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Al-Amin Ahamed, a doctor of pharmacy candidate at the University of Toronto's Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, has been named a , joining the fourth cohort of recipients of the scholarship.

McCall MacBain Scholars are selected based on evidence of exceptional character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength and intellectual curiosity. They are provided access to a fully funded master’s or professional degree at McGill University, mentorship and a comprehensive leadership program.

Ahamed will pursue a master of public policy in the hopes of advancing health equity in drug policy.

As an undergraduate student at U of T, Ahamed served as social innovation ambassador, orientation co-ordinator and residence don at Innis College. Upon returning to U of T for their second degree, they continued to gain leadership and governance experience, serving as vice-president, professional faculties of the U of T Students’ Union and president of the Undergraduate Pharmacy Society. They also served as president of the PharmaPride club, working to advance equity, diversity and inclusion in health care.

“Words alone cannot articulate what this scholarship means to me. Growing up in a first-generation immigrant household, I never felt that these types of opportunities were meant for people like me,” Ahamed said. “Becoming a McCall MacBain Scholar has transformed my life by making graduate education an accessible reality for me and my family.”

Four other U of T students and one alum received McCall MacBain Awards:  

McCall MacBain Finalist Award for use at McGill University 

• Tamara Altarac (Woodsworth College)
• William Lloyd (Trinity College)  
• Jacob Kates Rose (University College, 2020) 

McCall MacBain Regional Award for use at a Canadian public university 

• Muhammad Ansar (U of T Scarborough)
• Yomni Makonnen Tesfaye (U of T Scarborough)