The Faculty of Medicine's Office of Social Accountability is pleased to launch this new award that will recognize a community partner who has collaborated with the Faculty (faculty members, students/residents/fellows, or support staff) to advance the health and well-being of our communities through partnership, research, education, and service.

• The community partner nominee may be an individual or organization from any of the following partnerships: community organizations, policy makers at the regional, provincial, or national levels, service providers, funding organizations, certification bodies, patient advocacy groups or members of the public who are most affected by or have a direct interest in the work being conducted
• The nominee has engaged in at least one collaborative initiative with the Faculty of Medicine that has addressed a community-identified need or priority
• within the past two years.
• The partnership has contributed to improved learning experiences, strengthened research initiatives, and/or improved health for the community.
• The same partner cannot receive the award more than once within a five-year period.

Nominations will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Community Impact 

   Demonstrates a clear and positive contribution to community health and well-being through collaboration with the Faculty.

2. Collaboration and Partnership 

   Shows meaningful engagement and mutual benefit between the community partner and the Faculty.

3. Educational Value 

   Provides enriching learning opportunities for students or residents, fostering understanding of community health, equity, and social accountability.

4. Sustainability 

   Reflects a commitment to ongoing collaboration, capacity-building, or sustained benefit beyond a single project or initiative.

5. Innovation and Leadership 

   Demonstrates creativity, leadership, or a novel approach to improving health outcomes or strengthening community–academic relationships.

• Faculty members, students/residents/fellows or support staff may submit nominations.
• Self-nominations are accepted if endorsed by a Faculty representative.
• Nominations must be submitted using the online nomination platform. The ink will be available at the time of the 2026 launch.

• A completed nomination form.
• A nomination letter (maximum two pages) that demonstrates the nominee’s merit, addressing each of the selection criteria. The character limit, including spaces, is 7500 for English letters and 8650 for French letters.
• At least one letter of support from a faculty member, student, resident, support staff or community stakeholder.
• A brief summary (2–3 sentences) for use in award communications.

A committee appointed by the Associate Dean, Social Accountability will review nominations and recommend a recipient based on the established criteria. The award may not be granted in a given year if no nominee meets the standard of excellence.

The recipient will be recognized at the Faculty of Medicine Gala and featured in Faculty communications.

The Office of Social Accountability

We would love to hear from you!

Send us an email if you have questions at [email protected].