Early Career Awards

Allen Rouse Basic Science Career Development Research Award

Mr. Allen Rouse

This award is named in honor of Mr. Allen Rouse, one of the founding members of the MMSF.

Mr. Rouse worked diligently to lead and serve the Foundation for the benefit of all Manitobans. Before retiring he served the MMSF as a volunteer Board Member for 41 years with 36 of those years as its respected Chair. His guidance, leadership, and dedication to volunteerism carried the Foundation forward from inception in 1971 into the 21st Century.

The annual amount of salary support was increased in 2021 from $50,000 to $55,000* annually.* To date the MMSF has provided support for this award totaling $1,342,500.

Award Guidelines

  • The award is given for a period of 3 years during which the MMSF will contribute $55,000* per year towards the salary (including benefits) of the awardee. A one-year term grant-in-aid to the appointee of up to $20,000 may be made during the first year of the appointment.
  • Candidates must have a faculty appointment at the University of Manitoba and must be engaged in basic research related to the health field. During the tenure of the award, the awardee must guarantee a 75% time commitment to research.
  • To be successful in this competition, a candidate must be judged to be in the early stages of a productive research career. The candidate should have been engaged in independent research for not more than 7 years, should have received one or more grants from a national granting agency, such as the Canadian Institute of Health Research, and should have a satisfactory publication record in peer reviewed journals. This judgment will also include a review of the candidate’s training qualifications and experience and the support of letters of reference. A candidate will also be judged on clarity and communications of both a written research submission and a brief presentation and response to questions with the Award review panel.
  • The intent of the award is to support the awardee to become a strong candidate for a senior national personal research award and for the general benefit of health research in Manitoba.
  • An awardee is not eligible for the MMSF Allen Rouse Basic Science Career Development Research Award for a second 3-year term.
  • The award cannot be held concurrently with another personal career award.
  • An awardee who receives the MMSF Allen Rouse Basic Science Career Development Research Award is not eligible for other MMSF Salary awards.

*The salary increases from $50,000 to $55,000 per year became effective with the commencement of new appointments awarded after April 15, 2021. The salary increase did not apply to ongoing career awards appointed prior to April 15, 2021.

Dr. F. W. Du Val and John Henson Clinical Research Professorship Award

Dr. F. W. Du Val
Mr. John Henson

Previously the MMSF Dr. F. W. Du Val Clinical Research Professorship, this award was renamed in 2021 to the MMSF Dr. F. W. Du Val and John Henson Clinical Research Professorship. This award commemorates the legacies of the late Dr. Fred Du Val and John Henson. The annual amount of salary support was increased in 2021 from $50,000 to $55,000* annually.

Dr. Du Val served on the MMSF Board from 1976 until his death on May 14, 2002. He was a much respected surgeon, professor, teacher, and philanthropist who co-founded the Surgery Can Be Fun Club in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Du Val’s involvement in the health field was extensive, including Chair of the Board of Manitoba Blue Cross, Director of Blue Cross Life Insurance of Canada, Secretary to the Manitoba Medical Association, President of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba and Treasurer and member of the Executive of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

John Henson was CFO and VP at Manitoba Blue Cross for many years. He was an avid supporter of the Foundation and provided many years of valued financial and business advice.

Both Fred and John believed strongly in improving the health and well-being of all Manitobans, and this professorship supports their beliefs.

To date, the MMSF has provided support for this award totaling $1,655,000.

