Max Rady College of Medicine celebrates 2023 CAME award winners
Six members of the Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences were awarded 2023 Canadian Association for Medical Education (CAME) awards at a virtual event held April 3, 2023.
Dr. Sally Longstaffe, Dr. Mandy Buss and Debra Beach Ducharme each received the Certificate of Merit Award, which promotes, recognizes and rewards faculty committed to medical education in Canadian medical schools.
“This is well-deserved, national recognition,” said Dr. Peter Nickerson, vice-provost (health sciences), dean, Max Rady College of Medicine and dean, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. “Their contributions and dedication to medical education at the University of Manitoba is truly inspiring.”
He also congratulated Mirha Zohair (medical student), Dr. Georgia Chappell (resident), and Kayla Villebrun-Normand (graduate student) on receiving the CAME Rising Star – Certificate of Excellence Awards at the April 3 event. “I have no doubt that each of these learners has a bright future ahead and can’t wait to see their impact in creating a more equitable health-care system,” added Nickerson.
Certificate of Merit recipients
The CAME Certificate of Merit Award recognizes senior faculty who have made an exceptional contribution to medical education in Canadian medical schools.
Dr. Sally Longstaffe
Longstaffe graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1971 and worked as a pediatrician for approximately 40 years. During her practice, she served children in inner-city Winnipeg and northern Manitoba, as well as those with learning difficulties and developmental disabilities. She now works as a senior academic advisor in the Max Rady College of Medicine undergraduate medical education (UGME) student affairs office.
Dr. Mandy Buss
Buss, a member of the Métis nation from the Red River Settlement, completed her residency in the University of Manitoba’s Northern Remote Family Medicine program and worked for the first five years in First Nations communities in Northern Manitoba. Dr. Buss currently practices as a family physician at Northern Connection Medical Clinic with the northern remote family medicine program. She holds the position of Indigenous health lead for the department of family medicine and is director of the Indigenous health longitudinal curriculum for UGME. Buss currently serves as the president of the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada and sits on the executive committee for the National Consortium for Indigenous Medical Education. She is also a member of the College of Family Physicians of Canada’s Indigenous health committee.
Debra Beach Ducharme
Beach Ducharme’s Indigenous background and experience in education give her a unique perspective in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences and UGME. She is passionate about supporting Indigenous communities by promoting the revitalization of Indigenous worldviews, languages and culture. Beach Ducharme’s courageous leadership is vital in implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action.
Rising Star — Certificate of Excellence recipients
The CAME Rising Star — Certificate of Excellence Award recognizes learners who have demonstrated a commitment to medical education that has had a positive impact for the health professions education community.
Dr. Georgia Chappell (resident)
Chappel is a leader in the field of transgender health and anti-racism advocacy. She has worked to amplify underrepresented voices in obstetrics and gynecology. Through her leadership, she has helped to shine a light on critical issues related to transgender health and racism, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable health-care system. One of her most impactful contributions has been her grand rounds talk, “Saying the wrong thing: Antiracism in obs gyne,” which has helped to raise awareness and promote meaningful dialogue around issues of racism in the medical community. In addition to her advocacy work, Dr. Chappel is also working to address critical gaps in access for the queer community in Manitoba. She plans to offer hysterectomies and gender-affirming hormone therapy to those in need.
Kayla Villebrun-Normand (graduate student)
Villebrun-Normand is breaking new ground in the world of medical research, leading the charge on an innovative project that aims to dismantle Indigenous racism in a large tertiary care facility in Winnipeg. Her research focuses on the crucial role of a health advocate in creating a culturally safe environment in the emergency department. As a graduate student, Kayla is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field of medical research, modeling best practices and paving the way for a more equitable and just health-care system.
Mirha Zohair (medical student)
Zohair is a strong advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), bringing her passion and commitment to every role she takes on. As the Manitoba Medical Students’ Association (MMSA) representative for EDI, she serves as a powerful voice for marginalized communities. In addition, she is a student representative on the Medical Students Admission Committee and lead for Muslim medical students. Mirha is dedicated to supporting her faculty and colleagues in the creation of anti-racism policies and the development of a more inclusive UGME curriculum.