personal, professional and educational support and dedication to global health, and the advancement of social capital worldwide. Dr. Stewart, a former provincial Minister of Health and Order of Canada recipient, has been enriching students’ experiences at Dalhousie Medical School for many years as a popular and accomplished educator, past director of the Medical Humanities program and a key champion for global health education. 

This year’s recipient, Ms. Rachel Ollivier, is a PhD Candidate in the School of Nursing and a Registered Nurse on the Adult Surgery Unit (Women’s Health) and in the COVID-19 Primary Assessment Clinic at the IWK Health Centre. She has worked in various nursing capacities across Canada, as well as in Zambia (2016) and Tanzania (2018). Her doctoral research aims to explore postpartum sexual health in Nova Scotia using a feminist poststructural lens.  

Rachel’s passion for global health became apparent early on in her undergraduate degree, which she completed at UBC Okanagan in Kelowna, B.C. from 2012-2016. With regards to research in global health, Rachel has contributed to national and institutional care policies, as well as situational analyses, in Zambia and Jamaica through her role as a Research Assistant for the WHO/PAHO Collaborating Centre for Health Workforce Planning & Research and UBC’s Aging & Health Lab.  

Rachel Ollivier at the GHO’s annual Global Health Day in October 2019

While at Dalhousie, Rachel has been involved with several global health initiatives. In 2018, Rachel spent 3 months living in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania as part of her placement at the Muhimbili University of Health & Allied Sciences (MUHAS) as a Queen Elizabeth Scholar. Through this opportunity, she worked to strengthen the existing partnerships between Tanzanian and Canadian nurse scholars and collaborated with the MUHAS team on maternal health research projects. She also lectured in the Master of Science in Nursing (Midwifery) and Master of Science in Nursing (Critical Care & Trauma) programs and regularly participated in clinical rounds with graduate students on the maternal, paediatric, and neonatal intensive care units at Muhimbili National Hospital. In Spring 2019, she competed in the international final of the World’s Challenge Challenge, an interdisciplinary competition aimed at addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, alongside teammates Justine Dol and Brianna Richardson. There, they presented their innovation titled “Essential Coaching for Every Mother”. The innovation, led by Justine Dol, aims to address the severe lack of services and support for new and expecting mothers in Canada and Tanzania through a daily text message platform that provides support and information.  

Rachel acts as a member of numerous councils, student groups, and committees at both Dalhousie and the IWK. Her dedication to women’s health, nursing, and global health leadership has been recognized in receiving awards such as the CAPWHN Emerging Leader Award, Rising Star Awards from both NSCN and CARNA, and in being featured as a ‘Nurse to Know’ by Canadian Nurse magazine. In October 2020, she was named an Emerging Leader on the 2020 Canadian Women in Global Health List. 

By: Jennifer LeBlanc, Global Health Office Outreach Coordinator

The Dr. John Savage Memorial Award for Faculty Leadership in Global Health was established in 2003 in memory of Dr. John Savage, a friend and colleague of the Dalhousie Medical School and a tireless champion of the need to promote healthy communities worldwide. A former physician, Premier of Nova Scotia and Mayor of Dartmouth, Dr. Savage had a long-standing commitment to global health projects in Africa with the Nova Scotia Gambia Association and other organizations. The Dr. Savage Memorial Award for Faculty leadership in Global Health recognizes an outstanding humanitarian contribution to global health by a Dalhousie Medical School faculty member.

Today Dr. John Savage Memorial Award is presented to Dr. Noni MacDonald. Dr. MacDonald is well known for multiple accomplishments whether it is her clinical expertise in infectious disease and vaccinology, her passion to advocate for science and research, her knowledge on the issues impacting the health care systems (locally and globally) or her extensive work in East Africa – she has touched the lives of many inside and outside of medicine.

