ATLANTIC REGION
Mr. David Archer
Mr. David Archer of Berwick, Nova Scotia has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for First Year Medical & Dental Students. He is currently in his first year of dental school at Dalhousie University.
Throughout high school and his undergraduate studies, Mr. Archer maintained high levels of academic achievement while participating in many athletic activities. He credits his athletic involvement with giving him the competitive instincts needed to attain his academic goals. He plans to maintain a balanced and active life, combining his passion for sports and outdoor activities with professional success. Mr. Archer hopes to establish his own general dentistry practice in Nova Scotia. He cites his parents as his greatest influence and credits them for giving him the opportunities he has enjoyed and the support he has needed to pursue his goals.
Mr. Michael Gavelis
Mr. Michael Gavelis of Halifax, Nova Scotia has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for First Year Medical & Dental Students. He is currently in his first year of dental school at the University of Saskatchewan.
Mr. Gavelis comes from a military family, and has had the opportunity to live in various places across Canada. His father has had tremendous influence on his life, offering advice and support and inspiring him to persevere, no matter what circumstances he faces. He maintained a high academic average while being involved in many extracurricular activities as an undergraduate at Dalhousie University. As he gains experience and further training, he may consider an area of specialty, but his current goal is to practice general dentistry upon completion of his studies.
Ms. Renelle Butt
Ms. Renelle Butt of Cupids, Newfoundland has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for First Year Medical & Dental Students. She is currently in her first year of medical school at the Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Raised in a small town in Newfoundland, Ms. Butt drew inspiration from her parents and grandparents who showed her how to value the unique qualities that exist in everyone. Her decision to pursue a career in medicine was also influenced by an exceptional ICU doctor she once worked with. Ms. Butt is currently undecided about a specialty: in addition to internal medicine and family medicine, she has interests in infectious diseases and genetics. She hopes to return to Newfoundland and combine work in a family practice with a role in internal medicine at a community hospital.
Ms. Sarah Dobrowolski
Ms. Sarah Dobrowolski of Porter’s Lake, Nova Scotia has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for First Year Medical & Dental Students. She is currently in her first year of medical school at Dalhousie University.
An accomplished athlete and rope skipping champion, Ms. Dobrowolski has been greatly influenced by past coaches who have helped her overcome obstacles and encouraged her to pursue her goals. Teachers and professors have also been influential in her life. Ms. Dobrowolski plans a career in physical medicine and rehabilitation. She plans to establish a practice as a physiatrist, treating both sports-related injuries and other musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. Ms. Dobrowolski also sees herself participating in international initiatives through Doctors Without Borders or other similar non-governmental organizations.
QUEBEC
Ms. Elyana Wohl
Ms. Elyana Wohl of Montréal, Québec has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for First Year Medical & Dental Students. She is currently in her first year of medical school at McGill University.
From a very young age, Ms. Wohl has wanted a career in medicine. She has always been fascinated by the intricate ways in which our bodies work, and in the many ways medical professionals can use knowledge of the body to treat diseases and discover cures. In addition to her studies, Ms. Wohl has spent time volunteering as a medic with emergency response teams in Canada and abroad. She is considering a specialty in emergency medicine or cardiology. In all of her endeavours she has been inspired by the professional and personal ethics of her father.
Ms. Émilie Comeau
Ms. Émilie Comeau of Québec City, Québec has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for First Year Medical & Dental Students. She is currently in her first year of medical school at Laval University.
For Ms. Comeau learning is a passion. She followed her undergraduate studies with a graduate degree in speech therapy. After being in the workforce for a number of years, Ms. Comeau enrolled in medical school, despite the financial and personal challenges of returning to school. She is greatly inspired by people who follow their passion in life, just as she has done with her choice to pursue a career as a physician. She has not yet decided on a specialty but is interested in pneumology and physiology. Ms. Comeau plans to work in a hospital setting and, perhaps, join the faculty of a medical school.
Mr. Greg Walsh
Mr. Greg Walsh of Montréal, Québec has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for First Year Medical & Dental Students. He is currently in his first year of dental school at McGill University.
