Convocation Award Applications
Award Application Forms for the 2024 Convocation Awards are now available for application. The submission deadline for ALL convocation awards is Sunday March 31st 2024 by 11:59PM.
To assist you with your applications the Convocation Awards have been grouped into the following categories. These categories have been created based on the award criteria.
HUMANITARIAN, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT & VOLUNTEER WORK AWARDS
Meds 1969 Dr. Fred & Anne Pattison Humanitarian Award
Awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate Doctor of Medicine (MD) student at the completion of his/her fourth year who has made an outstanding personal contribution to bettering the lives of others through volunteer work and humanitarian acts. Students must submit a one-page statement outlining their volunteer work and humanitarian contributions by March 31st to the Undergraduate Medical Office. The recipient will be selected by the Scholarship & Awards Committee of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and awarded at convocation. This award was established through Foundation Western by Mrs. Anne Pattison and fellow classmates of Meds `69 to honour Dr. Fred Pattison (Meds'69) for his humanitarian acts as a medical physician. Fred Pattison was born in Glasgow, Scotland and graduated from Cambridge University with a PhD in Chemistry. In 1947 he accepted a position as lecturer in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and in 1948 joined the Chemistry Department, UWO, rising to become Chair of the Department. In 1965, Fred Pattison enrolled as a medical student at Western, graduating as valedictorian in 1969. During medical school and following graduation he worked as a doctor in Newfoundland for the International Grenfell Mission. Dr. Pattison and his wife Anne returned to London in 1973 where he assumed the role of director of Student Health Services until his retirement in 1988. He also ran London's Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic until the age of 70. In retirement, Pattison was active as a volunteer counsellor for the Ontario Correctional Services working with young offenders. He had a passion for Western and its students and established the Fred Pattison Chemistry Lecture Series and the Fred Pattison Piano Award. Value: 1 at $2,300
Caitlin VanDeCappelle Award in Medicine
Awarded annually to a graduating student of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, who has demonstrated academic achievement and volunteer involvement in the community. Students are asked to submit an application to the Undergraduate Medical Education Office by March 31st outlining their community involvement, along with a letter of reference from the community representative. The Progression and Awards Committee will select the recipient and the award will be presented at convocation each year. This award was established by Ms Caitlin VanDeCappelle (MD'14) and her parents Vic and Judi VanDeCappelle. Value: 1 at $2,000
Drs. James and Leslie Rourke Convocation Award in Medicine
Awarded annually to the undergraduate Doctor of Medicine (MD) program student at the completion of their fourth year who has made an outstanding personal contribution to bettering the lives of others through volunteer work and humanitarian acts while maintaining a high academic standing. Applicants must submit a one-page essay outlining their volunteer work and humanitarian contributions to the Undergraduate Medical Office by March 31st.The recipient will be selected by the Scholarship & Awards Committee of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and receive the award at the annual May convocation. This award was established through Foundation Western by Drs. James Rourke (MD'76, MClinSc'93, LLD '09) and Leslie Rourke (MD'77, MClinSc'96). Value: 1 at $2,500
Dean Carol P. Herbert Award in Health Advocacy
Awarded annually to a graduating student of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry who, during their studies has demonstrated keen interest in health advocacy activities such as working within a community organization, involvement in a social cause to better a community or group of disadvantaged individuals, participation in an overseas elective to a low-resource country and subsequent production of a report. Interested students are asked to submit an online application to the Undergraduate Medical Education Office by March 31st. Submitted online applications must incorporate a support document that references specific advocacy activities completed. The recipient will be selected by a committee from the Internationalization Office from the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry with the approval of the Progression & Awards Committee. The award will be conferred at the medical convocation ceremony each year. This award was established by a generous gift from Dr. Carol Herbert who was the Dean of the Schulich School of Medicien & Dentisry (1999 - 2010). Value: 1 at $600.
