Supporting all Canadians in living full, healthy lives means thinking long-term and ensuring that diverse voices are encouraged and empowered in helping shape the future of health care.
Supporting the next generation of health leaders
Since 2017, the Medavie Foundation has been supporting the next generation of health professionals through a scholarship program aimed at making post-secondary education more accessible for students who have lived experience with mental health challenges, either personally or through a family member.
Every year, the Medavie Foundation awards up to 10 scholarships for eligible students between the ages of 17 and 25 who are pursuing studies — and ultimately careers — in health-related fields such as medicine, nursing, psychology, physiotherapy, nutrition, paramedicine, public health, and health research.
Each scholarship recipient’s story is unique, and it’s often their personal experiences that shape their dreams of becoming health professionals.
“It’s inspiring to see so many young people who are pursuing a future in health care,” says Jessica Crossman, a Community Impact Manager at the Medavie Foundation. “Being able to play a part in helping make those dreams come true is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.”
Opening doors to education and careers
Not unlike access to care, equitable access to education is challenged by factors like personal circumstances, financial need, lack of mentorship, systemic discrimination, and geographic isolation — which disproportionately affect underrepresented and marginalized communities.
“The scholarship helped me move out of a youth home and live independently,” shares Bai Cham, a 2024 recipient. “It also enabled me to work in a nursing home, which solidified my motivation to become a doctor.”
Removing barriers to build healthier communities
Removing barriers to post-secondary education helps create a more diverse workforce in the healthcare field, which in turn improves cultural competence and patient outcomes. Most importantly, when healthcare providers reflect the communities they serve, patients are more likely to seek care, trust their providers, and feel empowered to support their own wellbeing — and the result is healthy, vibrant communities.
The Medavie Foundation’s scholarship program was inspired by the legacy of Medavie’s former CEO, Pierre-Yves Julien, who believed in being a force of good in the communities where we live and work, and in supporting Canada’s future healthcare leaders. Today, we’re honoured to help these bright, young minds get one step closer to making a difference in the field.
Medavie Foundation scholarship program by the numbers
43
young Canadians have been awarded scholarships
9
different provinces
16+
areas of study dedicated to the healthcare field