Dr. Catherine Cook and Elder Margaret Lavallee each received the Certificate of Merit Award, which promotes, recognizes and rewards faculty committed to medical education in Canadian medical schools.

“These awards are a testament to the important contributions by UM medical educators and learners in promoting Indigenous participation and achievement,” said Dr. Peter Nickerson, vice-provost (health sciences), dean, Max Rady College of Medicine and dean, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. “Their dedication to medicine, equity and access is not only evident in their daily work but is also recognized and affirmed at a national level by these prestigious awards.”

He also congratulated Marissa Murray (medical student), Dr. Melinda Fowler-Woods (resident), and Dr. Amanda Fowler-Woods (graduate student) on receiving the CAME Rising Star – Certificate of Excellence Awards.

The CAME awards will be presented at a virtual award presentation taking place on Thursday, February 29, 2024 from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Eastern via Zoom.

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. Catherine Cook

Dr. Catherine Cook
In her role as the inaugural vice-president (Indigenous) at the University of Manitoba, Dr. Catherine Cook oversaw Indigenous senior leadership projects which are integral to expanding Indigenous representation in classrooms and in leadership, creating supports and structures for Indigenous success, and advancing reconciliation at UM. She previously served as vice-dean (Indigenous health) at the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences.

Elder Margaret Lavallee

Elder Margaret Lavallee

Margaret Lavallee is the Elder-in-Residence at Ongomiizwin – Indigenous Institute of Health and Healing in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. She is dedicated to expanding knowledge and providing cultural and spiritual guidance to students. Upon receiving her honorary degree by UM in 2022, she said her dream is to have more Indigenous students entering health-care professions.

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 on the health professions education community.

Marissa Murray

Marissa Murray

Third-year medical student Marissa Murray holds a unique gift with her ability to teach those around her. Her commitment to uplifting her peers in combination with her remarkable way of knowledge sharing makes Marissa a champion of Indigenous learner success.

Dr. Melinda Fowler-Woods

Dr. Melinda Fowler-Woods

Dr. Melinda Fowler-Woods’ commitment to working with traditional medicines alongside western medicine goes beyond her own knowledge and practice, as she also values creating space for future Indigenous physicians to learn about traditional medicines as well.  

Dr. Amanda Fowler-Woods

Dr. Amanda Fowler-Woods

A recent PhD graduate, Dr. Amanda Fowler-Woods’ research work leads with the utmost respect for Indigenous peoples, Indigenous communities, and Indigenous health and is recognized as a valuable contribution to the health of Indigenous peoples.