Dr. M. Ian Bowmer Award for Leadership in Social Accountability

Dr. Aliyah King completed her medical degree at the University of Ottawa and is now a dermatology resident at the University of British Columbia.

Dr. King is committed to socially accountable care that is grounded in identifying unmet needs and creating initiatives that are responsive to the populations they serve. In 2023, she founded UV&Me Canada, a registered nonprofit through which medical students deliver dermatologist-approved sun-safety education to youth. Dr. King has led the expansion of UV&Me to 14 medical schools across seven provinces.

UV&Me Canada has received much recognition and support, including a Canadian Dermatology Association Public Education Award and the Ontario Medical Students Association Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Conference Grant, among others. Dr. King has also been recognized with the Canadian Federation of Medical Students Leadership Award, and she was named a Rhodes Scholarship finalist.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. King has published original race-stratified survey findings on pediatric sun-safety knowledge in Pediatric Dermatology and presented these findings at numerous conferences. She has authored peer-reviewed literature on pediatric sun safety, as well as advocacy pieces calling for sun-safety education in medical school curricula. Dr. King has contributed to nearly 50 peer-reviewed publications in dermatology, and her work has been presented at national and international conferences.

As a dermatology resident, researcher, and advocate, Dr. King remains committed to developing initiatives and partnerships that improve prevention, access, and equity in health.

Dr. Alex Young Soo Lee is a second-year diagnostic radiology resident at Queen’s University and a dedicated leader with extensive experience in advocacy, medical education, and health equity.

Dr. Lee completed his medical doctorate at the University of Ottawa after earning an honours bachelor of health sciences from McMaster University. Recognized for his commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and systemic change, he draws on his lived, academic, and leadership experiences to advance a more equitable and human-centred health care system.

Dr. Lee has led national initiatives on learner wellness, equity, and inclusion. As executive vice-president and director of student affairs of the Canadian Federation of Medical Students, he strengthened supports for medical learners and promoted more inclusive learning environments. As a University of Ottawa Senator, he contributed to educational policy development during the COVID-19 pandemic, and he worked with Indigenous health leaders to help establish the Indigenous Health Learning Lodge and advance Indigenous health education.

In health care leadership, Dr. Lee has served as the medical student representative on the Canadian Medical Association board of directors. He also served as a Canadian Medical Association ambassador, co-hosting financial literacy initiatives for medical learners. He currently serves as a district representative for Ontario Medical Association District 7, supporting physician and learner engagement, regional education, and health policy advocacy. His work has been recognized with the Canadian Association for Medical Education Rising Star Excellence Award, the Ontario Medical Association Medical Student Achievement Award, and the Canadian Science Policy Youth Award.