Awards and financial aid

The “Rusty Ames” Therapy Dog Award

Presented to a student who has shown qualities that “Rusty” was well known and respected for: compassion and friendliness to others; volunteerism; and dedication to others.

Application deadline: February 8 annually.

The “Rusty Ames” Therapy Dog Award

Presented to a student who has shown qualities that “Rusty” was well known and respected for: compassion and friendliness to others; volunteerism; and dedication to others.

Application deadline: February 8 annually.

Dr. Alan H. Lipson Memorial Award in Medicine

Presented to a student who has demonstrated participation and leadership through volunteer and extracurricular activities, either in the Max Rady College of Medicine or the community at large. Applications are reviewed by a Selection Committee named by the Dean of Max Rady College of Medicine. The successful applicant is notified in advance and presented the award at the annual White Coat Inaugural Ceremony held in August each year.

Application deadline: April 30 annually.

Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award

Laureates of The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame cite qualities such as perseverance, collaboration and an entrepreneurial spirit as contributors to their success as national and world health leaders. Supported by individual donors, The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award seeks to recognize medical students who demonstrate these qualities and who show outstanding potential as future leaders and innovators of health care in Canada. Offered to students completing Med II.

Application deadline: May 9, 2025.

MMSA Citizenship Award

Presented to a student who has shown a remarkable contribution to the social and academic well-being of medical students (for example, contribution to campus events, student leadership or student advocacy). Application form

MMSA Katherine Anne Klassen Memorial Community Service Award

Presented to a student who has been active in community service outside the Max Rady College of Medicine and the Bannatyne campus (for example, social advocacy, volunteer work, charitable work, youth or religious groups, etc.) Application form

MMSA Leadership Award

Presented to a student who has demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities inside or outside the Max Rady College of Medicine. Application form

MMSA Global Health Award

Presented to a student who has made a remarkable contribution to global health. Global health contributions may include, but are not limited to, work in Indigenous, inner city, international or refugee health. Application form

CFPC Medical Student Scholarships

These awards recognize outstanding medical students committed to family medicine. Each Canadian medical school can nominate a Med III student. Application deadline: April 17, 2025.

CFPC Indigenous Medical Student Scholarship

For top First Nations, Metis, or Inuit medical students committed to family medicine. Apply directly to CFPC Honours and Awards Program. Application deadline: May 20, 2025.

Dr. Alan H. Lipson Memorial Award in Medicine

Given to a student demonstrating leadership through volunteer activities in Max Rady College of Medicine or the community. Application deadline: April 30 annually.

MMSA Citizenship Award

Presented to a student who has shown a remarkable contribution to the social and academic well-being of medical students (for example, contribution to campus events, student leadership or student advocacy). Application form

MMSA Katherine Anne Klassen Memorial Community Service Award

Presented to a student who has been active in community service outside the Max Rady College of Medicine and the Bannatyne campus (for example, social advocacy, volunteer work, charitable work, youth or religious groups, etc.). Application form

MMSA Leadership Award

Presented to a student who has demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities inside or outside the Max Rady College of Medicine. Application form

MMSA Global Health Award

Presented to a student who has made a remarkable contribution to global health. Global health contributions may include, but are not limited to, work in Indigenous, inner city, international or refugee health. Application form

MMSA Citizenship Award

Presented to a student who has shown a remarkable contribution to the social and academic well-being of medical students (for example, contribution to campus events, student leadership or student advocacy). Application form

MMSA Katherine Anne Klassen Memorial Community Service Award

Presented to a student who has been active in community service outside the Max Rady College of Medicine and the Bannatyne campus (for example, social advocacy, volunteer work, charitable work, youth or religious groups, etc.). Application form

MMSA Leadership Award

Presented to a student who has demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities inside or outside the Max Rady College of Medicine. Application form

MMSA Global Health Award

Presented to a student who has made a remarkable contribution to global health. Global health contributions may include, but are not limited to, work in Indigenous, inner city, international or refugee health. Application form

Elective travel

All Med 1, 2, 3 and 4 students have an opportunity to apply for additional elective travel support in June the year they will enter into Med IV in the fall. The support request may be for specific or generalized funding to supplement elective travel expenses during the upcoming academic session. The number of bursaries granted is limited to the amount of funding available and the number of applications received. If there is a surplus of applications, priority for funding will be given to students who have previously demonstrated financial need through their university bursary application.

