$1 million raised for emerging talent in the MUHC’s Department of Medicine

On May 1, members of the MUHC’s Department of Medicine and the MUHC Foundation community gathered at Montreal’s Ritz-Carlton to celebrate the 4th annual Rising Star in Medicine Gala. The evening brought together leaders in health care, philanthropy, and research to invest in the future of medicine, raising an extraordinary $1 million to support early-career physician-scientists.

These funds are essential. They give young researchers at the MUHC the support they need to launch strong, sustainable careers—inspiring intellectual curiosity, advancing bold ideas, and helping attract some of the most ambitious minds in medicine to one of Canada’s leading research hospitals.

“This program is a lifeline for true medical innovation at the MUHC,” says Dr. Marc Rodger, Physician-in-Chief. “It steps in where government funding falls short—offering funding, mentorship, and training to the next generation of physician-scientists in our Department of Medicine.”

Through this program, the MUHC is able to recruit and retain top talent, helping accelerate discovery and advancing care for patients across Quebec.

“This collaboration between the Department of Medicine and the MUHC Foundation is incredibly meaningful,” said Marie-Hélène Laramée, President and CEO of the MUHC Foundation. “It was inspiring to see our community—health care professionals, donors, and researchers—come together to support these rising stars. This is how we build momentum and move innovation forward.”

The evening began with a cocktail reception in the elegant Palm Court, followed by a refined three-course dinner in the main hall. Guests also took part in a raffle to further support the program. A special thank you to the event’s presenting sponsor, Heritage MD, for donating two exceptional prizes: one doctor won an unforgettable hockey and luxury lodge experience for twelve guests at the Bell Centre, and another won two tickets in the club section to see the Montreal Canadiens play in the 2026–2027 season.

“At Heritage MD, we believe that investing in our community begins with investing in health care,” said Michael Goodman, Chair of Heritage MD Board of Directors. “There are incredible things happening at the MUHC, and we are proud to support the talent that positions this hospital as a global leader in innovation.”

The MUHC Foundation was proud to celebrate the exceptional achievements of this year’s Rising Star in Medicine awardees:

Rising Star Award
Dr. Ana-Maria Copaescu
Recognizing outstanding early-career physician-scientists or medical education scholars for their emerging contributions to research and innovation within the Department of Medicine.

Phil Hill Physicianship Award
Dr. Thérèse El-Helou
Recognizing exceptional interest and skill in the teaching of clinical medicine within the Department of Medicine.

Clinician Impact Award
Dr. Aly Kanji
Recognizing a clinician who has made a medical or societal impact through publication, guideline development, work with policy makers or knowledge translation.

Physician-in-Chief Award
Dr Jose Morais
Recognizing outstanding service and contributions to the Department of Medicine.

Douglas G. Kinnear Award
Dr. Jonathan Houle
Recognizing an MUHC Department of Medicine physician for their exceptional interest and skill of teaching clinical medicine.

Louis G. Johnson Award
Dr. Megha Shetty
Recognizing a 3rd year internal medicine resident at the Royal Victoria Hospital for their exceptional interest and skill of teaching clinical medicine.

Luc Bilodeau Award
Dr. Michael Aw
Recognizing a 3rd year internal medicine resident at the Royal Victoria Hospital for their humanism and balancing medicine with life outside of medicine.

Sylvia Cruess Award
Dr. Zakaria Ratemi
Recognizing a 3rd year internal medicine resident at the Royal Victoria Hospital for their professionalism and clinical excellence.

Margaret Becklake Award
Dr. Owen Luo
Recognizing a 3rd year internal medicine resident at the Royal Victoria Hospital for their academic excellence.