Dr. MacDonald has been involved with MicroResearch for many years. Since 2008, MicroResearch has been improving local community focused research capacity and maternal child health in Eastern Africa through small locally driven multidisciplinary health research teams developing research projects to improve health outcomes. In 2016, what has been learned in Africa has been adapted and applied in Nova Scotia so local multidisciplinary health professional and community research teams can find local solutions to their community health problems that can work and fit the local resources, the context and culture.

Dr. Ryan Sommers, Medical Officer of Health in the Nothern Zone, assisted Dr. MacDonald with the first MicroResearch NS course held in Truro and said: “During this time I also had the opportunity to see Dr. MacDonald in action. Just after the first day, it became very evident of her passion for teaching, research and desire to help others address community health issues. I was impressed at the content of the course. Very quickly I realized how much work Noni and her colleagues put into the program and why it was successful in East Africa for so many years.  I believe the MicroResearch program demonstrates the contributions and work of Dr. MacDonald, attests her leadership in global health and shows her commitments to provide research training to those in Nova Scotia and East Africa. I’m continuously impressed with Dr. MacDonald’s dedication to her important work”.

Congratulations Dr. MacDonald and thank you for your many contributions locally and globally.

For more information please visit our Global Health Awards webpage.

By: Jennifer LeBlanc, Global Health Office Outreach Coordinator

The Dr. Ronald Stewart Award for Student Leadership in Global Health is given to a student who has demonstrated leadership in global health and a commitment to improving the health of marginalized communities during their time at Dalhousie.

Dr. Ron Stewart, Yaeesh Sardiwalla, Dr. Dan Boudreau

This award honours Dr. Stewart’s personal, professional and educational support and dedication to global health, and the advancement of social capital worldwide.

This year’s recipient of the award is medical student, Yaeesh Sardiwalla. During his time at Dalhousie Medical School, Yaeesh has continually demonstrated a commitment to global health. He has participated in rotations at Baragwaneth Hospital in South Africa and had experiences in Cape Breton where he became heavily involved with First Nation’s health. He has translated his experiences with marginalized communities into political advocacy, establishing the Cape Breton Youth Council to improve the health delivery for First Nations populations.

Yaeesh Sardiwalla with fellow student

Additionally, Yaeesh has been an integral leader with the Service Learning Program at Dalhousie, working with Mainline Needle Exchange. As an innovator, he has been part of establishing a startup company, Protell which creates a device for patients with sickle cell anemia to improve their management. He has also been instrumental in establishing the Choosing Wisely local chapter at Dalhousie, an initiative focused at engaging physicians and patients in conversations about unnecessary treatment and tests.

During his time as president of the Canadian Blood Service student society, the membership grew from 7 to 70 students and he spearheaded a fundraising initiative for “Spread the Net”, a charity that aimed to purchase mosquito nets for Sub-Saharan Africa.

Recently, Yaeesh was appointed Canadian medical student representative to the World Organization of Family Doctors. Yaeesh portrays a passion for improving the lives of those in vulnerable, marginalized communities around the world. There is a contagious enthusiasm with Yaeesh that explains his ability to inspire others and collaborate effectively.

Congratulations Yaeesh! Thank you for your contributions to global health during your time at Dalhousie.

Yaeesh Sardiwalla

For more information please visit our Global Health Awards webpage.

Related blog posts: 2019 Global Health Awards Series: Resident Leadership

By: Jennifer LeBlanc, Global Health Office Outreach Coordinator

The Dr. Jock Murray Resident Award for Leadership in Global Health was established in 2010 to recognize excellence within residents at Dalhousie Medical School who demonstrate commitment to global health as they advocate for marginalized populations and explore new ways to engage in clinical service, education and research in under serviced populations in Canada and abroad.

Dr. Jock Murray, Dr. Navi Bal & Dr. Jocelyn Stairs

Jocelyn Stairs and Navi Bal, two outstanding residents, are the co-recipients of this year’s award. Both students are in their fourth year of residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Dalhousie University.