Award Guidelines

  • The award is given for a period of 3 years during which the MMSF will contribute $55,000* per year towards the salary (including benefits) of the awardee. A three-year term grant-in-aid to the appointee of up to $20,000 may be made during the first year of the appointment.
  • Candidates must be physicians or health care professionals licensed to practice in Manitoba with a faculty appointment at the University of Manitoba. Applicants must be engaged in research related to the health field. During the tenure of the award the awardee must guarantee a 50 per cent time commitment to research.
  • To be successful in this competition, a candidate must be judged to be in the early stages of a productive research career as a health care professional. The candidate should have been engaged in independent research for not more than seven years since an academic appointment with the University of Manitoba, should have received one or more grants from a national granting agency – such as the Canadian Institute of Health Research – and should have a satisfactory publication record in peer reviewed journals. This judgment will also include a review of the candidate’s training, qualifications and experience, and the support of letters of reference. A candidate will also be judged on clarity and communications through a written research submission and a brief presentation and response to questions with the Award review panel.
  • The intent of the award is to promote clinical research at the University of Manitoba for the general benefit of health research in Manitoba and to advance the research career of the awardee.
  • An awardee is not eligible for the MMSF Dr. F. W. Du Val and John Henson Clinical Research Professorship Award for a second three-year term.
  • The award cannot be held concurrently with another personal career award.
  • An awardee who receives the MMSF Dr. F. W. Du Val and John Henson Clinical Research Professorship Award is not eligible for other MMSF Salary awards.

* The salary of $55,000 per year became effective with the commencement of new appointments awarded after April 15, 2021. The salary increase did not apply to ongoing career awards appointed prior to April 15, 2021.

**The Manitoba Medical Service Foundation and the Manitoba Health Research Council cooperatively funded the 2010-2013 and the 2011-2014 Clinical Research Professorships in Population Health.

Shaun Lamoureux and Kerry Bittner Clinical Research Professorship in Population Health Award

Mr. Shaun Lamoureux
Mr. Kerry Bittner

Previously the MMSF John Henson Clinical Research Professorship in Population Health, this award was renamed in 2021 to the MMSF Shaun Lamoureux and Kerry Bittner Clinical Research Professorship in Population Health. This award commemorates the legacies of the late Shaun Lamoureux and Kerry Bittner. The annual amount of salary support was also increased in 2021 from $50,000 to $55,000* annually.

Shaun Lamoureux will be remembered for his strong leadership and his dedication to Manitoba Blue Cross and the MMSF. He was Chief Financial and Technology Officer and Vice President at Manitoba Blue Cross for many years. In 2018, he was appointed President and CEO.

Over his 18 years with Manitoba Blue Cross, Shaun’s business acumen, strategic vision and commitment to excellence played a significant role in the growth and development of the company. He was an avid supporter of the Foundation and provided many years of valued financial and business advice.

Kerry Bittner started his career with Manitoba Blue Cross in 1976 working in the sales department. He served as President and CEO from 1983 until his retirement in 2003. He also served on the MMSF Board of Directors for 33 years.

Kerry was an exceptionally kind man – a true leader who had the ability to make everyone comfortable. He will be fondly remembered for being a true ambassador for the Colour of Caring and a generous supporter of the Foundation.

Both Shaun and Kerry believed strongly in improving the health and well-being of all Manitobans, and this professorship supports their beliefs.

To date, the MMSF has provided support for this award totaling $1,030,000.

Award Guidelines

  • The award is given for a period of three years, during which the MMSF will contribute $55,000* per year towards the salary (including benefits) of the awardee. A one-year term grant-in-aid to the appointee of up to $40,000 may be made during the first year of the appointment.
  • Candidates must be physicians or health care professionals licensed to practice in Manitoba and have a faculty appointment at the University of Manitoba. Applicants must be engaged in research related to population health in Manitoba. During the tenure of the award, the awardee must guarantee a 50 per cent time commitment to research.
  • To be successful in this competition, a candidate must be judged to be in the early stages of a productive research career as a health clinician or scientist studying population health issues. The candidate should have been engaged in independent research for not more than seven years since an academic appointment with the University of Manitoba, should have received one or more grants from a national granting agency – such as the Canadian Institutes of Health Research – and should have a satisfactory publication record in peer-reviewed journals. This judgment will also include a review of the candidate’s training, qualifications and experience, and the support of letters of reference. A candidate will also be judged on clarity and communication through a written research submission and a brief presentation and response to questions with the Award review panel.
  • The intent of the award is to attract and retain clinicians into population health research at the University of Manitoba for the general benefit of health research in Manitoba and to advance the research career of the awardee
  • An awardee is not eligible for the MMSF Shaun Lamoureux and Kerry Bittner Clinical Research Professorship Award in Population Medicine for a second three-year term.
  • The award cannot be held concurrently with another personal career award.
  • An awardee who receives the MMSF Shaun Lamoureux and Kerry Bittner Clinical Research in Population Medicine Award is not eligible for other MMSF Salary awards.

