Awards

Camilia Philibert MSS LEADERSHIP AWARD (MLA)

Established in 2015 by the Medical Students Society (MSS) of McGill University and renamed this year in honour of Camilia Philibert, this award recognizes four medical students—one from each year—who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, initiative, and commitment to community involvement, either within McGill or in the broader community.

After being accepted into medicine at McGill University, Camilia’s path was interrupted by an aggressive osteosarcoma at the base of her skull. Despite her illness, she completed her first year of medical studies with remarkable determination.

A natural leader deeply committed to helping others, Camilia organized her first blood drive at the age of 18 and later raised more than $45,000 for sarcoma research from her hospital bed in the months before her passing. She faced her illness with the same courage, generosity, and purpose that defined her life.

Camilia’s leadership, compassion, and resilience continue to inspire all those who knew her and serve as a lasting example for the McGill medical community.

Awarded by the Faculty of Medicine upon recommendation of the Medical Students’ Society. 

  • Eligible students: All McGill medical students
  • Value of each award: $500
  • Number of awards: one per cohort (4 total)
  • Awarded: May of each year

Full General Guidelines for the MSS Leadership Award 2026 can be found here.

2024 winners:

  • M1: Jaelle Kouatchou Kouadop
  • M2: Elie Fadel
  • M3: Alicia Belaiche
  • M4: Alexander Moise

2023 winners:

  • M1: Pia Sumbly
  • M2: Sarah Moussa
  • M3: Richie Jeremian
  • M4: Jeffrey Sioufi

2022 winners:

  • M1: Han Zhang Huang
  • M2: Ericka Iny
  • M3: Anne Xan-Luan Nguyen
  • M4: Yseult Gibert

2021 winners:

  • M1: Saman Arfaie
  • M2: Owen Luo
  • M3: Antoine Denis
  • M4: Katerina Giannios

CHRISTINE HWANG LEADERSHIP AWARD (CHLA)

Established in 2015 by Christine Hwang, M.D.,C.M. 1992, to recognize a second-year medical student in the Faculty of Medicine who fosters/nurtures a positive environment amongst his or her classmates through leadership, initiative and inclusivity. 

Awarded by the Faculty of Medicine upon recommendation of the Medical Students’ Society. 

  • Eligible students: Second-year medical students
  • Value of each award: $500  – $1000
  • Number of awards: 1
  • Awarded: May of each year

Full General Guidelines for the Christine Hwang Leadership Award 2026 can be found here.

2024 winner: Kamila Majidova

2023 winner: Rebecca Aberra

2022 winner: Anda Gaita

2021 winner: Charles Lepage

TIMELINE (2026)

  • Nomination deadline: March 21, 2026, 11:59 PM
  • Formal application deadline: April 3, 2026, 11:59 PM
  • Release of decisions: week of April 27
  • SPCI gala: TBD