The CMA 150th Anniversary Bursaries and Awards Program

Bursaries and awards supporting medical students

How the program works

This program celebrates the values of the profession while providing financial support for medical students.

From 2017 to 2021, the CMA Foundation is providing annual funding to every medical school in Canada for an $8,500 bursary and a $15,000 award. Starting in 2020, the bursary amount was increased to $20,000.

  • The bursaries provide financial help to students who need it most.
  • The awards recognize student leaders who demonstrate the values of professionalism, including honesty, integrity, respect, responsibility, accountability, collaboration and a commitment to self-improvement.

In total, the program will give a financial boost to more than 170 Canadian medical students.

Meet the next generation of medical leaders we are supporting through this program:

Nick Snow

Nick Snow

Memorial University of Newfoundland - Class of 2021
 

WHAT SURPRISED ME ABOUT MEDICAL SCHOOL

“I never, ever thought medical school would be this challenging, nor that I would grow in so many ways, over so few years. Despite the tough times, the experience has been a true blessing.”

PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT

"During pre-clerkship, members of our class formed a rock/cover band called 'Alternative Medicine’ and I was a guitarist/vocalist. We had a short run, but a great run! One day, I hope we can rekindle the spark and go on a reunion tour!"

Flora Jung

Flora Jung

University of Toronto - Class of 2021
 

WHY I CHOSE MEDICINE

“Whether it’s for the patients, a passing grade, or for my own health, this field persuades me to become more empathetic, diligent, confident, and adaptive each day.”

WHAT I LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF MEDICINE

“I’m happy to have an ongoing ‘side-gig’ as a professional artist. My current watercolour series highlights the different neighbourhoods of Old Toronto, the city I’ve come to love during my years in medical school.”

Satyam Choudhuri

Satyam Choudhuri

McMaster University - Class of 2021
 

HOW I DEFINE SUCCESS IN MEDICINE

“Medicine is about leaving every patient interaction knowing you did your best to make a hard day for someone slightly better - whether that’s advocating for them, greeting them with a smile, or improving their quality of life.”

PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT

“I grew up in a one-bedroom apartment in Toronto and my parents still live in that same building. There were a lot of financial struggles and my parents taught me about resiliency, the struggles of immigration, and having a positive outlook.”

Anne-Marie Lavigne

Anne-Marie Lavigne

Université Laval – Graduated in 2020
 

HOW I DEFINE SUCCESS IN MEDICINE 

“I’ve come to learn that medicine is not only about learning, but also about sharing what you’ve been lucky enough to learn. It’s not only about providing treatment, but also about caring for others. It’s not only about the lives you save, but about what they bring to the world. I make it a point to work on these skills so I can build my practice around respect, mutual aid and dignity.”

WHAT I LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF MEDICINE

“I love martial arts. I did karate for years as a teenager, and now I’m back on the mat for kung fu lessons.”

Brook Danger

Brook Danger

University of Saskatchewan - Class of 2021
 

HOW I JUGGLE A YOUNG FAMILY AND MED SCHOOL

“Having a son in the middle of my training added a whole new dimension to my personal responsibilities and ambitions. I would love to be an exceptional father, husband, son, friend, mentor and medical student but I don’t have the time nor energy to do that. Having excellent communication and clarity around my plans with my wife and others who support me makes it manageable.”

PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT

“Growing up on a farm, I used to trap moles to earn my allowance!”

Maggie O’Dea

Maggie O’Dea

Memorial University of Newfoundland - Class of 2021
 

WHY I CHOSE MEDICINE

“Medicine takes place within a sacred space, intertwined with the grief, despair, elation and monotony which mark our day-to-day lives. It is political and it is reparative. Ultimately, it enables me to connect with individuals and communities in a profound way.”

PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT

“I LOVE odd candy that usually only women over 80 enjoy. Those weird, gummy, milky candies. My partner has to hide them from me for my own protection.”

Guillaume Roy

Guillaume Roy

Université de Montréal – Graduated in 2020
 

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE I’VE HAD TO FACE OR OVERCOME IN MEDICAL SCHOOL

“I think it was keeping a healthy life balance. Life is busy, and medicine can take up a lot of space, so if you don’t set aside time for all other aspects of your life, like making time for fun and interpersonal relationships, you’ll see your energy and motivation levels go down pretty fast.”

PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED TO LEARN THAT

"I’m a huge classical music and movie soundtrack buff. I play the piano, and I always have some background music on whenever I get the chance. A few of my favourites are Bach’s Goldberg Variations, Mozart’s Requiem and the Jane Eyre original score by John Williams."

Areas of focus

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Medical Students Bursaries and Awards Program

Find out how we’re giving a boost to medical students across Canada through our CMA 150th Anniversary Bursaries and Awards Program.

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Stand Up for Indigenous Health

Learn about the first simulation-based tool for teaching about the factors that affect the health of Indigenous people in Canada.