Celebrating Changemakers
The 2024 RDoC Awards go to…
RDoC Awards
Through its Awards Program, RDoC honours individuals who have contributed to improving various elements of the lives of resident doctors in Canada. There are currently three awards bestowed annually in the following categories: (a) wellness, (b) medical education, and (c) service to resident doctors.
Past recipients have included resident doctors, program directors, postgraduate medical education (PGME) administrators, and organizations that support resident doctors. RDoC award recipients gain both national and local recognition for their efforts. Because of this, the RDoC Awards Program is perhaps one of the most continually successful projects that we undertake.
We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 RDoC Awards! All Awards recipients will be celebrated at a virtual Awards reception on May 15th.
The RDoC Puddester Award for Resident Wellness
Current Winner
2024
Dr. Emily Yung, University of Toronto
Dr. Emily Yung is a fifth-year psychiatry resident at the University of Toronto and tireless advocate for learner well-being. As co-chief resident at St. Michael’s Hospital, she supports over 50 residents with energy, empathy, and leadership. She mentors junior residents, leads wellness workshops, and provides compassionate support during difficult experiences, including patient deaths by suicide.
Emily actively improves resident well-being, securing a $1,500 grant to renovate call rooms, advocating for better call culture, and ensuring access to nutritious food by stocking call rooms and organizing weekly lunches. She also coordinates social events to strengthen community bonds. Currently, she is leading a project to enhance the psychiatric emergency call experience by collecting feedback to address challenges and moral distress.
Throughout residency, Emily has been a strong advocate, serving on the Psychiatry Residents’ Association of Toronto to champion the well-being and educational needs of her peers.
The RDoC Mikhael Award for Medical Education – Resident
Current Winner
2024
Dr. Todd Dow (Resident Recipient), Dalhousie University
Dr. Todd Dow is a is a fifth year plastic surgery resident at Dalhousie University. Recognizing a lack of awareness about career options in specialties like pathology and radiation oncology, he created the Pre-Clerkship Residency Exploration Program (PREP). This student-led elective immerses second-year students in 14 specialties through workshops, observerships, simulations, and career discussions. Running for over eight years, PREP engages over 150 physicians, residents, and technicians, consistently filling its 40 spots. It has produced 10+ peer-reviewed publications, with 86% of participants reconsidering their top three career choices.
Beyond PREP, Dr. Dow has been a leader in medical education, serving as Chief Resident, Vice-President of Maritime Resident Doctors, and a representative on key faculty committees.
The RDoC Mikhael Award for Medical Education – Staff
Current Winner
2024
Dr. Jessica Foulds (Staff Recipient), University of Alberta
Dr. Jessica Foulds is a General Pediatrics Program Director at the University of Alberta, based in Edmonton. Dr. Foulds is a dedicated advocate for residents, she’s taken steps to mindfully schedule academic sessions during work hours, advocate for more sustainable surge/overcapacity overnight care plans, and reform the night float and backup call system to optimize both learning and hospital workflow. Beyond her own initiatives, Dr. Foulds actively supports residents’ educational projects, co-creating numerous research studies and working groups.
The RDoC Ross Award for Service to Resident Doctors
Current Winner
2024
Ms. Catherine Duchesne, NOSM University
Catherine (Cathy) Duchesne has been the backbone of the NOSM Pediatrics Residency Program for over a decade. In her role as Program Coordinator, she ensures seamless scheduling, vacation planning, and housing arrangements, easing residents’ logistical burdens. A tireless advocate for resident wellness, Cathy checks in regularly, connects residents with resources, and champions their needs, including travel reimbursements. Her steady leadership has been crucial during program transitions, guiding new directors and maintaining stability. More than an administrator, she is a mentor, advocate, and friend, fostering a supportive and community-driven program.
RDoC Awards Frequency Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions we’ve received about the RDoC Awards.
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Resident physicians and staff physicians who meet the requirements outlined for the Wellness and Medical Education Awards. Non-physicians who meet the requirements outlined for the Service to Resident Award. Serving RDoC Board members, Member Representatives and Award Committee members are not eligible to receive an RDoC Award.
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Any member of Resident Doctors of Canada, Provincial Housestaff Organizations, Departments of Post-Graduate Medical Education, or any other organization associated with RDoC or post-graduate medical education.
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Yes, however, you will need to identify an individual as a point of contact.
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Yes, you can nominate yourself for an RDoC Award. To bolster your nomination, ensure you have strong letters of support.
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Yes, there is no limit on the number of times an individual can be nominated, provided they meet the requirements outlined for the Award.
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Normally, the deadline is an established date. However, if circumstances warrant, RDoC may extend the deadline for nominations.
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As part of the nomination form, a 500 word maximum personal profile outlining contributions, innovations, creativity, leadership, and mentorship roles, and impact of the nominee’s work.
Up to 2 1-page letters of support from separate individuals or organizations familiar with the nominee’s activities.
A 2-3 page CV.
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Review the Awards descriptions. Be comprehensive. Emphasize the nominee’s accomplishments and abilities. Keep it professional. Avoid irrelevant material. Avoid using biased language (e.g., gender). Put your nominee in the best light possible.
RDoC will follow-up with you if we feel your nomination package could be strengthened.