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The Top 40 Under 40 Awards recognize and celebrate exceptional physicians and medical learners in Manitoba under the age of 40 who have made significant contributions in their field. The award recognizes those who have demonstrated excellence and a strong commitment in the areas of research, clinical practice, education, leadership, and advocacy for improvements to patient care, and/​or physician and student well-being.

Nolan De Leon

Medical Student

The President of the Class of 2026 and a strong advocate for medical student well-being, Nolan is pursuing a career…

The President of the Class of 2026 and a strong advocate for medical student well-being, Nolan is pursuing a career as a clinician-scientist, exploring new frontiers in prenatal diagnostics and therapies. An MD/​PhD student who leads with his heart, Nolan is an environmental and mental health activist who seeks art in all aspects of his life through music composition, competitive weightlifting, and poetry.

Charbel El-Kefraoui

Medical Student

Charbel completed a master’s degree in Experimental Surgery at McGill University while simultaneously studying in medical school. He is known…

Charbel completed a master’s degree in Experimental Surgery at McGill University while simultaneously studying in medical school. He is known for his vast knowledge, innovative thinking, and an unwavering commitment to advancing medical research. His research study, aimed at tackling the challenging opioid crisis in Canada, offers unique insights into postoperative pain management and reducing the adverse effects of opioids on surgical patients.

Cate Giffin

Medical Student

Peers are inspired by Cate Giffin’s continued efforts to advocate for students and contribute to medical education. Cate is currently…

Peers are inspired by Cate Giffin’s continued efforts to advocate for students and contribute to medical education. Cate is currently the Senior Stick of the MMSA. Previous leadership roles include Executive for the Medical Journal Club at the University of Manitoba, Co-National Officer of Global Health Education with the Canadian Federation of Medical Students, and co-founder of the MMSA 2SLGBTQIA+ Curriculum Working Group.

Aisha Haji Hussein

Medical Student

Aisha advocates for equity and inclusion initiatives on campus through the creation of programs for low-income and equity-deserving middle school…

Aisha advocates for equity and inclusion initiatives on campus through the creation of programs for low-income and equity-deserving middle school, high school, and undergraduate students. She is interested in community development and advocacy, working towards creating support and social networks to increase diversity in academia. Aisha was the executive director of the Black Medical Students Association and the National Officer of Human Rights and Peace for the Canadian Federation of Medical Students.

Vatineh Magaji

Medical Student

Vatineh is an active member of the Doctors Manitoba EDID Leadership for Equity planning committee, aligning values with actions to…

Vatineh is an active member of the Doctors Manitoba EDID Leadership for Equity planning committee, aligning values with actions to disrupt systems of oppression in the Manitoba medical system. She is currently working on research related to diversity within medical school admissions, education, and student support. Colleagues are inspired by her commitment to lead with heart and integrity.

Suman Memon

Medical Student

Suman is a motivating team member and her vast knowledge and skills, especially on the cardiology ward, have led many…

Suman is a motivating team member and her vast knowledge and skills, especially on the cardiology ward, have led many to mistakenly believe she’s a resident. All the while balancing her responsibilities as a dedicated class president, who consistently advocates for fellow medical students. She is admired for her outstanding work ethic, leadership, and professionalism. Beyond these professional attributes, Suman is fun and approachable, making her a beloved figure among her peers and mentors.

Jules Perez

Medical Student

Jules Perez has been making an impact with their advocacy for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization. They were a panelist…

Jules Perez has been making an impact with their advocacy for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization. They were a panelist on the Doctors Manitoba Pride panel, adding their voice about the experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ physicians and patients, and they worked to create an accessibility EDI working group under the MMSA. Those who work with Jules call them thoughtful and a well-spoken advocate, and attest to their willingness to take on new challenges, contribute fully, and provide nuanced perspectives.

Emelissa Valcourt

Medical Student

Emelissa has a masters degree in immunology and is the founder and President of the Filipino Association of Medical Students…

Emelissa has a masters degree in immunology and is the founder and President of the Filipino Association of Medical Students of Manitoba. She created a dual-acting vaccine for cost-effective protection against HIV and Ebola, winning her several awards. While working at the Public Health Agency of Canada, she developed a serologic test to detect protective antibodies in COVID-19 patients throughout Canada. Colleagues and peers are inspired by Emelissa’s innovation, leadership, advocacy, and research acumen.

Mirha Zohair

Medical Student

Mirha is the Vice-Stick EDI Sr. for the MMSA, co-organizer of the first EDI conference, and a contributor for the…

Mirha is the Vice-Stick EDI Sr. for the MMSA, co-organizer of the first EDI conference, and a contributor for the Doctors Manitoba Leadership Through Equity speaker series. She helped create a prayer space for Muslims on campus, and organized their first Ramadan iftar event. Colleagues applaud her exciting ideas and compatibility among staff, students, and members.