The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame scholarship award announced for 2009

Four 18-year olds with stellar high school careers are heading off to university with some extra change in their pockets. The students have been named the 2009 recipients of The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame / Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life Scholarship Award.

The four scholarship recipients are: Wyanne Law of Mississauga, Ont., David Kim of Nanaimo, BC, Danica Kindrachuk of Moose Jaw, Sask., and Heidi Dixon of Gander, NL. Read more about these accomplished students and what this scholarship means to them in the attached fact sheets.

This scholarship opportunity is available to high school students who are aspiring to a career in medicine or the health sciences. It provides $1,000 each year towards a four-year undergraduate degree at a Canadian university. The selection is made by a committee of university representatives chosen by the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada.

"We are delighted to increase the number of candidates this year to four, up from one since 2003. The demand is there and we are grateful to Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life for enabling us to respond to the need. Selecting four recipients, however, was no easier than one - everyone is an over-the-top achiever!" says Janet Tufts, CMHF Executive Director.

"This funding helps deserving students pursue their goals through a Canadian medical and academic centre," says Jan Belanger, Assistant Vice-President, Community Affairs, Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life. "The ultimate goal is to develop and keep medical expertise in Canada, for Canadians, to help ensure the future of our health care. We're proud to promote the health sciences as an essential career path."

Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life serve the financial security needs of more than 12 million people across Canada. Through their national corporate citizenship program, the companies contribute to non-profit, charitable and community organizations to address health and wellness, education, social services, arts and culture and civic initiatives, and support the volunteer involvement of staff and financial security advisors.

The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame is a national charitable organization that passionately celebrates Canada's medical heroes and inspires young people to pursue careers in the health sciences through its induction ceremonies, exhibit hall and educational programs.