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Medicine graduate Luam Araya recognized for their leadership.

º£½ÇÉçÇø medicine graduate Luam Araya received the first ever Black Excellence Medical Education Convocating Award this summer.

Araya, an active member of the Black Medical Students’ Association, helped organize outreach programs and mentorship initiatives throughout their time in medical school, including the highly successful Community Health Fair put on by the BMSA for underserved communities in Edmonton. Araya's efforts to advocate for equity in medicine left a lasting impression.

“Luam is an exemplary student, advocate, student leader and colleague,” says Eniola Salami, Black Health Lead and assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine. “Their approach to clinical practice, dedicated service and commitment to community advocacy made them an excellent choice for the award. They will make an excellent physician.”

“The aim of this award is to recognize convocating Black medical students for their achievements and dedication to scholastic and clinical excellence,” adds Salami.

“Given the systemic barriers Black medical students face both in admissions, medical education and clinical practice, it is critical that we take time to recognize and celebrate those who have surmounted these real and present challenges.”

The award also serves as inspiration for prospective Black students to enter medicine and see a place for themselves in the medical program at the º£½ÇÉçÇø.

The new award is one of three launched by the MD program in 2025 to support and celebrate Black students. The other two Black Excellence Medical Education awards will be presented in the 2025-26 academic year – an Entrance Award and Education Award for students who identify as Black with satisfactory academic standing and indicated financial need.

There are hopes to expand the program in the future.

“Simply put, there is a place for you here,” says Salami. “I would encourage Black students to become a part of our vibrant and expanding community.”