NBMS Order of Merit

In recognition of a physician who has made an outstanding commitment and contribution to the profession.

Dr. Claus Schaus
Fredericton

Dr. Claus Schaus, for his extraordinary contribution to vascular surgery and patient care in New Brunswick, is a most deserving recipient of the 2026 NBMS Order of Merit.

Dr. Schaus has been practising vascular and general surgery in Fredericton since 1995, serving patients at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital and supporting vascular care across the province. Throughout his 28-year career, he provided solo vascular surgery service for much of the Fredericton region while delivering specialized care to patients from across New Brunswick. His commitment to advancing vascular care led to the establishment of the hospital’s first blood flow laboratory and wound care clinic, significantly improving the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of patients with complex vascular conditions.

In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Schaus was dedicated to teaching and mentorship. He worked closely with surgical residents from Dalhousie, Memorial, and McGill Universities, emphasizing meticulous surgical technique and the importance of careful attention to detail in achieving the best possible patient outcomes.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Schaus enjoys landscaping and gardening, sports, golf, and travel. He would like to thank his wife, Karen, and his office administrator, Janice McNeill, for their selfless support and dedication to patient care. He also extends his gratitude to the many nurses, radiology technologists, colleagues, and operating room staff who contributed to the success of his surgical practice, as well as Dr. Gordon Plummer for his dedication and loyalty assisting in the operating room for 25 years.

Dr. Édouard Hendriks Rural Community Physician Award

In recognition of a rural practicing physician who has made an outstanding contribution to the health of individuals, to various community groups, and/or to non-profit organizations in rural communities.

Dr. Jonathan Clayton
Stanley

Dr. Jonathan Clayton, for his leadership in rural family medicine and dedication to relationship-based care in small communities, is a most deserving recipient of the 2026 Dr. Édouard Hendriks Rural Community Physician Award.

Dr. Clayton has been practising family medicine in the Stanley and Nashwaak rural community of New Brunswick since 2012. He founded and sustained a shared primary care practice that has provided comprehensive, continuous care for nearly ten years. In a community that has historically faced recruitment challenges, Dr. Clayton has created a durable model of care focused on patient relationships, continuity, and collaboration. His clinical experience extends across New Brunswick through locum work in URVH, Fredericton, Minto, and Fredericton Junction. Outside of the province, Dr. Clayton has practices in Fernie and Dawson Creek, British Columbia, as well as expedition medicine work in Nepal, Tanzania, Peru, and Argentina.

Dr. Clayton is committed to community engagement and the outdoors. He enjoys rural land stewardship, traditional timber building, wilderness exploration, biking, travel, recreational sports, and family storytelling. He also volunteers locally through the recreation centre board, supporting biking and running events, managing sports teams, and participating in community clean-up initiatives.

Dr. Clayton would like to thank his colleagues, Drs. Engelhardt, Persaud, Quaye, Price, and MacDonald, for their collaboration and support in building the shared practice. He is grateful to his family, Katie and Maeve, and to the dedicated staff of the clinic. He also acknowledges the late nurse manager, Charlene Merrill, whose leadership and commitment to patient care helped establish the foundation of their practice.

Humanitarian Award

In recognition of a physician who has demonstrated a humanitarian spirit through volunteer work, advocacy, leadership and/or philanthropy in their community or around the world.

Dr. Edward (Ed) Doherty
Saint John

Dr. Edward (Ed) Doherty, for his compassion and dedication to improving access to care for vulnerable populations, is a most deserving recipient of the 2026 NBMS Humanitarian Award.

Dr. Doherty practised ophthalmology in Saint John from 1983 to 2018. Throughout his career, he was dedicated to preserving sight and improving quality of life for patients from all walks of life. This included children, newcomers to Canada, individuals experiencing homelessness, and patients seeking specialized care. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Doherty also demonstrated leadership in advancing medical education in New Brunswick. During his time as a Cabinet member in the Government of New Brunswick, he played a key role in bringing Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick to the province. His work helped establish new opportunities for medical training and supported the development of future generations of physicians in New Brunswick.

Beyond his practice, Dr. Doherty has demonstrated a deep commitment to humanitarian service. As a medical student, he completed an elective at Princess Margaret Hospital in Morant Bay, Jamaica. Under the auspices of Rotary International, he and a colleague, Dr. John McNicholas, volunteered their time running outreach clinics on the island of Dominica. Today, Dr. Doherty continues to serve vulnerable populations through his work in the clinic at the Peter McKee Community Food Centre in Moncton, providing eye care to individuals experiencing homelessness or who lack insurance and cannot afford glasses.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Doherty enjoys sailing, handcycling, cross-country skiing, swimming, and salmon fishing. He is also actively involved in politics and adaptive sailing programs for individuals with disabilities.

