Administration and Teaching Awards
Chair’s Administrative Award
One of the evening’s most distinguished honours was the Chair’s Administrative Award. Unlike annual awards, this recognition is presented at the discretion of the Department Chair to acknowledge an individual whose contributions have had an exceptional and lasting impact on the Department of Medicine.
The award celebrates outstanding leadership, dedication, professionalism, and service. It recognizes the often behind-the-scenes efforts that are essential to the success of a large and complex department, as well as the individuals whose commitment and expertise help advance the department’s mission and support its people.
Margo Desmarais and Dr. Narmin Kassam
Margo Desmarais is widely known within the Department of Medicine as a Finance Partner, but her contributions extend well beyond financial oversight and reporting. She brings exceptional depth of expertise, strong judgment, and steady leadership to a highly complex academic environment.
In a department of this scale, financial planning and decision-making require careful coordination and clarity. Margo is recognized for her ability to navigate that complexity with a calm, thoughtful, and solutions-oriented approach. She provides consistent support to departmental leaders, divisions, and administrative teams, ensuring processes are managed with professionalism, accuracy, and care.
Her work is grounded in a strong understanding of institutional processes and a commitment to helping others find workable, practical solutions. Colleagues value her accessibility, her patience, and her ability to guide discussions toward clear and effective outcomes.
Margo’s contributions continue to strengthen the operational and strategic work of the Department of Medicine, and her presence is deeply valued across the organization.
J. Charles (Chuck) Morrison Award
The “Chuck Morrison Award”, as we affectionately call it, recognizes a support staff member who brings the best of themselves to work every day and continually provides exceptional service to the members of DoM. This is a person who has an innovative and enthusiastic approach to work. and who serves as an ambassador, contributing to a positive culture within the department.
This award was named in honour of the decades of service that former director of administrative services, Chuck Morrison, provided to the Department of Medicine.
Of the several deserving nominees, this year’s recipient, Chelsea Sorensen, was nominated by too many individuals to name with additional support from other faculty, staff and learners of the DoM, who noted the following:
- She brings an attitude on a daily basis that is infectious. She always brings positive energy and always has a smile on her face. Despite being faced with some of the more mundane tasks of her role, she attacks these with enthusiasm and exuberance.
- She understands deeply the concept and practice of psychological safety and positive organizational culture and helps us build and maintain it.
- She goes above and beyond, making our academic and clinical excellence a reality.
- She ensures that everyone in the division, from the summer research students to our AHS clinical colleagues and our Professors, feels welcomed, supported, and has the tools and resources they need to achieve their best, every day.
Photo: Chelsea Sorenson and François Bouman
Teaching Awards
I want to take a moment to recognize all of our faculty members for the incredible work they do in support of undergraduate medical education.
The time, energy, and care you invest in teaching and mentoring our learners has a lasting impact. Beyond sharing knowledge, you help shape confidence, professionalism, and compassion in the next generation of physicians.
While we’ll be recognizing a few individuals this evening, this acknowledgment truly extends to all of you. Thank you for the important role you continue to play in the growth and development of our students.
— Dr. Narmin Kassam, Chair, Department of MedicineTeacher of the Year Honourable Mentions
Each year, medical students and residents recognize faculty members who have had a meaningful impact on their medical training. Students vote and select a “Teacher of the Year” and “Honourable Mention” for each of the institutions.
The voting is always incredibly close, and the individuals receiving Honourable Mentions are deeply valued by their learners. The work you do does not go unnoticed...thank you!
Undergraduate Medical Education (UGME) Honourable Mentions
- Grey Nuns Hospital — Dr. Fartoon Siad
- Royal Alexandra Hospital — Dr. Nazia Shams
- University of Alberta Hospital — Dr. Dominic Mudiayi
- University of Alberta Hospital — Dr. Ron Damant, Subspecialty: Pulmonary Medicine
Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) Honourable Mentions
- Grey Nuns Hospital — Dr. Jesse Basnak
- Royal Alexandra Hospital — Dr. Jonathan Cena
- University of Alberta Hospital — Dr. Lucas Churchill
- University of Alberta Hospital — Dr. Jennifer Croden, Subspecialty: Hematology
Dr. Jennifer Croden, Dr. Ron Damant, Dr. Rebecca Lee and Dr. Thirza Carpenter
Undergraduate Medical Education (UGME) Teacher of the Year Awards
One of the most rewarding parts of undergraduate medical education is watching learners begin to find their footing and grow in confidence as they move through training. The faculty members who support them during that journey play an incredibly important role, not only in teaching clinical knowledge, but in helping students feel welcomed, encouraged, and inspired.