Because of the strong work ethic and valuable lessons they provided, Mr. Walsh has been greatly inspired and influenced by his parents. With the experience of four years of braces behind him, Mr. Walsh looks forward to a career in orthodontics. Before entering this specialized field, he plans to spend a few years practicing general dentistry. With fond memories of the small rural community in which he was raised, Mr. Walsh plans to build a home and practice in the countryside.
Mr. Jonathan Lussier
Mr. Jonathan Lussier of Granby, Québec has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for First Year Medical & Dental Students. He is currently in his first year of medical school at the University of Sherbrooke.
A lifelong athlete, Mr. Lussier credits sports for motivating him and pushing him to perform at the highest level possible, whether in athletics or academics. He has been influenced and inspired throughout his life by his parents and the coaches and volunteers on the various teams he played for. Although he has not yet decided on a specialty, he is considering general medicine. He also has interest in emergency medicine and physiology. Mr. Lussier plans to establish his own practice in Québec.
Ms. Marianne Lefebvre
Ms. Marianne Lefebvre of Trois-Rivières, Québec has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for First Year Medical & Dental Students. She is currently in her first year of medical school at Laval University.
Outside of medicine, Ms. Lefebvre has many interests. She loves outdoor activities and exploring the natural world. She has a passion for Québécois folklore and for international cuisine. Ms. Lefebvre finds inspiration in people with a thirst for knowledge who work hard to achieve their goals. She is interested in family medicine, with a specialty in mental health, or psychiatry. Ms. Lefebvre aims to practice medicine in Québec. She is interested in the Lower St. Lawrence and Charlevoix regions, but is also considering a return to her hometown.
Mr. Sébastien Lachance
Mr. Sébastien Lachance of Laval, Québec has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for First Year Medical & Dental Students. He is currently in his first year of medical school at the University of Montréal.
Whether in his athletic or academic pursuits, Mr. Lachance has always counted on his friends and family for support. Mr. Lachance has been greatly inspired by mathematician John Nash, whose struggle with schizophrenia has shown him that we are all capable of overcoming obstacles and achieving our goals despite adversity. Mr. Lachance aims for a career that combines technology and medical knowledge and is considering a specialty in surgery, anesthesiology or intensive care. He plans to complete a fellowship abroad to acquire new skills that will benefit the members of his community.
Ms. Stéphanie Forté
Ms. Stéphanie Forté has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for First Year Medical & Dental Students. She is currently in her first year of medical school at the University of Montréal.
With her interest in public health, Ms. Forté led a model WHO. Her current role as global health officer with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations includes educating other students about issues in international medicine. She has been greatly inspired by the doctors and instructors she has worked with. While studying at the Montréal Neurological Institute, she published an article in The Journal of Neuroscience. Ms. Forté is considering a specialty in public health, infectious diseases or epidemiology. She plans to work in a Canadian university hospital, conduct research and teach. She aspires to address public health issues through work with the WHO.
ONTARIO
Ms. Eva Knifed
Ms. Eva Knifed of London, Ontario has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for First Year Medical & Dental Students. She is currently in her first year of medical school at the University of Western Ontario.
Ms. Knifed draws inspiration from her parents and from her mentor, a man who has demonstrated a tremendous work ethic and shown her how to balance a fulfilling medical career with other interests. Outside of medicine, Ms. Knifed is an avid reader and swimmer who enjoys back-country camping. She was part of the team that coordinated the first National Brain Day in Canada, a program designed to teach schoolchildren about brain and spinal cord injury prevention. Ms. Knifed plans to specialize in neurosurgery and aims to practice at a large academic centre.
Ms. Farheen Mussani
Ms. Farheen Mussani of Toronto, Ontario has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for First Year Medical & Dental Students. She is currently in her first year of medical school at the University of Toronto.
Ms. Mussani credits her parents as being the greatest influence in her life. Through them she has learned the value of hard work, humility and honesty. With their support Ms. Mussani has excelled in academics, having won many major awards and scholarships. She has also been inspired by her role as a medical intern and HIV/AIDS researcher in East Africa. In addition to practicing medicine, her future goals include teaching and a role in policy making with government. She also plans to provide aid to developing countries through work with non-governmental organizations.
Ms. Fatima Ebrahim
Ms. Fatima Ebrahim of Toronto, Ontario has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for First Year Medical & Dental Students. She is currently in her first year of dental school at the University of Toronto.