*The salary increases from $50,000 to $55,000 per year became effective with the commencement of new appointments awarded after April 15, 2021. The salary increase did not apply to ongoing career awards appointed prior to April 15, 2021.

**The Manitoba Medical Service Foundation and the Manitoba Health Research Council cooperatively funded the 2010-2013 and the 2011-2014 Clinical Research Professorships in Population Health.

Betty A. Schwartz Pain Research Award

About Betty Ann Schwartz

Betty Ann Schwartz was born in 1928 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to parents who had immigrated from Russia and Romania. She was raised in Pittsburgh, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and psychology. She then pursued a master’s degree in social work at the University of Pennsylvania and became a licensed clinical social worker.

Her professional career took her to Baltimore, Maryland, where she started as a social worker. She was eventually promoted to the role of executive director of the Florence Crittenton Home, a non-profit organization focused on the needs of unwed mothers.

While in Baltimore, she also served on the faculty of the Training Institute of Planned Parenthood and was an advisor to Parents Without Partners. She was a sought-after speaker and workshop leader. In the early 1970s, Betty was recruited to assume the position of executive director of the Children’s Aid Society of Winnipeg. She retired from that role many years later.

Betty was a lifelong champion for children’s and women’s rights. She served on numerous boards, including the boards of Manitoba Blue Cross and the Mount Carmel Clinic.

Betty was the consummate “people person.” She loved conversation with anyone, anywhere, and was known for her wry sense of humor, her progressive political views, and her love of completing the New York Times crossword puzzles. She enjoyed attending plays, operas and the movies. She also loved to travel – her favorite places included Alaska, Greece, Curaçao and Las Cruces, New Mexico. An avid sports fan, Betty was devoted to the Winnipeg Jets and the Baltimore Orioles.

While Betty remained a citizen of the United States, she loved Winnipeg and made it her home for over 40 years. Her greatest joy was her summer home in Gimli on Lake Winnipeg. It was her source of peace, entertainment, and wonderful friendships with her neighbors. It was also the place she considered her “true home.” Betty passed on December 5, 2020, after a series of long illnesses.

Betty was a firm believer in giving back and donated her time as a board member to Manitoba Blue Cross. Her personal journey with illness led her to have a keen interest in medical research and scientific advances, which prompted her commitment to the work of the Manitoba Medical Service Foundation. She often expressed her support for the Foundation to family members, and she had a particular interest in the many projects the MMSF supported.

The nature of Betty’s illnesses, as well as a serious traumatic injury as a child, involved a great deal of personal physical pain. As she navigated her own journey of pain management, she became committed to the exploration and research of novel approaches to managing pain and pain-related illnesses. A trooper to the end, Betty would often share stories of how she used humor to help deflect her own experience of pain. She was known by the nurses and doctors in the hospitals she was frequently in as “the funny woman” on the ward, telling jokes and humorous stories to staff members who attended to her. Even in the midst of great pain, her humor and keen interest in others shone through, and she was a beacon to many about the strength of the human spirit.

To apply, visit our Research Grant section to access the MMSF Research Grant Guidelines and Application Form.

