Dermatology resident wins major leadership award
September 17, 2009 - (Edmonton) Andrei Metelitsa comes from a family of dermatologists. His grandfather was a well-known skin doctor in Russia and his mother worked as a pediatric dermatologist. He clearly has had no problem filling those big shoes though, as he recently won the prestigious Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada Resident leadership award. There were 33 nominees in all medical resident specialties and he was one of only two chosen across Canada.
"When I found out I was nominated I was very honoured but I didn't think I had a chance," said Metelitsa. "I am extremely excited to win this very prestigious leadership award."
It's no wonder he picked up the award. During the first four years of his residency he sat as co-chair of the Canadian Dermatology Residents and Fellows Society, has done a number of lectures for pharmacy and nursing students, co-authored a dermatology book, completed two published studies and has made over 40 scientific presentations, among many other accomplishments.
This is likely why Metelitsa, chief dermatology resident at the University of Alberta Hospital, has won 30 awards during his time at university, nine this year alone, including:
· American Society for Dermatologic Surgery scholarship award;
· Victor D. Newcomer Young Investigator award for best research project;
· Canadian Dermatology Association Residents and Fellows Society Resident Teaching
Award, for outstanding medical student teaching; and the
· American Contact Dermatitis Society Mentoring Award, among others.
"The U of A dermatology program is very strong and the faculty has been extremely supportive of all my research and academic pursuits during my residency," said Metelitsa.
Metelitsa, who immigrated to Canada from Russia when he was 14, is in his final year of his residency and will graduate in June 2010. He will continue his work, which is mainly surrounding skin cancer, and with his track record it's likely he'll pick up a few more awards along the way. But what matters to Metelitsa is that he's found a path in life he is truly passionate about.
"We see a great number of patients each day and are able to help most of them, so it is a very gratifying profession for both dermatologists and patients."