United Church Women of Antler River Watershed Global Health Award
Awarded to a full-time student entering their fourth year of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program who, during their studies at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry has made major contributions towards advancing the fields of maternal, newborn or child health medicine in a low-income resource country; or has plans to pursue any one of these fields upon graduation. Interested students are asked to submit an online application to the Undergraduate Medical Education Office by March 31st. Submitted online applications must incorporate a support document that substantiates activities completed or plans for the future. The recipient will be selected by a committee from the Internationalization Office from the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry with the approval of the Progression & Awards Committee. This award was established with a generous gift from the United Church Women of London Conference. Value: 1 at $1,000
CREATIVE & DRAMATIC ARTS AWARDS
Dr. Douglas Bergstrome Meds Class '93 Award
Awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate student who is graduating from the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program and has made an outstanding personal contribution to bettering the lives of others through an ongoing commitment to the Creative and/or Dramatic Arts, while attending the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. Students will be invited to apply and provide a one-page statement to be submitted to the Undergraduate Medical Office by March 31st regarding their involvement in creative and dramatic arts activities at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. The recipient will be selected by the Scholarship and Awards Committee of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. This award has been established by the classmates, family and friends of Dr. Douglas Bergstrome, Meds Class of `93. Doug played a pivotal role in engaging his classmates in developing and refining their personal talents and interests in music, theatre, dance, creative writing, and camaraderie. He will be remembered for his passionate dedication to and achievements in the Creative and Dramatic Arts, and for his commitment to whole-person, balanced living. Doug was an Anesthesiologist at Saint John Regional Hospital in Saint John, NB when he died in 2012 at the age of 54. Value: 1 at $1,200
DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC AWARDS:
Allergy & Immunology Awards
Dr. David McCourtie Memorial Award in Allergy and Immunology
Awarded to a student completing Year 4 in Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, who has shown keen interest and/or aptitude in allergy/immunology, has completed a clinic rotation in allergy/immunology at Western during the final two years of the program, submits an essay on a topic in allergy/immunology of the student's own choosing (1000-1500 words) which is judged to be the best in scholarly thought by a selection committee composed of members of the Division of Allergy and Immunology. Online submissions are due to the Undergraduate Medical Education Office. Deadline for essay submissions is March 31st. This award was created by memorial donations in honor of Dr. McCourtie through the St. Joseph's Health Centre Foundation. Value: 1 at $1,000
Family Medicine & Rural Awards
Dr. Cathy MacLean Award in Rural Medicine
Awarded annually to full-time students completing Year 4 in the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, who have been accepted into a Family Medicine Rural/Regional Residency Training Program. Preference will be given to students who have expressed an interest in establishing a practice in Rural Ontario. Candidates must submit an online application outlining their interest in Rural Family Medicine and practicing in Rural Ontario by March 31st. The Office of Distributed Education in consultation with the Department of Family Medicine will select the recipients with the approval of the Undergraduate Medical Education Awards Committee. This award was established by a generous donation from Dr. Stephen Jones, in honour of Dr. Cathy MacLean. Value: 2 at $10,000 Dr. Stephen Jones completed his Medical degree at McGill University and went on to complete his residency in Family Medicine at Western. He credits his mentor, Dr. Cathy MacLean, for his success. Dr. Jones spent his career in Family Practice in rural southwestern Ontario and is hoping others will be inspired to follow in his footsteps.
Hughes McKellar Rural Southwestern Ontario Medical Residency Award
Awarded annually to a graduating student of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, who has been accepted to a family medicine rural/regional residency training program or Royal College program with designated training time in the rural/region. Students are asked to submit an online application form outlining their rural background (if applicable) as well as outlining their interest in Family Medicine by March 31st. Preference will be given to students who originate from a rural area, particularly students who originate from Kincardine, Ontario, then Bruce, Grey or Huron Counties. The recipient will be selected by a committee from the Office of Distributed Education and the Department of Family Medicine with the approval of the Progression & Awards Committee and the award will be presented at the Convocation Ceremony. This award was established by Miss A. Margaret Hughes. Value: 1 at $8,000
James Walker Wood Award in Medicine
Awarded annually to a graduating student of the of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, who has demonstrated academic achievement and who has been accepted to a Family Medicine Rural/Regional Residency Training Program or Royal College Program with designated training time in the rural/region. The recipient must be a Canadian citizen. Preference will be given to a student from a rural location who is involved in extra-curricular and/or community activities (such as medical research, rural family medicine interest groups, music, drama etc.) Interested students are asked to submit an online application to the Undergraduate Medical Education Office describing their rural background (if applicable) and involvement in extra-curricular/community activities by March 31st. The recipient will be selected by a committee from the Office of Distributed Education and the Department of Family Medicine with the approval of the Progression & Awards Committee and the award will be presented at the Convocation Ceremony. This award was established through a generous gift from The Walker Wood Foundation. James Walker Wood was born in Aberdeen, Scotland in 1889. He was one of nine children. James attended Medical School at the University of Aberdeen. Following his graduation in 1914, he joined the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders as a medical officer. He was promptly dispatched to the trenches on the Western Front during World War I. He served at Ypres, the Somme and Flanders, where he quickly had to learn the skills required of an army physician. On returning to England in 1918 he became a family practitioner in a poor working class area. He opened a practice, which was attached to his family home, and provided 24 hour care for the local population. He spent the rest of his life diligently attending to his patients. In 1968, Dr. Wood was killed in a car collision in South Africa. To commemorate his life of dedication and service, his son and daughter-in-law, Neil and Susan Wood, established The Walker Wood Foundation to provide financial aid and encouragement to worthy students throughout Canada. Value: 2 at $5,000