R. Samuel McLaughlin / MMSF Research and Education Fellowship

Colonel R. Samuel McLaughlin

For many years the McLaughlin Foundation (MF) has funded senior medical residents or completing residents with research fellowships to facilitate the advancement of research skills. It has become a very prestigious recognition to have been appointed a McLaughlin Fellow. In 2000, the McLaughlin Foundation decided to discontinue its program and in shutting down, granted Canada's medical schools a lump sum payment intended to continue a program of clinical research development for senior/graduating residents.

The University of Manitoba was granted $500,000. This provides, as an endowment, an award of $25,000 annually in support of a senior resident's salary. The MMSF agreed, at their Board meeting in May 2002, to match the $25,000 (this award is approved annually by the MMSF board) to allow an award of $50,000 per year to a deserving resident showing promise of an academic career based on research activity.

To date the MMSF has provided contributions totaling $375,000 in support of this award. Additional funds provided by the University of Manitoba, through the Dean’s Fund, have increased the value of this award to $75,000 annually in recent years.

(MMSF Share is $25,000/year - July 1st - June 30th)

Richard Hoeschen Memorial Award

This award is made possible through donations and support of the Manitoba Medical Service Foundation, friends and family of Richard Hoeschen, Manitoba Blue Cross and the St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre.

Mr. Richard Hoeschen

History of Award

The Manitoba Medical Service Foundation (MMSF) and the St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre (SBRC) sponsor this award annually in the name of Richard Hoeschen to commemorate his creative and innovative spirit. The award is currently valued at $4,000 annually with $2,000 contributed by MMSF and $2,000 contributed by SBRC. The contributions are approved annually by the respective Boards, with each organization administering their contributions directly to the University of Manitoba. Together, the MMSF and SBRC have contributed $72,000 in support of this award.

The Richard Hoeschen Memorial Award and Fund was established by the MMSF in 2003 with the first awardee named in 2004. Manitoba Blue Cross was a major contributor to the fund by matching the original donations in the amount of $10,000. Annual donations continue to be received by Richard’s friends towards this fund. Through donations and interest on investments, our combined vision is allowing this fund to extend longer than originally anticipated. It is the goal of the MMSF to maintain this fund and provide this memorial award as far into the future as possible, honouring the memory of Richard Hoeschen.

Richard Hoeschen was the son of Dr. Bob Hoeschen and Claire Hoeschen (daughter of Dr. MacMaster). Dr. Bob Hoeschen was the former Head of Cardiology at St. Boniface Hospital. Richard was the grandson of Dr. John C. MacMaster, who was one of the founding members of the Manitoba Medical Service Foundation.

Purpose

  • The award will commemorate the creative and innovative spirit of Richard Hoeschen.
  • The award shall contribute to the operating expenses of a BSc (Med) Supervisor at the University of Manitoba to offset operating expenses incurred for the supervision of a BSc (Med) student at the University of Manitoba.
  • The priorities might include intensive care/hematology/oncology and cardiovascular but are not restricted to these areas.
  • The BSc (Med) Committee will distribute the award(s) as they see fit.
  • The award(s) will be up to $4,000/year ($2,000 from MMSF and $2,000 from SBRC).
  • A representative of the Hoeschen family or delegate will present the award at the BSc (Med) Awards Day.
  • The Richard Hoeschen Fund will be administered by the MMSF.

Eligibility

For Supervisors without other sources of support: Any supervisor interested in applying for this award should be aware that it is intended only for those individual investigators without external grant support or access to departmental or other funds that could be used to offset expenses related to a student’s project.

Award Amount

The Richard Hoeschen Memorial award has a maximum value in the amount of $4,000 per year. The MMSF and SBRC provide matching funds for this award in the amount of $2,000 each.

The award may be shared each year, with the amount of the award to be shared equally between the successful applicants. If the award is made in the first year of a project’s life, there is no guarantee that it will be awarded again for the second year. However, if an award is made in year one (1), it can be distributed over the two (2) years of a project’s life. Any unspent funds remaining after the student completes the program will revert back, equally, to the MMSF and SBRC. The award will be dispersed through an account established by the successful applicant’s department, through the Budgets and Grants Office of the University of Manitoba.

