The Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA) honoured outstanding leadership in the province’s medical community by presenting three awards on Friday during its 2024 Fall Representative Assembly.

The SMA annually presents Physician, Resident and Student Leader of the Year awards at the Fall RA, which was held Oct. 25-26 in Regina. The recipients are:

2024 Physician Leader of the Year: Dr. Marilyn Baetz
2024 Resident Leader of the Year: Dr. Adedamola Bello
2024 Student Leader of the Year: Brock Weston

Dr. Marilyn Baetz – 2024 Physician Leader of the Year

Dr. Marilyn Baetz is honoured and grateful to be selected as the 2024 SMA Physician Leader of the Year Award.

“I am surprised and very honoured, but the foremost feeling I have is gratitude,” she said. “I am extremely thankful to the SMA not only for this award, but for bringing in opportunities for leadership training many years ago when it was just a developing field.

“The chance to train and educate myself about physician leadership using the LEADS format changed the trajectory of my career,” Dr. Baetz continued. “It provided an amazing foundation for my leadership journey that I otherwise would not have been prepared for. My career has given me the incredible opportunity to serve physicians and see them grow and develop into leaders themselves, and work with them at the system level as well, which has been immensely gratifying.”

Dr. Baetz is a professor in the College of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, and was the Department Head and Provincial Department Head from 2010 to 2019. Dr. Baetz’s other leadership roles have included her current position as Vice Dean of Faculty Engagement and as Interim Dean of the college.

Dr. Baetz completed her undergraduate and postgraduate training at the University of Saskatchewan, joining the College of Medicine and Saskatoon District Health in 1998. Throughout her leadership roles, she has continued to work in mood and anxiety disorders with a special interest in maternal mental health.

One of her nominators calls Dr. Baetz “a transformational leader who remains approachable and responsive.” She coaches and encourages physician leaders of all levels of experience, bringing physicians together to find pragmatic solutions to their issues. She has inspired, motivated, supported, and encouraged physicians while they start out and continue on their leadership journeys.

As Interim Dean, Dr. Baetz strengthened connections with university administration and with faculty, staff, and students. She has celebrated the academic accomplishments of physicians through recognition events. She collaborated with the SMA and Continuing Medical Education on a peer-to-peer model of well-being training. She is chair of the College Review Committee, mentoring faculty through the tenure and promotions process. Her support for the Canadian Certified Physician Executive designation has highlighted the importance of physician leadership and influenced many physicians.

“To me, this award reinforces the importance of providing physicians leadership training and opportunities in the clinical and academic realms,” Dr. Baetz said. “I have seen the positive impact of our leaders on their departments, units, patients, and the health system at large, and for the SMA to acknowledge physician leadership in our province is very gratifying and rewarding.”

A nominator says Dr. Baetz is a role model for many physicians in Saskatchewan, “and perhaps particularly so for female physicians. Dr. Baetz is a visible exemplary leader who is driven to serve others through her expertise and competencies as a leader, which is grounded in her strong foundation of personal and professional values.”

Dr. Adedamola Bello – 2024 Resident Leader of the Year

Dr. Adedamola Bello, a second-year internal medicine resident, has been honoured with the 2024 SMA Resident Leader of the Year Award.

Known for his compassionate leadership, commitment to patient care, and dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive medical environment, Dr. Bello has made a lasting impact on both his colleagues and the broader community.

As vice-president of Resident Doctors of Saskatchewan, Dr. Bello has earned a reputation for his approachability and genuine investment in the growth of others. He often mentors medical students and residents, providing guidance on complex clinical cases and offering career advice. His efforts go far beyond clinical practice as he works to ensure that those around him feel empowered and valued. He is currently piloting a national gastroenterology mentorship program designed to help residents network and advance their careers in this competitive field. 

“Whether it’s organizing review sessions, providing feedback on presentations, or offering advice during rotations, his commitment to teaching and mentorship is unwavering,” noted one of his nominators. 

“Dr. Bello constantly finds new ways to not only improve our residency experience but also provide the best quality care to our patients, which I believe is part of what makes him a stand-out leader,” said another nominator.

Dr. Bello’s dedication to advancing gastroenterology has not gone unnoticed. He was recently selected for the prestigious Canadian Association of Gastroenterologists’ Scholars Program, recognizing his potential to shape the future of the field.

Outside of his academic and clinical pursuits, Dr. Bello is deeply involved in community service. He works closely with NotJustYou, a sickle cell support organization, helping to raise awareness, provide education, and organize stem cell drives to address the critical shortage of donors in marginalized communities.

A resident colleague aptly summarized Dr. Bello’s impact: “His leadership extends beyond his actions. It’s ingrained in the culture of camaraderie, mutual respect, and excellence that he consistently cultivates among residents.”

Reflecting on his recognition, Dr. Bello humbly acknowledged that the award represents more than personal achievement: “To me, it represents the values of mentorship, collaboration, and advocacy that are at the heart of our profession. Leadership in medicine is a commitment to supporting others, improving patient care, and fostering a culture of mutual respect and mentorship. I am especially thankful for the incredible colleagues, mentors, and patients who have shaped this journey. Together, we create lasting change, and I look forward to continuing that work.”

Brock Weston – 2024 Student Leader of the Year

Brock Weston, a fourth-year University of Saskatchewan medical student, is the 2024 SMA Student Leader of the Year.

“I want express immense gratitude for the recognition of this award, and equally as important, a thank you and congratulations to those other nominees for being advocates, leaders, and passionate learners,” he said.

“This award signifies the value that collective efforts and the potential that can arise from shared initiative and common goals. None of this would have been possible for me without the support of my fellow students, mentors, administrators, and physician leaders who worked collectively to identify these areas of need and find plausible and applicable solutions.

“I’m forever grateful for the support and shared passion for improving care for our patients and education for our learners.”

Weston has supported his student peers while making valuable contributions to the wider medical community. “What sets Brock apart is his unwavering enthusiasm for family medicine,” a nominator says. “His passion for this specialty is contagious, inspiring both his peers and mentors alike. Brock consistently goes above and beyond, showcasing a genuine interest in the holistic care of patients and a commitment to the principles of family medicine.”

Weston was instrumental in planning and recruiting Year 1 students to attend the annual Launch FM. He attended monthly Undergraduate Education Meetings, providing a strong voice for students. He worked with the Department of Academic Family Medicine on a new event called Family Medicine in Action, which allowed medical students in both Saskatoon and Regina a chance to tour the family medicine units at both sites and engage with family physicians and residents. He was also a co-coordinator for Dinner with the Docs in 2023.

Weston has worked with the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP) on 2SLGBTQ+ resources, developing a CME-accredited learning program for CAEP members. He is a former Family Medicine Club co-president and was formerly the medical student representative on the Saskatchewan College of Family Physicians (SCFP) board.

“When I take on roles like those with the Family Medicine Club, SCFP, CAEP, and others, it isn’t for recognition, it’s for the experience to learn from physician leaders in unique settings, such as provincial governance,” he said. “It’s also a great opportunity to meet other health care students and work together to improve our ongoing experience in medical education. Receiving the recognition is such an honour to know that the passion I put into the work is recognized.”

As a nominator says: “He is an exceptional advocate for primary care in Saskatchewan and utilizes his position as a medical student to lead change that affects the lives of both patients and health care workers across our province.”

Brock Weston photo by Dave Stobbe/Stobbe Photo)