A Journey from Mauritius to Medical Excellence

In a remarkable story of determination, Akhil Ramdoyal, originally hailing from Mauritius, has been awarded the prestigious Canadian Medical Hall of Fame (CMHF) award for medical students. This accolade recognizes his outstanding contributions to the field of medicine, particularly through advocacy and leadership, and celebrates his journey that began when he emigrated to Canada in 2003 in search of better opportunities.

Championing Marginalized Voices

Ramdoyal, a proud member of BIPOC and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, expressed his excitement about the recognition. "It’s been humbling to be acknowledged for my work on health issues in Manitoba. This pushes me to continue advocating for marginalized voices," he stated, emphasizing the importance of visibility and inspiration for others in similar situations.

A Cash Prize and Future Networking Opportunities

As part of the award, Ramdoyal received a $5,000 cash prize along with a travel subsidy to attend the 2026 CMHF Induction Ceremony in Calgary, Alberta, where he will connect with trailblazers in Canadian medicine.

From Geology to Medicine: Identifying Health Gaps

After earning a degree in geology from the University of Manitoba, Ramdoyal worked in remote Prairie communities, where he began to notice significant gaps in healthcare services. His experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic deepened his resolve to pursue medicine, as he witnessed the harsh realities faced by marginalized groups.

Inspired by Mentorship in the Rockies

Ramdoyal’s passion for hiking paved the way for crucial mentorship. While trekking in the Rockies, he formed bonds with doctors from Alberta Children’s Hospital, who inspired him to view medicine as a service. "Their influence ignited my desire to make a difference for those facing barriers," he shared.

Groundbreaking Research on HIV

Recently, Ramdoyal completed groundbreaking research under the guidance of Dr. Ma Luo, focusing on immune responses to HIV among women in Kenya known for their natural resistance to the virus. His work aims to contribute to the development of a T cell-based vaccine, offering hope against a virus for which no effective vaccine currently exists.

Advocacy in Action: Making an Impact

Throughout his medical education, Ramdoyal has actively worked on advocacy committees, successfully pushing for inclusion of essential HIV prevention medications under Manitoba Health coverage. His initiatives have not only contributed to public health policy changes but also addressed substance-related issues affecting the community. Additionally, he co-founded MedVotes, a campaign mobilizing medical students to participate in the electoral process.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future in Medicine

As he prepares to enter his third year at the University of Manitoba’s Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Ramdoyal credits his mentors for shaping his ambitious journey. "Mentorship has been crucial in building my confidence. I'm thankful for their support," he reflected.

With plans to engage in impactful medical research as a clinician, Ramdoyal is on a path that not only promises personal success but also aims to elevate public and global health outcomes. As he approaches his upcoming clerkship, he's eager to learn from new mentors and enhance his skills, all while continuing to pave the way for future breakthroughs in medicine.