Please note that the award may not be used as a top-up for a student's stipend.

Candidate Selection

The BSc (Med) Awards Selection Committee will review all completed applications and select the appropriate candidate on a yearly basis. The award funding may be deferred if no appropriate applicant is selected.

Application Package

To apply, supervisors should send a letter as an email attachment to the BSc (Med) program coordinator at the University of Manitoba.

The following will be required as part of the candidate’s application package:

  • Student’s name and presenting year
  • Brief summary of the project
  • The amount requested (up to $4,000)
  • Outline of how the funds will be spent (budget)
  • Statement that neither the supervisor nor co-supervisor holds a research grant or has access to an appropriate level of funding for a student’s project

Governance

The BSc (Med) Awards Committee is chaired by the BSc (Med) coordinator and consists of three individuals. The BSc (Med) Committee will distribute the award(s) as they see fit.

Basic Health Sciences Awards PhD and MSc

To recognize research excellence by graduating students in the Basic Health Sciences.

To date $58,000 has been contributed to these awards.

The MMSF Undergraduate and Graduate Student Research Awards

The Foundation currently offers nine undergraduate awards to BSc Medicine students and up to three awards to recognize research excellence by graduating students in the basic health sciences (MSc and PhD awards). Two undergraduate awards are in memory of Morris Neaman, one in memory of Dr. Norman and Margaret Corne and one each in memory of Dr. Jack Wilt, Mr. Justice Wilson, Dr. F. W. Du Val, Dr. L. Israels, Dr. W. D. Bowman and Dr. J. C. Haworth.

The winners of the undergraduate awards are chosen by a four-member prize committee chaired by the BSc Medicine Coordinator at the College of Medicine. The decisions are based on students' written reports after completing the first or second summer's work and their supervisors' supporting letters.

MMSF Morris Neaman Memorial Award

Mr. Morris Neaman was associated with the Manitoba Medical Service for many years. In 1972, he became the first Chair of the Board of MMSF and remained in that position until his death in 1974. In 1974 the Board initiated a memorial fund in his name with a donation and solicited donations from the public. The interest from the capital has been used since 1990 to perpetuate his memory in two annual undergraduate awards for excellence and outstanding promise in research during the first summer of the BSc Medicine program.

To date $61,750 has been contributed to this award.

MMSF Dr. Norman and Margaret Corne Memorial Award

Dr. Norman Corne was one of the founders of MMSF and Honorary President for many years. The Margaret Corne Memorial Fund was initiated by the friends of Dr. and Mrs. Corne in 1973. Dr. Corne wished the interest generated by the donated capital to be used to memorialize his deceased wife by granting scholarships or awards. After the death of Dr. Corne in 1992, the fund was renamed the Dr. Norman and Margaret Corne Memorial Fund. The interest has provided an annual award to a BSc Medicine student since 1990.

To date $28,950 has been contributed to this award.

MMSF Dr. Jack C. Wilt Memorial Award

Dr. Jack C. Wilt served on the MMSF Board intermittently from 1973 until his death in 1989. A former Chair of Medical Microbiology, a medical administrator, and distinguished researcher at the University of Manitoba, Dr. Wilt brought considerable research and administrative experience to the Board. This award is supported by the Manitoba Medical Service Foundation.

To date $28,950 has been contributed to this award.

MMSF Justice J. Wilson Memorial Award

The Honorable James Edward Wilson died in 1989 after 16 years of service on the MMSF Board. His contribution was notable for the provision of quick and apparently easy evaluation of difficult problems facing the Foundation. In 1992, the Board established an award in memory of Mr. Justice Wilson for his important contributions over many years. This award is supported by MMSF funds.

To date $28,950 has been contributed to this award.

