The Tim Smith Health Leadership Scholarship, funded by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and offered through the National Health Fellows Program at McMaster University's Michael G. DeGroote Health Leadership Academy, supports emerging health care leaders who are committed to driving meaningful change within Canada's health system.

Each year, three residents and/or early-career physicians are awarded a scholarship covering full tuition and travel costs associated with participation in the National Health Fellows Program. Through this immersive leadership experience, participants strengthen their systems-thinking skills, expand their professional networks, and collaborate with leaders from across the health and social care sectors.

The scholarship is intended for residents and early-career physicians who have demonstrated leadership potential in health and social care. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• A commitment to social purpose, community engagement, and improving the health of people in Canada

• An understanding of the importance of collaborative, cross-sectoral leadership in health and social care

• Leadership experience through community organizations, volunteerism, or national, provincial, or regional associations

• The ability to work effectively with leaders at all levels of an organization

• Experience as a member of an underrepresented group in health care leadership and/or a demonstrated commitment to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, reconciliation, and anti-racism

Please note that applicants do not need to demonstrate strength in every area to be considered.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

• Be a resident physician in any year of postgraduate medical education training at a Canadian university, or an early-career physician within the first five years of practice

• Complete the scholarship application

• Submit supporting documentation, including a CV and contact information for letters/statements of support

Important Dates:

• Applications open: July 1, 2026

• Application deadline: October 1, 2026

• Scholarship recipients announced: January 2027

• National Health Fellows Program begins: April 2027

2027 Program Dates

• April 11–15, 2027 – Burlington, Ontario

• May 30–June 3, 2027 – Vancouver, British Columbia

• October 3–7, 2027 – Burlington, Ontario

Learn more and apply here.