Application deadline: August 30 annually

Application form

Sigga Christianson Houston Travel Award 

The Sigga Christianson Houston Travel Award is a bursary award open to UGME students who:

• show demonstrated financial need on their university bursary application;
• are either (a) registered through the summer early exposure program or (b) are completing clinical electives; and
• complete their eligible clinical elective in a remote northern community within Canada or an underserviced location internationally; under the supervision of a family medicine or pediatrics physician.

Application deadline: August 30 annually

Application form

Conference travel

Undergraduate medical education students planning to present a paper or poster at a national or international conference may be eligible for funding once during their four years of medical school training.

Conference travel support is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, as long as financial resources remain available. Priority is given to those who have demonstrated financial need.

Travel receipts, a copy of the paper or poster abstract, and proof of conference acceptance are required from presenter applicants before funding is released.

The cutoff for applications is February 20 each academic year to allow processing before the March 31 fiscal year-end.

Application Deadline: February 20 annually

Application form

It is important to acknowledge the effort and initiative of donors who have established scholarships, prizes or bursaries, either in loving memory of a family member or previous classmates.

Expressing your thanks is also considered to be an act of professionalism.

Therefore, recipients of named awards, bursaries or scholarships are required to send a thank-you note to the donor with a copy to UGME Awards, effective immediately.

Students who do not send a thank-you note will be deemed ineligible for subsequent scholarships and awards.

If you need assistance identifying the donor and/or finding their contact information, contact UGME Awards.

The Alan Klass Memorial Program for Health Equity provides opportunities for undergraduate medical students to engage in learning activities that address health equity and social accountability, both local and global.

The program provides support and guidance to medical students seeking elective placement or summer early exposure in low resource, under-served communities both international or in Canada.  

 The Alan Klass Memorial Program for Health Equity will award up to $1,500 (adjusted depending on available funds and number of applicants) to undergraduate medical students to support a 2-10 week experience in a low resourced environment, based on a written submission and application that meets the eligibility and criteria below.  

Eligibility

Undergraduate medical students at the University of Manitoba are eligible. Students may book their own travel and submit receipts and boarding passes for reimbursement of the award amount to the Department of Community Health Sciences.

Criteria

Students are encouraged to explore and develop their projects independently.  There are some resources at UM that may help in this process. Projects that are suitable for consideration for the award are those whose activities and objectives satisfy the following criteria. The experience:

• is located in a low-resource country or low resource  northern/rural/remote community setting in Canada
• offers opportunity for community based learning
• offers opportunities to engage with local community members on health care or health related projects
• is at least two weeks in length

OR

• is a national or international conference to address the health needs of underserved populations

Preference will be given to:

• students who show prior interest and participate in related student interest groups focusing on global, Indigenous, immigrant and refugee or rural health
• students involved in learning opportunities in low resource communities locally or globally
• students who participate in programs that work to increase the community’s capacity to deliver programming or services

Activities

The successful applicant will be matched with a faculty mentor for orientation, pre-departure preparation, access to reading resources, and to refine learning objectives and activities. Attending pre-departure workshops and self-preparation are required.

Students will keep a record of their experiences and activities (e.g. journal, logbook, blog) and a written reflection on their learning objectives during their elective. This will be submitted to faculty mentor for discussion.

Upon return the student will participate in post departure activities including submission of a short report (2,000-2500 words) and deliver a presentation at a venue organized by the program for students and faculty to attend.

Goals

To promote opportunities for students to learn about community engagement, knowledge of health needs, community strengths, and how the determinants of health that impact low resource communities, globally and in Canada.

Learning objectives

Objectives are defined within the context of the proposed elective.  After completion of the elective, the student will be able to:

• discuss the importance of community context in understanding a patient’s and community's health status
• reflect on the determinants of health and how these factors impact the local community
• describe aspects of the history, culture, geography, and socioeconomic factors in the host community that are relevant to the health of the community
• analyze local efforts inside or outside the formal health system used to address health needs and priorities
• examine and make explicit their own beliefs and biases, and practice skills for critical self-awareness
• design approaches to improve communication in a cross cultural setting
• evaluate the impact of one’s own presence and activities in the setting

How to apply

Submit an application form and letter (up to two pages) with a description of the proposed project, sponsoring agency with available website information, preceptor name, location, job, and title and any pertinent information.  Include a brief essay of the applicant’s interest in global or Indigenous health, list of learning objectives, and outline of academic and personal goals to attain.

Please submit all materials to Dr. Sarah Lesperance. 

Application form (PDF)

NOTE: This application form will be made available in an alternate format on request.

The Doctors Manitoba Student Leadership Prize is an award established to recognize and support a student who actively contributes to the support and well-being of undergraduate medical students in Manitoba's medical profession.

Purpose:

• The purpose of this prize is to acknowledge and honor the graduating student who demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities and contributions to student life.

Nomination:

• The prize allows for self-nomination, meaning students can nominate themselves for consideration.

Eligibility:

• To be eligible for the Doctors Manitoba Student Leadership Prize, the student must be actively engaged in supporting undergraduate medical students as a member of Manitoba's medical profession.

Statement:

The nominee must submit a statement, limited to a maximum of 500 words, describing their accomplishments in the area of student leadership. The statement should highlight one or more of the following achievements:

• Nurturing unity among the student body through the promotion of activities or peer support.
• Promoting initiatives that enhance the health and wellness of medical students.
• Advocating for improved access to healthcare or raising awareness of significant health issues.
• Contributing to professional and political organizations that positively impact student life, such as the MMSA or the CFMS.

How to apply:

1. Prepare a statement highlighting your accomplishments in student leadership, focusing on the areas mentioned above. The statement should not exceed 500 words.
2. Submit your self-nomination statement, along with any supporting evidence of your achievements.
3. Be prepared to participate in a panel interview if necessary, as part of the selection process.

Note: The prize will be awarded to the graduating student who best demonstrates outstanding student leadership qualities and contributions to the medical student community.

The Dr. John Embil Award for Excellence in Clinical Infectious Diseases has been established to encourage and recognize outstanding study and interest in the field of infectious diseases.

Purpose:

• The purpose of this award is to foster and reward excellence in the study of infectious diseases.

Nomination:

• Self-nomination is required for consideration for this award.

Eligibility:

The award is presented to a graduating student who meets the following criteria:

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to the field of infectious diseases.
• Judged by the selection committee to have future potential in the field of infectious diseases.

Required documentation:

To complete the nomination process, the following documents are required:

• Signed statement/letter: The self-nomination must include a signed statement or letter (maximum 500 words) that describes the applicant's commitment to the field of infectious diseases.
• Two reference letters: Two faculty members familiar with the applicant's accomplishments in the field of infectious diseases should provide reference letters.
• One-page summary: A summary of the applicant's five most relevant achievements, along with a brief description of each achievement.
• Curriculum vitae: The applicant should provide an updated curriculum vitae.

How to apply:

To apply for the Dr. John Embil Award for Excellence in Clinical Infectious Diseases, follow these steps:

1. Write a signed statement or letter (maximum 500 words) that describes your commitment to the field of infectious diseases.
2. Request two reference letters from faculty members familiar with your accomplishments in infectious diseases.
3. Prepare a one-page summary of your five most relevant achievements, with a brief description of each.
4. Update your curriculum vitae.
5. Submit all the required documentation as part of the self-nomination process.

Note: The award will be presented to the graduating student who demonstrates exceptional commitment to and potential in the field of infectious diseases.

The Fairgrieve Mcbane Award is a convocation prize designed to acknowledge the academic accomplishments of graduating students in the Max Rady College of Medicine.

Purpose:

• The purpose of this award is to recognize and honor the graduating student who has displayed the highest level of genuine compassion and deep interest in providing medical assistance to those in need.

Nomination:

• Nominations can be submitted by classmates or faculty members.

Eligibility:

• The award is open to graduating students in the Max Rady College of Medicine who have shown exceptional compassion and a strong interest in caring for individuals requiring medical assistance.

Required documentation:

The nomination process requires the following documents:

• Nomination letter: A classmate or faculty member should submit a nomination letter that includes a brief description explaining why the nominee is a suitable candidate for receiving this award.
• Letter of suitability: The nominee must submit a letter, limited to a maximum of 250 words, explaining why they are suitable to receive this award. The letter should highlight their compassion and interest in providing medical assistance.
• Curriculum vitae: The nominee should include an updated curriculum vitae.

How to apply:

To apply for the Fairgrieve Mcbane Award, follow these steps:

1. Request a nomination letter from a classmate or faculty member, outlining why you are a suitable candidate for the award.
2. Prepare a letter of suitability (maximum 250 words) that showcases your genuine compassion and profound interest in caring for individuals in need of medical assistance.
3. Update your curriculum vitae.
4. Submit the nomination letter, letter of suitability, and curriculum vitae as part of your application.

Note: The Fairgrieve Mcbane Award will be presented to the graduating student who demonstrates exceptional compassion and a deep interest in providing medical assistance to those in need.

The Katherine Klassen Memorial Award is established in memory of Katherine Klassen, an undergraduate student at the Max Rady College of Medicine from September 2005 to July 14, 2008. The award aims to carry on Katherine's legacy of compassionate and patient-centered care.

Purpose:

• The purpose of this award is to recognize graduating students who have demonstrated a high level of compassion, humanism, and a patient-centered approach to care, as acknowledged by their peers and instructors.

Nomination:

• Nominations can be made by classmates or faculty members/instructors.

Eligibility:

• The award is open to graduating students in the Max Rady College of Medicine.

Required documentation:

The nomination process requires the following documents:

• Nomination letter: A classmate or faculty member/instructor should submit a nomination letter outlining why the nominee is a suitable candidate for this award. The letter should highlight the nominee's demonstration of compassion, humanism, and a patient-centered approach to care.
• Letter of suitability: The nominee must submit a letter explaining why they are a suitable candidate for this award.
• Letter of support: The nominee should provide a letter of support from a non-physician in addition to the nomination letter.
• Curriculum vitae: The nominee should include an updated curriculum vitae.

How to apply:

To apply for the Katherine Klassen Memorial Award, follow these steps:

1. Request a nomination letter from a classmate or faculty member/instructor, outlining why you are a suitable candidate for the award.
2. Prepare a letter of suitability explaining why you deserve the award.
3. Obtain a letter of support from a non-physician to complement the nomination letter.
4. Update your curriculum vitae.
5. Submit all the required documentation as part of your application.

Note: The Katherine Klassen Memorial Award is presented to graduating students who have shown outstanding compassion, humanism, and a patient-centered approach to care, as recognized by their peers and instructors.

The Lukasz Czarnecki Memorial Award is established in memory of Lukasz Czarnecki, a medical student in the Faculty of Medicine who tragically passed away in 2003. Lukasz was known for his dedication, compassion, integrity, and understanding of others' needs.

Purpose:

• The purpose of this award is to honor Lukasz Czarnecki's memory by recognizing a graduating student who has demonstrated excellence in internal medicine and a strong commitment to serving others with compassion, integrity, and understanding.

Nomination:

• Nominations can be made by self, classmates, or faculty members.

Eligibility:

• The award is open to graduating students who have been highly ranked during the internal medicine selection process.
• The recipient must enroll full-time in the next academic session in PGME (Postgraduate Medical Education), specifically in Internal Medicine at the University of Manitoba.

Required documentation:

The application process requires the following documents:

• Statement of nomination: A self-nominee, classmate, or faculty member should submit a statement explaining why the nominee is a suitable candidate for this award. The statement should not exceed 250 words.
• Nominee's statement: The nominee must provide a statement (maximum 400 words) describing their service to others, including examples of their leadership qualities.
• Reference letters: Two reference letters from faculty members who are familiar with the nominee's accomplishments should be included.
• Summary of achievements: A one-page summary listing the nominee's five most relevant achievements, along with a brief description of each achievement.
• Curriculum vitae: The nominee should provide an updated curriculum vitae.

How to apply:

To apply for the Lukasz Czarnecki Memorial Award, follow these steps:

1. Prepare a statement of nomination, describing why you or the nominee is a suitable candidate for the award (maximum 250 words).
2. Write a statement (maximum 400 words) highlighting the nominee's service to others and demonstrating their leadership qualities.
3. Request two reference letters from faculty members familiar with the nominee's accomplishments.
4. Create a one-page summary of the nominee's five most relevant achievements, providing a brief description for each.
5. Update the nominee's curriculum vitae.
6. Submit all the required documentation as part of the application.

Note: The Lukasz Czarnecki Memorial Award is presented to a graduating student who has excelled in internal medicine and has shown a strong commitment to serving others with compassion, integrity, and understanding.

The MMCF - Jack Hildes Memorial Convocation Prize is established to honor the memory of Jack Hildes, who embodied qualities such as humanity, personal discipline, keen curiosity, scientific inquiry, social responsibility, and good citizenship.

Purpose:

• The purpose of this convocation prize is to recognize a graduating student who exemplifies the qualities of humanity, personal discipline, keen curiosity, scientific inquiry, social responsibility, and good citizenship.
• The award aims to highlight the significance of these qualities in advancing the field of medicine and improving the health of the community.

Nomination:

• Nominations can be made by self-nomination or by a classmate of the graduating student.

Eligibility:

• The prize is open to graduating students.

Required documentation:

The nomination process requires the following documents:

• Nomination letter: A self-nominee or classmate must submit a nomination letter explaining how the nominee embodies the qualities of humanity, personal discipline, keen curiosity, scientific inquiry, social responsibility, and good citizenship.
• Letter of suitability: The nominee should submit a letter (maximum 500 words) describing how they possess and demonstrate the qualities mentioned above.
• Curriculum vitae: The nominee must include an updated curriculum vitae.