Dr. Navi Bal & Dr. Jocelyn Stairs

As medical students and during their residencies, Jocelyn and Navi have advocated strongly for the need to educate residents on the social determinants of health and how attention to them can address many health needs within a population. They have advocated for the need to provide learners with the knowledge and tools to bring about change and to ensure that there are opportunities for the residents to do so. It is through the tireless work of Navi and Jocelyn that the residents are now participating, as part of their curriculum, in a clinic in the North End Community Health Centre where patients from the Mobile Outreach Street Health (MOSH) unit are also seen.

Both Residents have problem solved to ensure that issues both large and small are addressed in order to keep the clinic running smoothly. They have dedicated themselves to the Newcomer (Refugee) Clinic at ISANS where women are seen and educated about sexual and reproductive health, and are taught about contraception, the need for cervical screening and well woman checks. Navi and Jocelyn have ensured that the monthly evening clinics, staffed by volunteer residents, run regularly and that they meet the needs of the women who attend. As importantly, they have worked closely with the staff and care providers at the Newcomers Clinic building sustainable relationships outside of the IWK. It has been an important opportunity for shared learning. They have worked hard to ensure that others can learn from their experiences through poster presentations, and abstracts. They have been strong advocates for “Local” global health, believing that much of the work to provide equitable care begins at home.

Dr. Navi Bal & Dr. Jocelyn Stairs

Navi and Jocelyn have been involved with the Global Health Unit in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and as members of the Global Health Advisory Group providing invaluable feedback to the committee about the projects of the Global Health Unit.

Congratulations Jocelyn and Navi! Thank you for your contributions to global health during your time at Dalhousie.

For more information please visit our Global Health Awards webpage.

Related blog posts: 2019 Global Health Awards Series: Student Leadership

By: Matt Jalink, MSc Candidate in Community Health and Epidemiology

Each year we recognize one student, resident and faculty member who have made outstanding contributions to the Global Health community at Dalhousie. The Global Health Awards celebrate leadership, mentorship, work with marginalized communities (locally and/or globally), engagement in global health research, and advancement of global health initiatives at Dalhousie.

We are very pleased to announce the 2018 Global Health Award recipients:

• Allan Kember (student)
• Dr. Thomas Brothers (resident)
• Patti Melanson, RN (faculty)

Dr. Ron Stewart Award for Student Leadership in Global Health

Established in 2006, the Dr. Ron Steward Award is given to a student who has demonstrated leadership in global health and a commitment to improving the health of marginalized communities during their studies at Dalhousie University. The award honours Dr. Stewart’s personal, professional, and educational support and dedication to global health and the advancement of social capital worldwide. Dr. Stewart was a formal provincial Minister of Health and Order of Canada recipient. He is responsible for enriching students’ experiences at the Dalhousie Medical School for many years as a popular and accomplished educator and as a past director of the Medical Humanities program.

Dr. Ron Stewart, Allan Kember, Dr. Dan Boudreau, Dr. Heather Scott

Allan Kember is a fourth year medical student enrolled at Dalhousie Medical School. In addition to studying to be a clinician, Allan has had an impressive start to his research career. A co-founder of the “Prenabelt”, a device designed to discourage women from sleeping on their backs during pregnancy; Allan proposed the use of the belt in Accra, Ghana to improve perinatal health outcomes. He completed the study and established strong partnerships and friendships throughout his time in Ghana.

Allan continues to demonstrate his commitment for improving maternal health outcomes in areas with low resources through his work with his Ethiopian colleagues investigating the Post Fistula Incontinence Severity Scale, which he presented at the Dalhousie University Global Health Day.

Allan has also been a great support to his classmates interested in becoming involved in global health, helping them to organize electives and forge their own relationships and networks. In 2016, Allan provided invaluable assistance to the Bethune Round Table Global Surgery Communications Committee, helping to promote the international conference both locally and abroad.

