Congratulations to our Honorary Award recipients!
The CAMRT Honorary Awards are a collection of awards presented to members at the pinnacle of the profession. The winners of these awards earn the highest recognition from their association by their dedication, commitment and exceptional contributions to our profession.
Life Membership
Life Membership at CAMRT represents the highest form of recognition by one’s peers and is designed to honour a member of the CAMRT who has given distinguished service to the Association. A Life Member is an individual who has supported their profession and professional association at the provincial, national and international levels throughout their career, and whose leadership has served to motivate others to become involved in professional activities.
The CAMRT is pleased to present this award to Melanie Hilkewich, RTR, ACR, CTIC, FCAMRT, from Saskatchewan.
Melanie has always been someone who wanted to be involved in the profession she loves. A true volunteer for more than 35 years in various roles, and in each role, Melanie has not only led by example, but has actively promoted the profession.
Early in her career, Melanie demonstrated her capacity for creative thinking, innovative problem solving and organization by encouraging her colleagues to play a major role in both equipment purchasing and department setup for their new hospital, then to involve them in the development of innovative and effective solutions to workplace challenges. As an MRT, Melanie believes that technologists should be exceptional in all aspects of their job, from patient care and positioning, through understanding the equipment used on a daily basis; and that MRTs can be so much more – not only supervisors and managers, but also policy and procedures writers, and the push for change in the profession – basically to be the change you want to see in the profession. Exemplifying this philosophy, whether as a technologist or as a supervisor, Melanie helped raise the profile of MRTs and the profession, as well as showcasing MRTs capabilities to physicians, advocating for MRTs to serve their associations, and tirelessly touting the benefits of giving to the profession as a volunteer.
Provincially, Melanie has held presidential positions in both the SAMRT and the Saskatchewan Association of Medical Imaging Managers, and has advocated on the need for technologists to have appropriate training to ensure their competence and to benefit their patients. Nationally, Melanie’s volunteer roles have been varied and include committees supporting conferences, education, awards, standards of practice and advancing practice. She was first elected to the CAMRT board as Saskatchewan Director, then Treasurer and ultimately as President. Internationally, Melanie has recorded RAD-AID Webinar presentations on “CT Basics” for MRTs, supported the framework that led to CAMRT members having free reciprocal access to the UK’s Radiography Journal, and to move the JMIRS to its current international format. Achieving her CAMRT Fellowship in 2014, a significant portion of her Fellowship Paper discussed Advanced Practice (AP), which included time spent at CAR council meetings to help gain AP acceptance with their membership.
Over the years, Melanie has presented at provincial, national and international, conferences and events, and has received a number of awards for competitive essays, lectures, leadership, and fundraising, as well as being honoured with provincial Life Membership. Throughout her career, Melanie has proved her dedication to her chosen profession, her volunteer endeavors, and her colleagues, and is well deserving of Life Membership.
Welch Memorial Lecture
The Welch Memorial Lecture was established in 1951 to honour Mr. Herbert M. Welch, one of the pioneer members of the Association. To be chosen to deliver this lecture is considered an honour, which is bestowed upon a member of the CAMRT who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession at a national level. The recipient must have influenced the growth of the profession in clinical practice, education, research, and/or administration. The Welch Memorial Lecture may be on the lecturer’s topic of choice.
The CAMRT is pleased to announce Carol-Anne Davis, RTT, ACT, FCAMRT , from Nova Scotia, as the 2026 Welch Memorial Lecturer.
Carol-Anne has had, and continues to have, a full and storied career. She has served as both a clinical educator and clinical manager for the radiation therapy department at the Nova Scotia Cancer Centre; as well as achieving an academic appointment to a Canadian university. Already recognized as a CAMRT Fellow and Life member, Carol-Anne has made significant contributions to promote and elevate the radiation therapy profession.
Carol-Anne’s work in advanced practice has contributed to the formalization of an APRT framework for Canadian MRTs. This work was recognized internationally at the 2024 LTWRAP conference in Singapore, where her presentations were acknowledged as the top two at the conference. She has also led the business case for the introduction of APRT(T) roles in Nova Scotia, where she serves as the primary advocate and mentor for these new positions; and serves on multiple national committees and working groups to advance related work within the areas of academics, certification and legislation.
Among her other contributions, Carol-Anne was a CAMRT board member representing Nova Scotia, and has been a frequent contributor to CAMRT initiatives. She played a significant role in the development and support of Accreditation Canada’s standards for radiation therapy, and was a long-time CAMRT representative to the Canadian Partnership for Quality Radiotherapy. Currently the Provincial Manager of Radiation Oncology Standards, Carol-Anne leads an inter-professional mandate to optimize data standards in Nova Scotia, and has had other provincial collaborations through the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. Carol-Anne has served in a consultant and supervisory role for inter-professional students, including the Michener Institute’s Digital Health and Data Analytics program, trailblazing education in this evolving field. She has had experience as an invited keynote speaker, and was the CAMRT selected ASRT Speaker in 2014. More recently, she was invited to speak in the panel of the RTi3 annual webinar providing delegates with her insights on how we have shaped the knowledge base of our profession. Over her career, Carol-Anne has been involved in over 40 publications which have collectively been cited in over a hundred other published works. In 2015, her master’s thesis work in the use of PET in RT planning was published in the JMIRS which contributed to practice change. She has also supported high quality research by serving as an abstract reviewer for several conferences and publications.
