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Student Leadership - Rising Star Award

The Student Leadership – Rising Star Award supports, promotes, and recognizes students, our future leaders and advocates for family medicine. It is awarded to two medical students (one from the University for Alberta and one from the University of Calgary) who demonstrate an interest in or commitment to a career in family medicine.

Candidates are nominated by their peers or members of the public, or are self-nominated.
Submission Deadline is April 1, 2026
Download Nomination Form

Awards Criteria

  • The nominee is a student enrolled in the undergraduate medical degree program at either the University of Alberta or the University of Calgary and is in clerkship (i.e. third or fourth year)
  • Candidates may be recognized for demonstrating strong leadership skills in advocacy, community service, and/or education
  • Candidates may be recognized for demonstrating an interest in or commitment to a career in family medicine through chosen electives, clerkship, and/or personal experiences
  • Candidates may be recognized for their participation in various family medicine activities during their studies
  • The nominee is NOT a current member of the ACFP Board or the Member Engagement and Recognition Committee 
  • The nominee has NOT received this award previously (to the best of your knowledge) 

Award Prize

Recipients of this award will receive:

  • An engraved Hoselton sculpture
  • A cash award of $500
  • Acknowledgement through the ACFP’s publications, communication channels, and during the annual Family Medicine Summit
  • Special discount on registration for the Family Medicine Summit

Need Support?

Email the ACFP at ACFPAwards@acfp.ca.

→ University of Alberta
→ University of Calgary

2025 ACFP Award Recipient

The ACFP is proud to celebrate all physicians, residents, students, and clinics who demonstrate excellence in family practice. 

 To learn more about this year’s amazing list of recipients as well as previous ACFP Award winners, visit our Award Recipients page through the button below.

Award Recipients

Talia Campbell

2025 Student Leadership - RIsing Star

Talia Campbell is a fourth year medical student at the University of Alberta. Her mission is to promote the family medicine specialty through her role as the lead of the Family Medicine Interest Group as well as through research. Talia developed a passion for rural medicine after completing an integrated longitudinal clerkship in Sylvan Lake, AB. Outside of medicine, she enjoys spending time with her family and getting active outside.

Family medicine mentor/s

Dr. Jessica Maciejko and Dr. Darren Bugbee whom I worked with in Sylvan Lake, Alberta, during my third year of medical school while I completed an integrated community clerkship, were both important role models for me. They showed me how to provide thorough and empathetic patient care in diverse settings and shaped my medical education.

One thing I love about family medicine is…

The variety! And developing long-term relationships with patients.

One thing that surprised me about family medicine…

How broad the scope of practice can be.

If I weren’t pursuing family medicine, I’d be…

A teacher or a librarian because I love learning and a good book.

Erin Zader

2025 Student Leadership - Rising Star

Erin Zader (Siemens) is a third-year medical student at the University of Calgary, originally from La Glace, near Grande Prairie in northern Alberta. She completed a BSc in Natural Sciences before pursuing a career in medicine. Passionate about rural family medicine, Erin draws inspiration from her rural roots. She served on the Family and Rural Medicine Interest Group at the University of Calgary and mentor’s undergraduate students through the Pathways to Medicine program, supporting those from rural and Indigenous communities.

Family medicine mentor/s

One of my most meaningful mentors was the late Dr. Sarah Walton, a rural family medicine R2 whom I had the privilege of knowing before starting medical school. She played a pivotal role in shaping my path—encouraging my interest in rural family medicine and guiding me through the complexities of the training and profession. Her mentorship went far beyond clinical advice; she modeled compassion, humility, and resilience. Her steady support and belief in me left a lasting impression and helped solidify my commitment to rural practice. She exemplified the kind of physician I aspire to become.

One thing I love about family medicine is…

One thing I love about family medicine is the opportunity to build long-term, meaningful relationships with patients. I value being able to walk alongside individuals and families through all stages of life, offering continuity of care and support. For me, this relational aspect of medicine is both deeply rewarding and essential to providing compassionate, patient-centred care, especially in rural communities, where strong connections can make a real difference in health outcomes.

One thing that surprised me about family medicine…

One thing that surprised me about family medicine is its incredible diversity. I hadn’t fully realized how broad the scope could be. This variety challenged my assumptions and deepened my appreciation for the adaptability and skill required of family physicians. The constantly changing nature of the work keeps me engaged and excited, especially in rural settings, where physicians often manage a wide range of medical needs and are truly the backbone of their communities.

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