Kenton Staines, a second year medical student at University of Ottawa, was the first in his family to finish high school. It’s not something he brags about, it’s just a fact. “I always loved science and math and was very fortunate to be good scholastically,” he says.

Kenton is modest about his achievements and committed to his roots. Upon graduation in 2013, the native Manitoban hopes to head back west and eventually spend time giving back to the people of Northern Manitoba.

“I was fortunate to play some junior hockey in Flin Flon, Manitoba,” he recalls. “During that time I worked as a mentor with students in grades one and two, helping them with reading and writing. At the same time I was teaching them the importance of a healthy lifestyle.”

Kenton is a hands-on people person with a gentle demeanour and an ability to work well with people. He also believes in giving back to his community, a trait he learned from his mother.

“My mom used to say, ‘A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle’.

The Canadian Medical Foundation and the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation recognized the light burning within Kenton, awarding him a $5000 bursary to help ease his transition into medical school.

Kenton often wonders how he managed to get where he is. “Sometimes I don’t feel like I deserve to be here. I wouldn’t be able to do medical school if it weren’t for the grants I received.”

“Kenton Staines is the perfect example of the type of physicians needed in Canada,” says Canadian Medical Foundation Board Chair, Dr. Henry Haddad. “When he graduates his plans include working with patients in Canada’s north. This is the type of young person our profession needs, and the Foundation is proud to support Kenton in his studies.”