Upon completion of her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, Ms. Ebrahim plans further studies in oral and maxillofacial surgery. With this specialty, Ms. Ebrahim aims to become involved in research and expansion of knowledge within the field of dentistry. In addition to her practice as an oral surgeon, Ms. Ebrahim intends to be actively involved in philanthropy. She is greatly inspired by the Aga Khan and the tremendous positive impact he has had on the underprivileged. She has already begun giving back to her community, having volunteered with many organizations as an undergraduate at Queen’s University.
Ms. Ijab Khanafer
Ms. Ijab Khanafer of Ottawa, Ontario has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for First Year Medical & Dental Students. She is currently in her first year of medical school at the University of Ottawa.
With a keen interest in the intrinsic bond between health, politics and human rights, Ms. Khanafer has involved herself in organizations, like Amnesty International, and activities, like international development projects, that will help her learn more about the links between those areas. She has been greatly inspired by the people she volunteered with and by her teachers. Ms. Khanafer currently plans to specialize in pediatrics, but has equal interest in general surgery and infectious diseases. As a doctor, she plans to continue working in international development and become an advocate for children’s rights in Canada and abroad.
Mr. Kyle Cullingham
Mr. Kyle Cullingham of Thunder Bay, Ontario has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for First Year Medical & Dental Students. He is currently in his first year of medical school at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.
Although he left his hometown to pursue his undergraduate and Master’s degrees, Mr. Cullingham intends to stay in Thunder Bay to serve as a physician for residents of this northern Ontario community. Over the course of his education, he has found inspiration from friends, family, and colleagues who have motivated him and taught him the value of perseverance. Mr. Cullingham has completed an MSc in Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and is considering a specialty in either infectious diseases or family medicine.
Ms. Lori-Anne Noyahr
Ms. Lori-Anne Noyahr of Kingston, Ontario has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for First Year Medical & Dental Students. She is currently in her first year of medical school at Queen’s University.
In her life and education, Ms. Noyahr has been most influenced by her parents, who have encouraged and supported her as she reaches for her goals. Before deciding on a specialty in the medical field, she intends to spend time learning about the many choices available to her to see which suits her best. She is currently planning further studies in epidemiology or public health, but, as someone who likes to wait and see what life brings her, Ms. Noyahr is leaving her options open, confident that her career will lead her down many exciting paths.
Mr. Mark Fantegrossi
Mr. Mark Fantegrossi of London, Ontario has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for First Year Medical & Dental Students. He is currently in his first year of dental school at the University of Western Ontario.
As a teenager Mr. Fantegrossi suffered a broken wrist that could only be repaired by a difficult surgical procedure. He then met a Toronto surgeon who would both perform the surgery and provide inspiration for his own medical career. After the surgery, Mr. Fantegrossi was told he was not likely to regain full range of motion in the wrist. He worked hard at his rehabilitation and has been able to pursue a career in dentistry, a field that requires great dexterity and precision. He plans to set up his own general dentistry practice and focus on improving the overall oral health of his patients.
PRAIRIES
Ms. Allison Smith
Ms. Allison Smith of Calgary, Alberta has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for First Year Medical & Dental Students. She is currently in her first year of dental school at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.
Inspired by her family, Ms. Smith has a passion for hard work, research and helping others. As part of UBC’s Global Health Initiative she plans to spend her summer volunteering with an oral health promotions project in Uganda, where she will teach children about oral health and provide basic dental services. She has not yet selected an area of specialization in dentistry, but is considering oral and maxillofacial surgery, pediatric dentistry, or prosthodontics. Ms. Smith plans to establish her own dental practice in Vancouver and hopes to continue working in Uganda throughout her career.
Ms. Amy MacKay
Ms. Amy MacKay of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for First Year Medical & Dental Students. She is currently in her first year of medical school at the University of Saskatchewan.
Concerned about infectious diseases and their impact on vulnerable populations, Ms. MacKay is considering a specialty in public health and infectious diseases. Her future career goals include an involvement in clinical work, teaching and research, with particular focus on health care in the developing world. To that end, she has spent time working with doctors in Angola. She was impressed and inspired by the high level of care the doctors there provided despite their limited resources, and gained an understanding of the importance of moving beyond the ailment to view the patient as a whole person.