The relationships and experiences students have during medical school often shape the kind of physicians they become, and exceptional teachers leave a lasting impression.
— Dr. Rebecca Lee, Director of UGME, Department of Medicine
Dr. Joe Senez, Royal Alexandra Hospital
- Dr. Senez encouraged me to take initiative in the care of my own patient which helped me learn and gain confidence.
- Great interactive session using real patient cases to improve the development of problem lists (crucial skill in internal medicine).
- Thank you for the establishment of clear expectations and the ample opportunities given during the week we worked.
Photo: Dr. Joe Senez and Dr. Rebecca Lee
Dr. Tim Chan, University of Alberta Hospital
- Dr. Chan prioritized creating personalized learning opportunities and ensured that each day we learned something new. He is an excellent mentor and role model.
- An excellent preceptor who was approachable, engaging, and clearly enjoyed working with students. His organized teaching style and efficient rounds made learning both effective and enjoyable.
- An excellent mentor and physician who provided meaningful feedback and showed a genuine commitment to my growth both professionally and personally.
Photo: Dr. Tim Chan and Dr. Rebecca Lee
Dr. Sean van Diepen, Subspecialty: Cardiology, University of Alberta Hospital
- Dr. Van Diepen took the time to teach core concepts and relevant aspects of patient cases. Kind and personable, he met me at my level and made me feel included and supported in my learning.
- Dr. van Diepen was an excellent preceptor who engaged me in learning opportunities. His calm, gentle demeanour helped create a supportive atmosphere both for patients and the care team.
Photo: Dr. Sean van Diepen and Dr. Rebecca Lee
Dr. Jesse Basnak, Grey Nuns Hospital
- Dr. Basnak is a great preceptor who is committed to the growth and learning of his students. He takes time out of his day to work directly with learners to give them practical teaching moments and exposure to elements of practice that are often overlooked (like POCUS).
- He creates a positive working environment for team morale, and appreciates each member of the team.
Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) Teacher of the Year Award
I have the privilege of working closely with our residents, and I see firsthand the impact that strong educators have on their training and development.
Great teaching goes far beyond delivering information. It’s about creating an environment that builds confidence, encourages curiosity, and supports learners as they grow into their careers. Those experiences stay with residents long after a rotation has ended.
— Dr. Thirza Carpenter, Director of PGME, Department of Medicine
Dr. Peter Ao, Royal Alexandra Hospital
- He prioritizes learning cases, uses time effectively, and balances efficiency with learning incredibly well. I appreciated the opportunity to get dedicated bedside POCUS teaching.
- Dr. Ao is a wonderful teacher! He is efficient and supportive, and made an effort to teach based on his learners' interests. It was great working with him!
Dr. John Bradley, Grey Nuns Hospital
- Dr. Bradley is a great preceptor who balances efficient, focused rounds with meaningful teaching and takes time after rounds to review cases with the team, reinforcing key learning points.
- Excellent teacher! He consistently creates space for learners to formulate plans and uses daily opportunities for teaching around patient cases.
- Very supportive and approachable, he allowed me to run the team while being readily available when guidance was needed.
Photo: Dr. John Bradley and Dr. Thirza Carpenter
Dr. Jaye Platnich, Subspecialty: Nephrology, University of Alberta Hospital
- Dr. Platnich is an incredible teacher and physician who cares deeply for his residents and patients alike. He is the gold standard for staff.
- Dr. Platnich took time to teach almost every day, fostering strong learning and professional growth for residents and junior learners.
- Dr. Platnich consistently provided clear expectations, supported appropriate autonomy, and was always available for supervision and guidance when needed. Thank you so much!
Photo: Dr. Jaye Platnich and Dr. Thirza Carpenter
Dr. Alicia Strand, University of Alberta Hospital
- Dr. Strand was an excellent preceptor who balanced efficient team management with strong, supportive teaching.
- Dr. Strand fostered a positive team dynamic, encouraged junior learners to develop management plans, and supported appropriate independence.
- Dr. Strand was an amazing teacher and role model who was committed to learner development and providing meaningful mentorship.
Photo: Dr. Alicia Strand and Dr. Thirza Carpenter