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SAINT JOHN, N.B. - - - The legacy of Dr. Sohrab Lutchmedial will be honoured through a new medical education scholarship, created by family and friends of the late Saint John interventional cardiologist in collaboration with The New Brunswick Medical Education Foundation, Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation and Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick.
Dr. Lutchmedial passed away suddenly in November of 2021 at the age of 52. He was a father of three who dedicated more than 20 years to the New Brunswick Heart Centre. In addition, he sat on the New Brunswick Heart and Stroke Foundation board and was the Atlantic representative with the Canadian Association of Interventional Cardiologists.
“This medical grant is a wonderful way to honour Sohrab,” said the family of the late physician in a statement. “Sohrab was a team player. He acknowledged those who worked with him in all their roles, as nurses, research assistants, and fellow colleagues. We think he would be honoured knowing this grant will help fuel the passion for education in the next generation. This grant is in his spirit as it supports many various disciplines that are necessary to provide quality medical care.”
The Scholarship
The Dr. Sohrab Lutchmedial Legacy Award is an annual scholarship that will be administered by The New Brunswick Medical Education Foundation, drawing on two initial contributions of $85,000 and $25,000 by the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation and Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick, respectively.
A return-to-service scholarship, the Lutchmedial award is intended to secure a future health care provider for New Brunswickers while easing the financial strain of its recipient. It will provide approximately $10,000 in tuition relief to its recipient for each year awarded.
New Brunswick residents accepted to an accredited Canadian medical school or enrolled in an eligible, regulated health care professional program are invited to apply for the award. The application deadline is May 31, 2023. For more information, or to apply, please visit: https://www.nbmeded.ca/scholarships.
At the request of the late physician’s family, the scholarship will be designated for eligible students who have declared interests in health-related innovation or research, and/or identify as being from or having experience in service to equity seeking groups, particularly: LGBTQIA2S+, BIPOC, and/or newcomers to Canada.
Supporting Dr. Lutchmedial’s Legacy
The administrators of the Dr. Sohrab Lutchmedial Legacy Award hope to keep the award going in perpetuity. To this end, The New Brunswick Medical Education Foundation has established an online fundraising platform for those wishing to immortalize Dr. Lutchmedial’s life and dedication to his patients, colleagues, family, and friends. For more information, or to donate, please visit: https://www.nbmeded.ca/lutchmedial.
Quotes:
“Dr. Lutchmedial had a passion for knowledge and the healthcare he provided to so many. He loved to learn, keeping up to date with the latest medical journals and practices… This medical grant is a wonderful way to honour Sohrab. Sohrab was a team player. He acknowledged those who worked with him in all their roles, as nurses, research assistants, and fellow colleagues. We think he would be honoured knowing this grant will help fuel the passion for education in the next generation. This grant is in his spirit as it supports many various disciplines that are necessary to provide quality medical care.”
Dr. Sohrab Lutchmedial’s family.
“My dad supported me through every endeavour I chose to pursue, no matter what it was. With this scholarship, I can feel great comfort in knowing that he’s able to support so many others in learning about a field he was so passionate about…He really loved his profession and chose to perfect his craft, and build up his community, but still have as much fun with it as possible along the way. This is how I will remember him, and hope others do too.”
Jonah Lutchmedial, son of Dr. Sohrab Lutchmedial
"My father was very hardworking, smart and driven, and these are all great assets in the medical field. What really defined who he was, was his compassion, kindness, and care for everyone. Growing up he always taught me that everyone is worthy of love and kindness no matter who they are, what they look like or where they come from… When I visited him at work, he always knew his patients by name, engaged in conversation beyond small talk, and made sure everyone felt comfortable and welcome. This grant brings comfort to me knowing that the healthcare system will continue to push for equality in patient care and will continue to make medical centers a safe space for everyone.”
Miriam Lutchmedial, daughter of Dr. Sohrab Lutchmedial
“Dr. Lutchmedial was a champion of evidence-based guidelines and the research that drives outstanding clinical practice. Sohrab believed in creating opportunities for innovation and the need for a diverse healthcare team to leverage their unique expertise, lived experiences, or vision. This scholarship will embody that spirit to inspire a new generation of champions.”
Dr. Keith Brunt, PhD, family friend and Associate Professor, Pharmacology, Dalhousie University
“This scholarship will have a profound impact, empowering students to pursue careers in the health sector and ultimately enhancing all New Brunswickers’ access to vital healthcare services. It has been our privilege to work with Dr. Lutchmedial’s family, the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick in this endeavor.”
Alyssa Long, Executive Director of The New Brunswick Medical Education Foundation
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Media Contacts:
Alyssa Long, Executive Director
New Brunswick Medical Education Foundation
Shannon Hunter, Vice President
Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation
Kurtis Sisk, Chief Executive Officer
Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick