Dr. Sally Longstaffe, a distinguished pediatrician and educator, is the proud recipient of the 2023 Magis Award for Service for Others. An unwavering commitment to the well-being and development of children has marked her remarkable career spanning over four decades. Her tireless dedication to her patients, her students, and the community has made her a beloved figure in the field of medicine and medical education.
"I wanted to be a pediatrician or a teacher from the time I was a child," said Dr. Longstaffe. "I spent some years at St. Paul's College after going to St Mary's Academy, and my time at the college was really foundational for me. I was inspired by a holy man who taught me about the importance of faith and inspiration."
Dr. Longstaffe undertook her remarkable journey into the field of medicine after graduating from the University of Manitoba in 1971. Over the course of her illustrious career, she served as a pediatrician in various settings, including inner-city Winnipeg and the remote regions of northern Manitoba. Her work extended to children with learning difficulties and developmental disabilities, demonstrating her compassion and commitment to those in need.
"I was very fortunate to get into medical school at that time because there weren't many women in medical school," said Dr. Longstaffe. "I was fortunate again in meeting mentors who realized the importance of meeting those who were marginalized people, particularly those living in poverty, immigrant children and families and indigenous children, many of whom were living in poverty and were struggling with the effects of residential schools for their parents and grandparents."
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Longstaffe has contributed significantly to the education of future medical professionals. She serves as a senior academic advisor in the Max Rady College of Medicine's undergraduate medical education (UGME) student affairs office, where she imparts her wealth of knowledge and experience to the next generation of doctors. Her role as an educator exemplifies her belief in the importance of nurturing intellectual and personal growth.
"It's different for just about everyone, but there will be something out there that you can do to make things better for others," said Dr. Longstaffe. "Prayer and reflection, and understanding your own strengths and challenges, and where you might fit into the big picture, where you can make a contribution are important. I found inspiration in places where I didn't expect it. I've sometimes taken on jobs that other people didn't want to take on, which turned out to be very valuable. So I would advise people to be prepared to take the bad with the good."
Dr. Longstaffe's achievements have left an unforgettable influence on the Max Rady College of Medicine and the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba. Her tireless commitment to service for others, both in the field of medicine and in the realm of medical education, makes her a truly deserving recipient of the 2023 Magis Award. Her legacy of compassion, dedication, and excellence in medicine and medical education is a beacon of inspiration to all.