MMSF Dr. F. W. Du Val Memorial Award

Dr. F. W. Du Val

Dr. Fred W. Du Val served on the Foundation Board from April 14, 1976 until his death in May 2002. He was a Surgeon and Director on the Foundation Board. He also served as Chair and Director of the Manitoba Blue Cross Board. This award is supported through MMSF.

To date $18,000 has been contributed to this award.

MMSF Dr. Lyonel Israels Memorial Award

Dr. L. Israels

Dr. Lyonel Israels served on the Foundation Board from May 1988 until his death in September 2003. He was a Physician specializing in diseases of the blood. He was the former Director of the Manitoba Cancer Treatment & Research Foundation and holder of the Order of Canada. This Award is funded by the Manitoba Medical Service Foundation.

To date $22,000 has been contributed to this award.

MMSF Dr. William D. Bowman Memorial Award

Dr. W. Bowman

Dr. Bowman was a member of the Board of Directors of the Manitoba Medical Service Foundation from 1973 to 2007. Dr. Bowman retired due to illness after 34 years of dedicated service to the Foundation and passed away on March 2, 2011. He dedicated his life to children and became a renowned paediatric specialist. In 1955 he established the Department of Paediatrics at the Manitoba Clinic. Dr. Bowman was a member of the medical staff of the Children’s Hospital of Winnipeg and of the Grace General Hospital of Winnipeg. He served for several years as president of the medical staff in both hospitals. Dr. Bowman was active in paediatric teaching at the University of Manitoba. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Manitoba Blue Cross from 1972 to 1997 and also Chair of the Manitoba Blue Cross Board for many years.

To date $11,000 has been contributed to this award.

MMSF Dr. James C. Haworth Memorial Award

Dr. James C. Haworth

In September 2014, the Foundation approved the MMSF Dr. James C. Haworth Memorial Award for excellence. Dr. James (Jim) Haworth was a member of the Board of Directors of the Manitoba Medical Service Foundation for twenty years. He acted as Executive Director from 1995 - 2004 and was an active member of the Board from 1988 thru 2008. Dr. Haworth passed away on July 16, 2014.

To date $8,000 has been contributed to this award.

BSc Medicine Summer Student Program

The BSc (Med) program was formally introduced in 1948 under the direction of Dr. Joe Doupe. It’s a two-year course designed to provide medical students an opportunity to engage in original research, either basic or clinical, under the supervision of a member of the College of Medicine. The specific aim is to develop skills in experimental design, hypothesis testing, critical evaluation of data, and effective communication of findings.

The program runs for 13 weeks during the summer breaks after first year and second year medical school. All students receive stipendiary support, presently $7,500 annually. Stipend support, from all donors, is distributed evenly between the students enrolled in the program. The MMSF is a major contributor to the support of these students in the amount of $50,000 annually. Since 1974 the MMSF has contributed over $1,757,050 to the BSc Medicine Summer Student Program.

The MMSF is proud of its ongoing support of the program and commends each student on expanding their research skills and knowledge.

BSc Dentistry Summer Student Program

Alex Serebnitski, Dental Student

The Bachelor of Science in Dentistry Summer Student Program in the College of Dentistry encourages interested dental students to undertake research during their undergraduate careers. The MMSF is a major contributor of funding for this program.

The specific aim is for students to acquire knowledge and skills in research design and methodology, including experimental design, hypothesis testing, critical evaluation of data, and effective communication of findings. Through active participation in a research program, the students are given the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to apply scientific knowledge to dental practices and to develop an interest in dental research. The student carries out research in either the basic sciences or in a clinical area under the supervision of a faculty member.

The program lasts for two summer terms and runs during the summer breaks after first and second year dental school. All students receive stipendiary support, presently $5,000.

The MMSF currently provides stipendiary support to this program. Since 1994 the MMSF has contributed $560,000 to this program.

After the second summer term and completion of their research, each student is required to make an oral presentation and to submit a final report. In addition, the program provides the student with an additional qualification that will serve to facilitate entry by the graduate into various advanced degree and specialty programs.

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