Spotlight on CMHF Award Recipient: Dr. Whalen-Browne
Whalen-Browne, MD, is a Family Physician and the Medical Director and Co-Founder of the New Canadians Health Centre, Edmonton’s first refugee health centre. She also serves as Program Director for the Health Equity Enhanced Skills Program and Domain Lead for Health Equity at the University of Calgary. In addition, Dr. Whalen-Browne continues her clinical work at the Birth Control Centre, where she provides compassionate care with a focus on access, inclusion, and advocacy for vulnerable populations.
When Dr. Whalen-Browne reflects on receiving the CMHF Award, she describes the experience simply: “Feeling honoured and grateful.” For her, the recognition affirmed her dedication to advancing health equity and delivering front-line care that directly responds to the needs of her community. “It furthered my passion for health equity and delivering front-line care that addresses the needs of my community,” she says.
Dr. Whalen-Browne's work continues to be deeply grounded in equity and service. As a family physician, leader, and educator, she strives to bridge gaps in care for newcomers and underserved groups, ensuring that the health system becomes more responsive to everyone it serves.
Her message to today’s CMHF Award recipients is warm and encouraging: “Congratulations! Have confidence in your skills and continue to use these to benefit your community.”
Dr. Whalen-Browne's career embodies the Award’s spirit — transforming gratitude into action and using medicine as a tool for inclusion, compassion, and systemic change.
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