How to apply:

To apply for the MMCF - Jack Hildes Memorial Convocation Prize, follow these steps:

1. If you are the nominee, prepare a self-nomination letter or if you are a classmate, prepare a nomination letter describing how the nominee exemplifies the qualities mentioned.
2. The nominee should write a letter of suitability (maximum 500 words) showcasing how they embody the qualities of humanity, personal discipline, keen curiosity, scientific inquiry, social responsibility, and good citizenship.
3. Ensure the nominee's curriculum vitae is up to date.
4. Submit all the required documentation as part of the application.

Note: The MMCF - Jack Hildes Memorial Convocation Prize is awarded to a graduating student who best demonstrates the qualities of humanity, personal discipline, keen curiosity, scientific inquiry, social responsibility, and good citizenship, which are vital for a successful medical career and contribute to the betterment of community health.

The MMCF - Robin Krause Human Values Convocation Prize supports the Human Values Program at the Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba.

The Human Values Program aims to foster the attitudes and skills necessary for providing comprehensive patient care, promoting health and well-being among undergraduate, graduate, and practicing physicians in Manitoba.

Purpose:

• The purpose of this convocation prize is to recognize graduating students who exemplify the principles outlined in the Mission Statement and goals of the Human Values Program.
• The prize acknowledges students who demonstrate leadership in total patient well-being, understand the ethical and legal aspects of clinical medicine, address non-biomedical factors affecting patient care, and possess psychosocial skills.

Nomination:

• Nominations can be made by classmates or faculty members.

Eligibility:

• Graduating students are eligible for the MMCF - Robin Krause Human Values Convocation Prize.

Required documentation:

The application process requires the following documents:

• Nomination letter: A classmate or faculty member must submit a nomination letter on behalf of the nominee.
• Letter of suitability: The nominee should provide a letter describing how they exemplify the traits outlined in the Mission Statement and goals of the Human Values Program.
• Two reference letters: One reference letter should be from a faculty member, and the other should be from a non-physician.
• One-page summary of achievements: The nominee must include a one-page summary highlighting their five most relevant achievements, with a brief description for each one.
• Curriculum vitae: The nominee should provide an updated curriculum vitae.

How to apply:

To apply for the MMCF - Robin Krause Human Values Convocation Prize, follow these steps:

1. Obtain a nomination letter from a classmate or faculty member.
2. Write a letter of suitability, explaining how you embody the traits and goals of the Human Values Program.
3. Request reference letters from a faculty member and a non-physician.
4. Prepare a one-page summary of your most relevant achievements, providing a brief description for each one.
5. Ensure your curriculum vitae is up to date.
6. Submit all the required documentation as part of the application.

Note: The MMCF - Robin Krause Human Values Convocation Prize is awarded to a graduating student who best exemplifies the principles and goals of the Human Values Program, including leadership in total patient well-being, understanding of ethical and legal aspects of clinical medicine, consideration of non-biomedical factors in patient care, and utilization of psychosocial skills.

The Patricia Chapter No. 8 Order of the Eastern Star Prize is a fund established to recognize graduating students in the undergraduate medical education program.

Purpose:

• The purpose of this prize is to reward students who have demonstrated excellence in patient care and leadership during their medical education.

Nomination:

• Self-nomination is required for the Patricia Chapter No. 8 Order of the Eastern Star Prize.

Eligibility:

• Graduating students in the undergraduate medical education program are eligible for this prize.

Required documentation:

The application process for this prize includes the following documents:

• Self-nominee statement: The nominee must submit a statement (maximum 500 words) describing their prior training and/or career in an allied health field (e.g., nursing, occupational/physical therapist, audiology) as well as their accomplishments in patient care and leadership.
• Letter of support: A clinician supervisor must provide a letter of support attesting to the nominee's excellence in patient care.
• Curriculum vitae: The nominee should include an updated curriculum vitae.

How to apply:

To apply for the Patricia Chapter No. 8 Order of the Eastern Star Prize, follow these steps:

1. Prepare a self-nominee statement highlighting your prior training and/or career in an allied health field, as well as your achievements in patient care and leadership.
2. Request a letter of support from a clinician supervisor who can attest to your excellence in patient care.
3. Ensure your curriculum vitae is up to date.
4. Compile all the required documentation.
5. Submit your application, including the self-nominee statement, letter of support, and curriculum vitae.

Note: The Patricia Chapter No. 8 Order of the Eastern Star Prize is awarded to a graduating student in the undergraduate medical education program who has demonstrated excellence in patient care and leadership.