Dedication to health care, research and community service

Analyssa Cardenas (BSc '18, Kinesiology) displays leadership and strong dedication to health care, research and community service. She is a recent graduate of Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Toronto and is currently in her fourth year of medical school at Dalhousie University. She is focused on improving health-care outcomes, particularly for children and vulnerable populations across Canada.
Cardenas is passionate about raising awareness of Indigenous health services within local emergency departments. As a volunteer at the Wije'winen Health Centre, Cardenas collaborated with community members, staff and hospital teams to create a promotional campaign and advocate for health equity in her local community. Additionally, she plays an active role in promoting Indigenous health through her work with the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Society, where she helps raise awareness of health-care services for Indigenous communities.
Her impact extends beyond community service, as she also made notable contributions to the field of research. Currently, she is investigating the burnout, psychological morbidity and job satisfaction among Canadian child protection professionals through IWK Health. Her research findings have been shared at national conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals, significantly impacting the health and well-being of Canadians. Cardenas' research spans across three pediatric hospitals and has led to eight peer-reviewed publications, 19 presentations and more than $35,300 in awards and scholarships, along with key national leadership positions.
In recognition of her commitment to her field and passion for success, Analyssa Cardenas is the recipient of the 2024 Faculty of Health Alumni Inspiration Award.