Ms. Ava Baker
Ms. Ava Baker of Calgary, Alberta has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for First Year Medical & Dental Students. She is currently in her first year of medical school at the University of Calgary.
Following the example of her parents, who have fulfilled their calling and established careers that have a positive impact on others, Ms. Baker has answered her own calling and chosen the medical profession. Inspired by her summers spent working in small communities in Canada’s Arctic, Ms. Baker plans to practice family medicine in a rural, northern setting. Her travels to Sudan have led her to consider dividing her time between Canada and other countries, particularly those with large numbers of persons displaced by war.
Mr. Colton Toy
Mr. Colton Toy of Calgary, Alberta has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for First Year Medical & Dental Students. He is currently in his first year of dental school at the University of Alberta.
A long-time baseball player, Mr. Toy has been inspired by his baseball coach who taught him the value of perseverance, teamwork, self-discipline and accountability. His experience at an international baseball championship introduced him to players from other countries and sparked an interest in world travel. Mr. Toy is considering a specialty in orthodontics. His future goals include establishing his own dental practice and involvement in a community-based preventative dentistry program.
Mr. Daniel Vincent
Mr. Daniel Vincent of Winnipeg, Manitoba has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for First Year Medical & Dental Students. He is currently in his first year of medical school at the University of Manitoba.
Through his mother’s work as a nurse in remote northern communities, Mr. Vincent has gained an understanding of the diverse health needs of different populations. He has developed a particular interest in the disabled, aboriginal and francophone communities. His work with individuals with developmental disabilities has inspired him to consider specializing in neurology and genetics. Mr. Vincent plans to open a clinic that focuses on caring for the disabled, but also acts as a resource centre for patients and families living with disabilities, allowing them to access social services and connect with others facing similar challenges.
Mr. Michael Greene
Mr. Michael Greene of Winnipeg, Manitoba has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for First Year Medical & Dental Students. He is currently in his first year of dental school at the University of Manitoba.
Mr. Greene was inspired to choose a career in dentistry by the life-changing effects that restorative dentistry had on a close friend. Seeing his friend begin to speak and smile with confidence showed him the role that oral hygiene plays not only in promoting oral health, but also in improving self-esteem and self-image. Mr. Greene has completed graduate studies at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute and plans to use his research skills in his future career in dentistry. In addition to research, he plans teach and to establish a group dental practice with a few close friends.
Ms. Stephanie Wehlage
Ms. Stephanie Wehlage of Edmonton, Alberta has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for First Year Medical & Dental Students. She is currently in her first year of medical school at the University of Alberta.
An academic achiever who attained first-class standing in her undergraduate pharmacology studies, Ms. Wehlage has found the inspiration to pursue her medical career from many people in her life. Her parents have shown her the value of hard work and the importance of dedicating time to causes that are personally fulfilling and meaningful. She has also received support from friends throughout her life. Although she has not yet decided on a specialty, she is interested in fields that provide a diversity of professional experience, like rural family medicine and internal medicine.
WEST
Ms. Morgan Riggan
Ms. Morgan Riggan of Nanaimo, B.C. has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for First Year Medical & Dental Students. She is currently in her first year of medical school at McMaster University.
Inspired by her World Nutrition professor, Ms. Riggan developed a keen interest in international medicine that led her to pursue a career as a physician. Time spent at an HIV/AIDS orphanage in Kenya deepened her resolve to take on the health care challenges facing vulnerable populations. Her experience in Africa still motivates her today. Ms. Riggan is planning to specialize in either internal medicine or family medicine. She aims to combine her medical practice in Canada with clinical placements abroad through Doctors Without Borders.
Ms. Sharon Gershony
Ms. Sharon Gershony of Vancouver, B.C. has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for First Year Medical & Dental Students. She is currently in her first year of medical school at the University of British Columbia.
Ms. Gershony has seen her parents overcome adversity and credits them with having taught her the importance of giving back to society and of always aspiring to be the best she can be. Ms. Gershony is an accomplished cellist who enjoys reading and volunteer work. She has not yet decided on an area of specialty. Ms. Gershony plans to continue with community service throughout her career and intends to volunteer abroad with Doctors Without Borders.
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