Dr. Jock Murray Award for Resident Leadership in Global Health

The Dr. Jock Murray Award was established in 2010 to recognize a resident who demonstrates outstanding commitment to global health as they advocate for marginalized populations and explore new ways to engage in clinical service, education, and research. The award is in honour of Dr. Murray, a world-renowned expert in multiple sclerosis, medical humanities, and medical history, and was a past Dean of Dalhousie Medical School and Professor Emeritus at Dalhousie University. Dr. Murray is also an Officer of the Order of Canada, and member of the Order of Nova Scotia.

Dr. Jock Murray, Lindsay Wallace, Dr. David Haase

Dr. Thomas Brothers is an internal medicine resident at Dalhousie University with exceptional leadership in the global health space. Tommy has shown a keen commitment to working with marginalized communities through his clinical and research work both locally and abroad.

During Tommy’s medical training he completed clinical electives focused in HIV-positive populations, inpatient care of people who use IV drugs in Vancouver, and has worked in addiction medicine in both Halifax and Toronto. He participated in two international electives during his undergraduate medical education, and has sought out additional skills training such as an online Diploma in Addiction Medicine from the University of British Colombia.

Tommy has been a leader and facilitator for providing opportunities for his classmates and fellow health professionals in the global health space. He cofounded the student-run clinic-working group, a precursor for the HOPES interprofessional student-run clinic. Additionally, Tommy recruited and organized student volunteers for the HaliVax vaccine delivery program, which allowed student volunteers to accompany Mobile Outreach Street Health (MOSH) nurses to shelters and soup kitchens to help deliver vaccines.

Tommy’s research experience equals if not surpasses his already impressive clinical work. His research in medicine project (RIM) focused on the health of people aging with HIV, which involved collaborating with the Canadian HIV community, an Italian research group, and the World Health Organization. Other areas of his research include treatment of opioid use disorders, harm-reduction interventions, and knowledge translation initiatives.

Tommy was unable to attend our awards ceremony as he was presenting his work in Vancouver, so he recorded a wonderful acceptance video that we share here: tommy_award_video.

Dr. John Savage Memorial Award for Faculty Leadership

The Dr. Savage Memorial Award was started in 2003 in memory of Dr. John Savage, a friend and colleague of the Dalhousie Medical School and ambassador of the need to promote health communities worldwide. Dr. Savage served as a physician, Premier of Nova Scotia, and Mayor of Dartmouth. He has had a long-standing commitment to global health, particularly in West Africa with the Nova Scotia Gambia Association. This award is given to a Dalhousie Medicine faculty member who exhibits outstanding leadership in global health and humanitarian contribution to global health.

Mayor Mike Savage, Mackenzie (Patti’s daughter), Chris (Patti’s husband), Dr. Rob Boulay

Patti Melanson has focused much of her nursing career towards helping the vulnerable and marginalized people of Halifax and Nova Scotia. She was responsible for developing the Mobile Outreach Street health Program and is a leader in bringing primary care to street-involved and homeless people throughout the HRM.

It can’t be understated the impact Patti has had on our vulnerable and marginalized populations. She serves as the Executive Director of the North End Community Health Centre, and has developed a broad range of skills to assist people dealing with physical and mental health challenges. She has provided support counseling and clinical assessment, as well as delivering educational programs concerning sexual health, stress management, and suicide prevention.

Patti’s approach to working with these populations has made a profound impression on her colleagues, as her work is rooted in a deep respect and acknowledgment of dignity for the individuals she works with. Her humble, supportive, non-judgmental demeanor is invaluable in the contexts that she works in. She is a leader in filling the gaps in our healthcare system, helping those who slip through.

Patti is an outstanding leader who is passionate about being an advocate and contributor towards improving the health of some of our most vulnerable.

Congratulations to these impressive and inspiring individuals! We are excited to see the future you are building.

To find out more about our awards, or do nominate someone for 2019 please visit our Global Health Awards page.

