Growing up, Kay Wu’s hero was Roberta Bondar, Canada’s first woman in space as well as an accomplished neurologist and photographer.

It was Bondar’s trailblazing example that led to Wu, a second-year student at McMaster’s Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, being inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) for her strong leadership and communications skills.

“Like Dr. Bondar, I am passionate not only about the sciences but also the arts, I believe that the integration of the sciences and the humanities provides a fantastic approach to creatively tackle complex problems,” said Wu in her acceptance video.

“Receiving the Canadian (Medical) Hall of Fame award is an affirmation of the value of my work and more importantly as a testament to my incredible support system, my friends, family and mentors. I am so thankful for them, and I would not be where I am today without them.”

Bondar was inducted into the CMHF in 1998, and she was the recipient who Wu said inspired her the most in the 1,000-word essay she had to submit as part of her application.

As well as her essay, Wu had to submit three letters of support and was recommended by the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Awards are given to second-year medical students with an established track record of community leadership, perseverance, superior communication skills and demonstrated interest in advancing knowledge.

Each recipient receives a cash prize of $5,000 and a travel subsidy to attend the 2022 Canadian Medical Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Ottawa, where they will have the opportunity to meet CMHF Laureates and interact with health leaders from across the country.

“I am thrilled to be selected for this honour and am tremendously grateful for the support of my mentors, friends, and family,” said Wu.

“I promise to continue to lead with integrity and to use my creativity and expertise to make a positive impact in the health innovation space and beyond.”