Dr. R. Gibb McGugan Award
Awarded annually to a graduating student of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, who has been accepted to a Family Medicine Rural/Regional Residency Training Program at Western or a Royal College program with designated training time in the rural/region. Students are asked to submit an online application form outlining their interest in Rural Medicine by March 31st to the Undergraduate Medical Education Office. The recipients will be selected by a committee from the Office of Distributed Education and the Department of Family Medicine with the approval of the Progression & Awards Committee and the award will be presented at the Convocation Ceremony. This award was created by an anonymous donor in memory of an MD '39 alumnus, who was a caring and compassionate individual. By virtue of his intellect and foresight, he recognized the likelihood of a shortage of rural physicians in the future - a situation which is now of primary concern to the healthcare system. Throughout his life, this doctor was supportive of the concerns of rural physicians and the need to provide financial support to medical students. Value: 2 at $5,000
Dr. Frank G. Wong and Family Award
Awarded annually to a full-time undergraduate student graduating from the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program who has been accepted to a Family Medicine Rural/Regional Residency Training Program or Royal College Program with designated training time in the rural/region. Applicants are asked to submit an online application to the Undergraduate Medical Education Office indicating their interest in family medicine in a rural setting by March 31st. The recipient will be selected by a Committee from the Department of Family Medicine and the Office of Distributed Education with the approval of the Undergraduate Medical Education Awards Committee. This award is established through a generous gift from Dr. Frank Wong (MD ’77), and his family. Dr. Wong practiced as a family physician in Seaforth, Ontario for 9 years and in London, Ontario for 32 years. Value: 1 at $2,000
Gerry and Vi Livingston Award in Medicine
Awarded annually to a graduating student of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, who has been accepted to the Family Medicine Rural/Regional Residency Training Program at Western. Students are asked to submit an online application outlining their interest in rural Family Medicine and their rural background (if applicable) by March 31st. Preference will be given to students who originate from a rural area particularly students who originated from Oxford County; and/or will complete their residency, or a significant portion of their residency, in Oxford County. The recipient will be selected by a committee from the Office of Distributed Education and the Department of Family Medicine with the approval of the Progression & Awards Committee and the award will be presented at the Convocation Ceremony. This award was made possible by a generous gift from Mrs. Vi Livingston. Value: 1 at $1,400
Dr. Dana Winterburn Memorial Award
Awarded annually to a graduating student of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, who has been accepted to a Family Medicine residency Program and who has in interest in working with aboriginal or indigenous communities in a career that includes advancing Aboriginal health issues and/or serving aboriginal communities. Preference will be given to a student who self-identifies as having Aboriginal/Indigenous, First Nations, Inuit or Metis ancestry. Interested students are asked to submit an online application to the Undergraduate Medical Education Office outlining their interest and experience working with aboriginal communities by March 31st. The recipient will be selected by a committee from the Department of Family Medicine with the approval of the Progression & Awards Committee and the award will be presented at the Convocation Ceremony. If during any year, a suitable candidate is not available as deemed by the Progression & Awards Committee, then the award will not be distributed. This award was established by family and friends to honour Dr. Dana Winterburn. Dr. Winterburn was a beloved doctor at the Byron Family Medical Centre and an outstanding faculty member in the Department of Family Medicine. She was also the first female aboriginal graduate of the Doctor of Medicine program at the University of Alberta. Prior to joining the Department of Family Medicine, she served as a family physician at the Middlesex London Health Unit, at the North Lambton Community Health Centre serving the Kettle Point First Nation, at the London Psychiatric Hospital, and at Student Health Services at Western. She passed away unexpectedly in 2012. Value: 1 at $1,900
Drs. Vipin and Bhooma Bhayana Award in Family Medicine
Awarded annually to a student completing Year 4 in the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, who is planning to specialize in Family Medicine and work with marginalized communities. Candidates must submit an online application which includes a statement outlining their demonstrated interest in Family Medicine, and working with marginalized communities, to the Undergraduate Medical Education Office by March 31st. The Department of Family Medicine will select the recipients with the approval of the Undergraduate Medical Education Awards Committee. This award was established by a generous gift from Dr. Bhooma Bhayana (MD 1985) and Dr. Vipin Bhayana. Value: 1 at $1,000
Hematology Awards
Dr. David Meltzer Undergraduate Award in Haematology
Awarded annually to a graduating student of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry who has completed clinical work in the field of Haematology during their time at Western. Interested applicants are asked to submit an original essay on a topic in Haematology (1000-1500 words), and to complete an application form outlining their prior experiences in the field of Haematology. Submissions are due to the Undergraduate Medical Education Office by March 31st.The recipient will be selected by a committee in the Division of Hematology with the approval of the Progression & Awards Committee, and the award will be presented at the Convocation Ceremony. This award was established by a generous donation from Mr. Milton Harris in honor of Dr. David Meltzer. Value: 1 at $1,500
Rheumatology Awards
Dhanda Family Award in Medicine
(Note: we understand that students do not "match" to Rheumatology, however we are looking for students who through their electives/selectives have shown an interest in Rhuematology. We are asking students with a possible interest in Rheumatology to apply)
Awarded annually to a student completing Year 4 in the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, who is planning to specialize in Rheumatology. Preference will be given to female students. Students must submit an online application which includes a statement outlining their demonstrated interest in Rheumatology to the Undergraduate Medical Education Office by March 31st.The Department of Rheumatology will select the recipient with the approval of the Undergraduate Medical Education Awards Committee. This award was established by a generous gift from Dr. Dhar Dhanda, Mrs. Harv Dhanda and their family, in memory of Dr. Dhanda’s mother, Gurmej Kaur Dhanda, who passed away from the effects of scleroderma, an autoimmune rheumatic disease. Dr. Dhar Dhanda is a proud Western Alumnus who completed his Medical Degree in 1997 and Ophthalmology Residency in 2002. Value: 1 at $2,500
