UBC Faculty of Medicine medical student Mariam Eji-Lasisi has been awarded a 2024 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Award for leadership and innovation.
The awards recognize medical students across Canada with an established track record of community leadership, superior communication skills and demonstrated interest in advancing knowledge.
Mariam is a Mastercard Foundation Scholar alumnus who earned a UBC degree with Distinction from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Before pursuing her medical studies, she made significant contributions to genetic research and advanced initiatives at a leading biotechnology company in Vancouver, focused on developing effective protein therapeutics for challenging cancers and emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Since starting medical school, Mariam has dedicated herself to enhancing equity and diversity within B.C.’s healthcare system. She co-founded and leads the UBC Black Medical Students’ Association, promoting the professional development of Black medical students through networking and mentorship. As a UBC Outreach Ambassador and Pathways to Medicine Mentorship Lead, Mariam educates diverse youths about careers in medicine and supports a high-school mentorship program aimed at improving recruitment and diversity in B.C.’s medical sector.
An advocate for healthcare accessibility, Mariam collaborated with the Real Time Virtual Support program for pediatric care in rural BC (CHARLiE) to inform the development of a map that will detail the availability of pediatric care resources in remote communities across B.C., thus improving timely access to care.
“I am deeply grateful and honored to be recognized by the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame with this award,” Mariam says. “It reaffirms my passion for improving healthcare access for underserved patients and inclusivity in medical education for diverse learners. This recognition underscores the importance of these efforts in promoting positive patient outcomes. As I advance in my training, I remain steadfast in my commitment to enhancing equity and diversity in B.C.’s healthcare system.”
CMHF award recipients each receive a cash prize of $5,000 and a travel subsidy to attend the 2025 CMHF Induction Ceremony in Hamilton, Ontario where they will have the opportunity to meet CMHF Laureates and interact with health leaders from across the country.
Learn more about the 2024 CMHF Award recipients on the CMHF website.