By: Dr. Amanda Moore, Resident, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Please allow me to express my sincere gratitude for being awarded this year’s Dr. TJ Jock Murray Resident Award for Leadership in Global Health. From a young age I have been interested in how systemic and structural inequities shape the health and lives of individuals and communities, and increasingly compelled to follow a path that would marry this interest with my aim to pursue a career in medicine.

After obtaining my undergraduate degree in international development and health studies, I served as the Canadian Program Coordinator for the African Medical and Research Foundation, a non-governmental organization that works to improve health in Eastern and Southern Africa. I have been fortunate since that time to continue to weave my passion for health equity and social justice with my medical education and career. I have successfully implemented a monthly well woman pap and contraception clinic at the Halifax Transitional Health Clinic for Refugees in response to the growing influx of Syrian refugees, which was the recipient in conjunction with the broader refugee response of the Bronze Nova Scotia Health Authority’s Quality Care Award.

Internationally, I have been a champion for the implementation of the World Health Organization’s Safe Childbirth Checklist, conducting research projects in Rwanda and, more recently, Tanzania to determine impact of the Checklist on knowledge and practice. This work has been supported by a Duchesnay International Fellowship, awarded by the Canadian Foundation for Women’s Health last year. Most recently, I have been accepted as the University of Toronto’s fellow in Global Women’s Health and Equity at the University of Toronto, as which I will serve as the team leader for their maternal health program in Eldoret, Kenya.

I believe that in tandem with the great privilege afforded to physicians in our society comes a concomitant responsibility to those who have been overlooked, oppressed or ignored. I am dedicated to combining clinical excellence with a socially conscious lens, and establishing myself as a physician, researcher and leader dedicated to improving the health of vulnerable and marginalized women, both within our country’s borders and beyond. It is a privilege to be selected as this year’s recipient of the TJ Jock Murray Award, and my warmest thanks again for this great honour.

To learn more about the TJ Jock Murray Award for Resident Global Health Leadership.

To learn more about the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology global health work.

By Keisha Jefferies, Dalhousie School of Nursing

For me, winning the global health award goes beyond the recognition of my global health contributions. Since beginning my academic/ professional journey, I have worked extremely hard to overcome various obstacles and challenges. To be recognized as an upcoming leader, especially in global health, shows that determination, hard work and support truly are keys to success. Receiving the Dr. Ronald Stewart Student Award reminds me that I have an amazing support system in the School of Nursing (SON), the Global Health Office (GHO) as well as the amazing individuals from the African Nova Scotian (ANS) community. I would not have been able to achieve even a fraction of what I have thus far without the unrelenting support of these individuals.

My interest in global health stems from my background as a neonatal intensive care nurse and a member of the ANS community. After completing my BScN, I worked at the IWK Health Centre with a diverse care team and patient population. This is where I gained both the knowledge and inspiration to pursue studies in maternal and child newborn health. As an ANS woman, I have first hand experience regarding the systemic and institutional barriers that contribute to inequities amongst marginalized groups. This is why I am inspired to share knowledge and experiences related to the ANS circumstance. Moreover, in recognizing my own opportunities and good fortune, I would like to use my platform as a way to motivate and empower individuals in my community.

Ms. Keisha Jefferies and Dr. Ron Stewart

Going forward, I will continue to be involved in global health work through my PhD research project as well as local and international collaborations. For my PhD, I will focus on the ANS experience in nursing and leadership. I will also continue to strengthen international relationships and partnerships that I have been fortunate to build over the last year.

Megan Aston, Keisha Jefferies, Shawna O’Hearn and Gail Tomblin Murphy

In accepting this award, I would like to acknowledge many people who helped me achieve my goals over the last few years. These include members from my home community and the ANS community in Halifax, Drs. Megan Aston and Gail Tomblin Murphy, the SON and GHO, my colleagues, classmates and professors throughout my Masters program, and finally my close friends and family.