Beyond her extensive professional contributions, Carol-Anne’s unwavering dedication, pioneering spirit, and visionary leadership make her truly deserving of being a Welch Memorial Lecturer; and we look forward to hearing Carol-Anne in 2026.
Dr. Marshall Mallett Lamp of Knowledge Award
The Dr. Marshall Mallett Lamp of Knowledge Award was established in 1957 to honour a member of the CAMRT who has made a significant contribution to the profession and/or association, at a national level, in the field of education.
This year’s Marshall Mallett Lamp of Knowledge recipient is Jennifer Layton, RTNM, RTMR , from Saskatchewan.
Throughout her career, Jennifer has demonstrated her dedication to education, setting a standard by example in that, along with holding both the RTNM and RTMR designations, she has also acquired certificates for Human Resources and as an MR Safety Officer. Combining her expertise in nuclear medicine, magnetic resonance and breast imaging, Jenn has made a notable impact in advancing educational standards and practice in the area of Breast MR, including creating a quick self study course for the CAMRT helping to shape educational practices.
Recognized as a leader in her field, Jenn has received numerous speaking requests that range from local Lunch and Learns for co-workers, an educational evening for a community women’s group on breast health and imaging, development and presentations on the basics of NM and MR for clinics, right up to numerous presentations and educational forums in her field of expertise for both MRT and inter-professional national and provincial conferences.
Provincially, Jenn has collaborated with other health care professions by serving as Chair of Radiation Safety Committee in Regina; providing MR safety education to a radiology resident; and serving on the Saskatchewan Health Authority Safety Committee. She has also helped coordinate education days for the SAMRT, the SSMLT and the SCTA, using an interdisciplinary approach. Nationally, Jenn has been a member of CAMRT’s Item Writing Committee, as well as the Canadian Society of Breast Imaging, a position that led to her collaboration in writing breast MRI recommendations, and has served as a member of the Canadian Society of Breast Imaging (CSBI) Observational Job Shadowing Task Force with CAMRT. She has also contributed to the CSBI video “Breast MRI: The Proper Position”. Locally, Jenn is the main technologist in developing and maintaining the breast MRI program at Saskatoon City Hospital.
Jenn received the SAMRT Mentorship Award and although Jenn was recognised for her work for CSBI and the QSS, a big part of the recognition was for her help and mentoring others on a daily basis in her workplace.
Steward of the Profession Award
The Steward of the Profession Award honours a CAMRT member who has advocated for, and worked to advance, the profession at both the national and provincial levels. The award recognizes those who have made a significant contribution as a volunteer, led others to become involved, and then supported them with mentorship, advocated on behalf of the profession and patients, and supported efforts to raise the standards of the profession.
This year’s Steward of the Profession recipient is Omer Hussein, RTR, from Alberta.
Among his peers, Omer is known for his big voice, informing his peers about the latest news and how MRTs can support and be part of the changes in the profession. If there is something that can positively impact the advancement of the profession, Omer encourages his peers to get involved, as he has done himself through serving and advocating locally, provincially and nationally.
While President of the ACMDTT, Omer led regulatory reforms, governance improvements, and financial turnarounds that strengthened both the college and the profession, and spearheaded the transition of the College’s association functions, paving the way for the formation of the CAMRT-Alberta. Omer was also instrumental in adjudicating advanced practice, supporting authorizations for clinical sites, and ensuring high standards that directly improved clinical care across the profession. Following his ACMDTT tenure, he joined CAMRT-Alberta as an advisor, helping shape its purpose and direction.
Omer has represented MRTs at the highest levels as part of the Alberta Health Professions Advisory Board, and currently is a board director with the Health Science Association of Alberta as a member of their Constitution, Bylaws, Resolutions and Policy Committee. Nationally, Omer has served on the CAMRT Nomination Committee and is a member of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Locally, Omer has mentored students from the NAIT MRT program, guiding them in building clinical competencies and developing as professionals. He also continued to build his own leadership skills by being a participant in CAMRT’s Leadership Development Institute.
However, Omer’s volunteer activities have extended beyond his profession. Considered a pillar of his community, Omer has organized Thanksgiving dinners for the less fortunate, Labour Day BBQs and youth basketball tournaments, as well as leading the Day of Mourning ceremony to honour workers who have lost their lives on the job. For his outstanding contributions, Omer has been recognized as one of Fort McMurray’s “50 Under 50” and was nominated for the Citizen of the Year award.
Throughout his career and personal life, Omar has shown his dedication to both his profession and his community, and is well deserving of the title “Steward”.