Dr. Doherty would like to thank Pierre Landry, Optician, who established the clinic at the Peter McKee Community Food Centre in Moncton and helped arrange donations of hundreds of frames and lenses for patients in need. He also extends his gratitude to the retired ophthalmologists and optometrists who donated equipment to the clinic, and to the pharmaceutical companies that have provided medications for those who would otherwise go without care.

NBMS Wellness Award

In recognition of a physician who has demonstrated exemplary leadership, commitment, and dedication in promoting physician wellness within the medical community.

Dr. Marie-Pier Côté
Edmundston

Dr. Marie-Pier Côté, for her demonstrated exemplary leadership, commitment, and dedication in promoting physician wellness within the medical community, is a most deserving recipient of the 2026 NBMS Wellness Award.

Dr. Côté has been practising Emergency Medicine in Edmundston since 2012.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Côté has become an integral part of the Emergency Department team at the Edmundston Regional Hospital and feels incredibly valued and supported by her fellow doctors, nurses and floor staff, both in patient care and team dynamic.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Côté enjoys practising and teaching yoga, meditation, outdoor activities, cooking, and swimming with whales.

Dr. Côté would like to thank her husband, Dr. Dominic Dallaire for supporting her physician well-being projects over the years and helping her stay centered.

Dr. Garfield Moffatt Teaching Award – Centre de formation médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick

In recognition of a physician for their outstanding contributions to improving physician and/or patient education.

Dr. Michel Landry
Moncton

Dr. Michel Landry, for his outstanding contributions to improving physician and/or patient education, is a most deserving recipient of the 2026 Garfield Moffatt Teaching Award.

Dr. Landry has been practising family medicine in Dieppe, Moncton and Elsipogtog since 1985. In addition to his clinical work, a few of Dr. Landry’s many medical accomplishments include working as a professor at the Université de Sherbrooke since 1987, being a clinical supervisor for medical students and residents for 35 years, and serving as the Director of the Francophone Family Medicine Residency Program from 1998 to 2014. During this time, he has opened and accredited clinical rotation sites in Edmundston (emergency residency rotation), Campbellton (emergency department rotation), Bathurst (3-month rotation in the outpatient unit; 1 month in the emergency department; perinatal rotation) and the Acadian Peninsula (mandatory rural medicine rotation & emergency department rotation).

Outside of medicine, Dr. Landry enjoys playing sports including golf, cycling, and pickleball. Dr. Landry also loves to travel and watch movies.

Dr. Landry would like to highlight that these accomplishments would not be possible without his wife Judy, and his children Kerri and Crystal. Dr. Landry would also like to thank his colleagues in the Family Medicine Unit and at the CFMNB for their unwavering support over the years.

Dr. Garfield Moffatt Teaching Award – Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick

In recognition of a physician for their outstanding contributions to improving physician and/or patient education.

Dr. Wendy Stewart
Saint John

Dr. Wendy Stewart, for her dedication to medical education and her leadership in paediatric neurology, is a most deserving recipient of the 2026 Dr. Garfield Moffatt Teaching Award.

Dr. Stewart has been practising paediatric neurology in New Brunswick for more than 20 years, with her office based in Hampton. Throughout her career, she has provided care for children with neurological disorders from across the province, offering regular travelling clinics in Moncton and previously providing outreach clinics in Miramichi, Tracadie, and Bathurst. Prior to coming to New Brunswick, Dr. Stewart completed locum work in Nova Scotia and practised in Maine for three years following her fellowship at the IWK.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Stewart is deeply committed to medical education. She completed a master’s degree in medical education with distinction from the University of Dundee in Scotland, bringing the knowledge and expertise gained through this work to her teaching and leadership roles at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick and across the province. She is passionate about empowering patients, families, learners, and colleagues, and is known for her creative approaches to teaching that make knowledge meaningful and accessible, including integrating the humanities into medical education.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Stewart enjoys music, biking, kayaking, and reading. A classically trained accordionist, she plays in two bands and volunteers by performing music in nursing homes. She serves as a board member for BeeMeKidz and NB Copes.

Dr. Stewart would like to thank Dr. John Steeves for his support and for providing opportunities to become deeply involved in medical education in New Brunswick. She also extends her gratitude to her colleagues at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick and Dalhousie University, whose shared passion for teaching has made medical education an especially meaningful part of her career.

Dr. Donald Morgan Physician Leadership Award

In recognition of a physician who demonstrates excellence in the medical profession and whose actions are a source of inspiration for other physicians, be it clinical medicine, research, or organizational medicine.

Dr. Dalton Dickinson
Fredericton

Dr. Dalton Dickinson, for his leadership in orthopaedic surgery, medical education, and community service, is a most deserving recipient of the 2026 Dr. Donald Morgan Physician Leadership Award.

Dr. Dickinson practised family medicine in Marysville from 1971 to 1974 and served the Fredericton area as an orthopaedic surgeon from 1979 to 2019. Over the course of his career, he made a lasting contribution to the profession through decades of teaching and mentorship, working closely with family medicine residents and medical students to share his surgical expertise and emphasize thoughtful patient communication. His mentorship and patient-centered approach influenced many trainees, with several choosing to pursue orthopaedic surgery, an enduring reflection of his leadership and the impact he has had on physicians in New Brunswick.

Beyond medicine, Dr. Dickinson has demonstrated remarkable dedication to volunteerism and community engagement. For more than 25 years, he has supported newcomer and refugee families in Fredericton from Syria, Ukraine, and several African countries. He has also provided orthopaedic teaching and surgical assistance in Haiti and co-founded the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) program in New Brunswick, where he served as a volunteer coordinator from 1984 to 1991, delivering trauma training courses across Fredericton, Saint John, and Moncton. He has also supported environmental stewardship through the New Brunswick Federation of Woodlot Owners, serving as both a member and board member.

Today, Dr. Dickinson enjoys many outdoor hobbies and remains passionate about climate change and forest health. He especially cherishes spending time with his nine very active grandchildren. He would like to thank Principal Stanley Brown, whose encouragement helped him pursue higher education, and Clarence Felderhof, whose pragmatic encouragement inspired Dr. Dickinson to pursue medical school.

Distinguished Service Award

In recognition of a physician for their exceptional long-standing service to the NBMS and District Medical Societies.

Dr. Ben Hoyt
Fredericton

Dr. Ben Hoyt, for his leadership in advancing physician practice and his dedication to patient care across New Brunswick, is a most deserving recipient of the 2026 NBMS Distinguished Service Award.

Dr. Hoyt has practised otolaryngology – head and neck surgery in Fredericton, Oromocto, Grand Falls, and Edmundston since 2003. Throughout his career, he has provided expert care to his patients, while actively improving access to specialized services across the province. His commitment to high-quality patient care has contributed significantly to the health and well-being of countless patients in New Brunswick.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Hoyt has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the medical community. He served as head of the NBMS Negotiations Committee, successfully securing the largest investment in physician services in the province’s history. This landmark agreement is expected to strengthen recruitment and retention, particularly in primary care. His work exemplifies the impact that physician leadership can have on the broader health-care system, ensuring that both physicians and patients benefit from thoughtful and effective policies.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Hoyt enjoys traveling with his wife, watching his children grow into thriving young adults, and flying his airplane. Dr. Hoyt would like to thank his family for their unwavering support during the many hours devoted to extra-clinical work and his ENT colleagues in Fredericton, who ensured that patient care remained uninterrupted while he focused on his additional responsibilities regarding the Physician Service Agreement.

Iype/Wilfred Resident Award

In recognition of a resident physician who has demonstrated outstanding achievements during their residency training in New Brunswick. More specifically this award recognizes achievements in research, professionalism, compassion and caring.

Dr. Suraj Mahida
Saint John

Dr. Suraj Mahida, for his leadership and dedication as a resident physician, is a most deserving recipient of the 2026 Iype Wilfred Resident Award.

Dr. Mahida has been training in gastroenterology and internal medicine since 2022, completing his internal medicine residency in Saint John and continuing his gastroenterology residency in Halifax. He has demonstrated exceptional clinical skill, judgment, and commitment to patient care. As Chief and Lead Resident in Saint John, he guided a diverse team of residents and medical learners, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. His mentorship strengthened the residency program and supported the professional growth of his colleagues.

Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Mahida has contributed to the community and the well-being of patients and families. He volunteers with the YMCA First Friend program, assisting new immigrants as they navigate health-care access in Saint John. His commitment to clinical excellence and community service reflects the values of the medical profession.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Mahida enjoys traveling with his fiancée Gabrielle, exploring destinations including Switzerland, the United Kingdom, France, and Norway. He is also an avid volleyball player.

Dr. Mahida would like to thank Gabrielle for her constant encouragement, his parents, Jaydev and Minal, for their unwavering support, and his brother Deep for his guidance and humour. He is also grateful to his mentors, preceptors, program leadership, and colleagues at Dalhousie University in Saint John and Halifax for their support throughout his residency.

Iype/Wilfred Resident Award

In recognition of a resident physician who has demonstrated outstanding achievements during their residency training in New Brunswick. More specifically this award recognizes achievements in research, professionalism, compassion and caring.

Dr. Véronique Allain
Moncton

Dr. Véronique Allain, for her leadership and dedication as a resident physician, is a most deserving recipient of the 2026 Iype Wilfred Resident Award.

Dr. Allain has been training in family medicine since 2024, completing her residency in Moncton, and is opening her own practice in Neguac in September.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Allain is committed to providing compassionate, patient‑centered care. One of her most meaningful achievements during residency involved supporting a young widow who initially struggled to acknowledge the depth of her grief. By offering extended, unhurried sessions and creating a safe therapeutic space, Dr. Allain helped her gradually recognize her pain, prioritize her well‑being, and rebuild trust in herself. This experience reinforced Dr. Allain’s belief that family medicine is not only about treating symptoms but about guiding patients through their most vulnerable moments with patience, kindness, and compassion.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Allain enjoys spinning, reading and outdoor hikes.

Dr. Allain would like to thank her parents, Sylvette and Etienne, her brother Guillaume, her partner Antonie, and her colleagues and very dear friends Catherine, Julie and Michelle. Dr. Allain would also like to thank her primary supervisor, Dr. Annie Gagnon.

Student Leadership Award

In recognition of a medical student who has who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, commitment and dedication within and/or outside the medical community.

Cynthia Léger
Centre de formation médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick

Cynthia Léger for her leadership, advocacy, and dedication as a medical student, is a most deserving recipient of the 2026 NBMS Student Leadership Award.

Cynthia Léger is a medical student at the Centre de formation médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick and will begin her residency in July of 2026.

In addition to medical school, Cynthia co-founded a health presentation program for French-language schools in the Moncton & Dieppe area. These health presentations focus on important topics such as puberty, contraception, healthy eating, sleep, harm reduction (vaping, alcohol), and much more. Cynthia has had the opportunity to present to over 4,000 students at 10 schools in the Moncton region.

Outside of medicine, Cynthia enjoys exploring new cultures through traveling, reading and staying active through running and hiking.

Cynthia would like to thank Maude Lebreton for being her support person since she began her journey in medicine.

Student Leadership Award

In recognition of a medical student who has who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, commitment and dedication within and/or outside the medical community.

Mansa Agbaku
Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick

Mansa Agbaku, for her leadership, advocacy, and dedication as a medical student, is a most deserving recipient of the 2026 NBMS Student Leadership Award.

Mansa is a medical student at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick in Saint John. Throughout her studies, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, serving as a mentor and role model for her peers while actively engaging in student initiatives that foster collaboration, inclusion, and professional development. Her commitment to leadership extends beyond the classroom, as she continually seeks ways to improve the learning environment and support the growth of her colleagues.

Mansa’s dedication to patient-centered care and advocacy has been shaped by her longstanding involvement in healthcare and community service. She currently serves as a member of the Loch Lomond Villa Foundation Board, a position that reflects a journey that began when she first volunteered at the Villa as a high school student. Through this work, Mansa has championed dignity, autonomy, and quality of life for residents and families, applying these principles to her medical education and clinical experiences. She also brings an international perspective to her studies, with research and training experiences at McGill University in Montreal and the Medizinische Universitätsklinik in Freiburg, Germany.

Outside of medicine, Mansa enjoys softball, karaoke, and volunteering. Her commitment to leadership, mentorship, and compassionate care exemplifies the values of the medical profession and makes her a standout among her peers.

Mansa would like to thank her parents, Mercy and Eric Agbaku, for their unwavering support and sacrifices, and her partner, Thomas MacDougall, for his love and encouragement. She credits their support for giving her the strength, confidence, and resilience to pursue her medical and community leadership roles.