Samira Abbasgholizadeh-Rahimi, Associate Academic Member at Mila, was awarded the prestigious Donald A. Henderson Prize for Outstanding Global Health Research by McGill University at its Global Health Night 2025.
As assistant Professor at McGill and Canada Research Chair in AI and Advanced Digital Primary Healthcare, Samira Abbasgholizadeh-Rahimi's research focuses on enhancing primary healthcare and access to care for vulnerable and underserved populations through innovative digital health technologies powered by AI.
This recognition is largely due to her study EDAI Framework for Integrating Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Throughout the Lifecycle of AI to Improve Health and Oral Health Care: Qualitative Study. This research led to the creation of a framework designed to guide the development of future AI systems in health care by integrating EDI principles from the outset.
"I’m honored to receive the Dr. Donald A. Henderson Prize. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are still too often missing in our healthcare system and in the AI systems shaping its future. My work aims to change that by building inclusive and fair AI systems that improves health outcomes for everyone, not just a few privileged", stated Samira Abbasgholizadeh-Rahimi.
The Dr. Donald A. Henderson Prize for Outstanding Global Health Research is an annual distinction from McGill University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. It aims to acknowledge early-career professors whose published research has a significant impact and demonstrates undeniable excellence in global health.