Early Professional Achievement Award
The Early Professional Achievement Award is bestowed to honour a member of the CAMRT who, at an early stage in their career, inspires and leads their colleagues by acting as a role model.
The CAMRT is pleased to present this award to Cassie MacLean, RTR, CTIC, from Prince Edward Island.
Cassie pursued her Masters in Health Professions Education shortly after graduating with a Bachelors of Applied Science in Radiology, and continues to seek additional educational opportunities for herself and others. At IWK Health, Cassie co-chaired the Diagnostic Imaging Education Committee, advocating and spearheading efforts for technologists’ access to professional development, while also mentoring and training technologists. Her passion for education and professional growth is contagious and has motivated peers to enhance their skills and aim for excellence in their own practice, and to consider advanced education as a viable and valuable path.
At IWK Health, Cassie worked closely with leadership to develop comprehensive training materials in CT and Interventional Radiology (IR), documents which benefit new technologists entering these specialized areas. Consistently demonstrating excellence in practice, Cassie’s skills and empathy have set her apart. Her ability to connect with patients, especially in the challenging context of pediatric care, sets a gold standard for compassion and professionalism. Cassie is known for putting patients at ease with her genuine empathy, humor, and thoughtful approach, ensuring that even the most complex or stressful procedures are carried out with dignity and care.
Cassie’s new role as Clinical Coordinator/Instructor at the UPEI highlights her passion for education and her desire to shape the future of the profession. While her primary focus has been clinical practice and education, her contributions to advancing knowledge within the field reflects a research mindset. Her collaboration with a leading pediatric cardiac radiologist and presentation at a CAMRT conference demonstrates her ability to contribute to and disseminate knowledge at a national level. The presentation highlighted innovative approaches in pediatric cardiac CT and inspired professionals nationwide to refine their practices in both working with pediatrics generally, as well as when imaging complex congenital cardiac structures.
Cassie’s accomplishments are vast, from creating impactful training materials and presenting at national conferences, to mentoring technologists and students, but her peers note that it is her unwavering kindness, empathy, and genuine care for patients and colleagues that truly define her. She leads by example, showing that excellence in this profession is as much about heart as it is about skill.
Grassroots Advocacy Award
The Grassroots Advocacy Award was created to honour a member of the CAMRT who has made a significant contribution to the profession and/or the association through advocacy.
The CAMRT is pleased to present this award to Tracey Lundstrom, RTT, from Alberta.
Tracey’s initial advocacy work began at the clinic by wearing indigenous symbols to communicate a safe space for patients, and she soon became a resource for colleagues and patients who needed information on indigenous matters. She began to attend and, subsequently, became a member of the Alberta Health Services ‘Walking Together’ and ‘Indigenous Sharing Circle’ monthly initiatives.
Tracey’s advocacy progressed to providing indigenous teachings to her colleagues in their radiation therapist staff meetings on topics such as exploring Truth and Reconciliation Day, the TRC Calls to Action as they apply to health care, Orange Shirt Day, and a series on each of the Anishinaabe peoples’ Seven Sacred Teachings. Tracey routinely hosts smudges and invites all radiation therapists to attend, and has provided educational rounds locally, as well as presenting on indigenous topics at a provincial level and nationally. Tracey was asked and honored to be part of an Indigenous Cancer Survivor and Residential School weekend where she not only participated in the weekend’s events and healing, but helped answer questions participants had about radiation therapy. More recently, Tracey contributed to an educational video for health care on social accountability: Caring for Indigenous Patients on their Cancer Journey. Through her presentations and clinical practices, Tracey has influenced other radiation therapists to take up professional advocacy and education at the local, provincial and national level.
Along with taking part in many research projects, Tracey has mentored the 2024 Radiation Therapy Cohort research project. Her contributions to research publications have included articles for the JMIRS and the Journal of Medical Internet Research, including an article that won the Editor’s Choice: Top Clinical Perspective for 2024. Currently, Tracey continues to participate in committees and advocacy roles, such as Indigenous Patient Cancer Rounds, the HSAA Indigenous Circle Group, and CARO’s Indigenous Diversity group.
Awards of Excellence
The Awards of Excellence are presented annually to newly certified MRTs who obtained the highest score on their CAMRT certification exam in 2024:
- Rachel Wall, RTR, RTMR (Magnetic Resonance)
- Shaylee Straube, RTNM (Nuclear Medicine)
- Leyton Vergeire, RTT (Radiation Therapy)
- Liza Embeli, RTR (Radiological Technology)
Competitive Awards
President’s Medal
This Board Recognition award is both selected and presented by the current CAMRT President to honour individuals or a group who has realized an outstanding achievement, or who have made a difference in their life.
This year, President Jenna MacLaine is pleased to present this recognition to three worthy MRTs:
Sandra Luke, RTR, ACR, RTMR
Dayna McTaggart, RTR, CTIC
Christine Preachuk, RTR