Dr. Donna May Kimmaliardjuk
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Dr. Donna May Kimmaliardjuk
Youth – Inuit (2018)
Igluligaarjuk, Nunavut
“Harness inspiration to shape your dreams. Pursue education to bring your dreams into focus. Use your dedication, passion, and the support of others to bring your dreams within reach.“
Dr. Donna May Kimmaliardjuk is the very first Inuk to become a heart surgeon. Currently in her fourth year of a six-year residency program at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, she was accepted in 2014 as one of only ten cardiac surgery residents in all of Canada. In 2016, Dr. Kimmaliardjuk joined the National Aboriginal Council on HIV/AIDS as the Inuit representative, where she provides the council with a unique and crucial perspective combining her knowledge of medicine and Inuit culture.
While earning a Bachelor of Sciences Honours at Queen’s University, she served as president of the Queen’s Native Students’ Association for two years and was a student representative on the Queen’s University Aboriginal Council. Through her hard work and dedication, she is not only bridging the gap for Inuit accessing medical services, but she is leading the way for the next generation of Inuit youth to follow in her footsteps.
