Spotlight on CMHF Award Recipient: Dr. David Chapman
We are proud to feature Dr. David Chapman, BSc MSc MD FRCSC, Assistant Professor of Urology at the University of Alberta and 2015 University of Alberta CMHF Award Recipient.
Dr. Chapman recently completed advanced training in reconstructive urology and joined the University of Alberta faculty, where he provides expert care for people with complex pelvic floor and lower urinary tract dysfunction—including pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and complications arising from childbirth, cancer treatment, or prior surgery. His clinical practice integrates leading-edge techniques such as robot-assisted pelvic reconstruction, sacral nerve stimulation, and comprehensive management of neurogenic bladder conditions.
An accomplished clinician-researcher, Dr. Chapman is launching a clinical trial to evaluate a novel ambulatory urodynamic device that measures bladder behaviour during daily activities—helping tailor therapies to each patient’s needs. His academic work focuses on improving diagnosis, aligning treatment with patients’ goals, and studying outcomes after treatment-related genitourinary injuries. Dedicated to education, he mentors residents and medical students, emphasizing deliberate practice, clinical reasoning, and evidence-based care.
Reflecting on the CMHF Award
Dr. Chapman still remembers exactly where he was when the news arrived. He had been setting up an annual event he started in memory of a close friend who died of melanoma, and the announcement came just before he was due to MC the event. “At the time, this was a very daunting task, and I was very nervous about public speaking. I remember being more comfortable than I have ever been in that setting. It gave me a boost in confidence,” he recalls.
Evolving Passion for Medicine
Over the past decade, his passion has both deepened and broadened. “I moved from answering specific lab questions to caring for people at the bedside—and working to improve the system that serves them,” he says. Dr. Chapman and his division are focused on improving care across Alberta’s 2.5-million-person catchment area through clearer care pathways, team-based clinics, smarter telehealth use, and data-informed tools that support — not replace — clinical judgment, including the thoughtful application of artificial intelligence.
The Award's Impact
The CMHF Award arrived at a formative moment, and its effects were both practical and psychological. “Financially, it helped offset the costs of training and freed time to pursue research and other experiences rather than additional part-time work. That space let me build skills in outcomes research and quality improvement, present at meetings, and seek mentorship that ultimately shaped my path toward subspecialty training in reconstructive urology,” he explains. “Equally important was the psychological boost. Recognition for this award reframed self-doubt as growth and motivated me. In short, the award didn’t dictate my plans, but it accelerated them.”
Advice for Current CMHF Award Recipients
Dr. Chapman urges new recipients to invest in experiences that expand their skills and networks. “Use the award to fund experiences, not things. Prioritize travel for electives/site visits and conferences; these expand your skills, expose you to new ideas, and connect you with mentors. If a research position is underfunded, use the award to close the gap so you can focus on high-quality work instead of extra shifts.”
Opportunities Resulting from the Award
Beyond the immediate financial support, the award enabled Dr. Chapman to dedicate time to research and attend conferences he otherwise might have missed. “This award enabled me to dedicate time to research and attend conferences that I otherwise would not have gone to. I have stayed in touch with one Laureate as we completed our residency in the same city,” he says.
Dr. Chapman’s career exemplifies how the CMHF Award can open doors—empowering emerging physicians to deepen their expertise, pursue innovation, and build connections that elevate both their practice and the patients they serve.
About the CMHF
The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) celebrates Canadian heroes whose work advances health in Canada and the world, fostering future generations of health professionals through the delivery of local and national youth education programs and awards.
This enduring tribute to our country’s rich medical history is showcased here and in our physical exhibit hall in London, ON
