CSAM-SMCA Travel Bursaries & Awards

Travel Bursaries

CSAM-SMCA offers travel bursaries to support Canadian learners and others in the field of addiction medicine in expanding their knowledge, staying current with developments in the field, and furthering their education.

These travel bursaries will cover the conference registration fees and provide $1,000 to help with additional expenses such as transportation and lodging. The bursaries include support to attend the CSAM-SMCA Fundamentals Course, taking place the day before the conference. We encourage anyone planning to attend the full conference to apply.

Recipients will be selected through a process that gives due consideration to factors that include, but are not limited to travel requirements, financial need, the applicant’s contribution to the event and the field, and equity-deserving status.

Application Deadline: May 15, 2026

 

Applications for this year are now closed. Thank you to all who applied. Successful applicants will be notified following the review process.

Apply Now »

Karen Mellor Award

Karen Mellor Photo
Karen Mellor served as CSAM-SMCA’s National Executive Assistant until her passing in 2019. She was instrumental in our growth, driving key changes that allowed our organization to thrive. In October 2019, at the age of 56, Karen passed away from a smoking-related illness.

In her memory, the CSAM-SMCA Board of Directors established the Karen Mellor Award, awarded to a student or a practicing clinician who has made significant contribution to smoking cessation research, clinical care, or education.

The recipient of the CSAM-SMCA Karen Mellor Award will receive:

  • Registration to the CSAM-SMCA 2026 Scientific Conference
  • Registration to the CSAM-SMCA Fundamentals of Addiction Course
  • A $1,000 award
  • A one-year subscription to the Canadian Journal of Addiction

Application Deadline: May 15, 2026

 

Applications for this year are now closed. Thank you to all who applied. Successful applicants will be notified following the review process.

Apply Now »

Dr. Nady el-Guebaly Travel Award

This award honours Dr. Nady el-Guebaly, a pioneer in addiction medicine who has been a leader in the field since 1969 and an integral part of both CSAM-SMCA and the International Society of Addiction Medicine (ISAM). Through this award, we are proud to recognize Dr. el-Guebaly’s remarkable legacy by supporting the next generation of learners in addiction medicine.

The award will be presented to one learner, at any stage of training and from any faculty or discipline, who is passionate about the field of addiction medicine. Applications are welcome from undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral (PhD) learners.

Award Includes:
  • Registration for the CSAM-SMCA 2026 Scientific Conference, November 19–21, 2026, in Calgary, Alberta.
  • Round-trip economy airfare within Canada to attend the conference (for travel on the conference dates, or as approved by CSAM-SMCA).
  • Standard accommodation at the designated conference hotel for the duration of the conference (up to three nights, as arranged by CSAM-SMCA).
How to Apply:

Submit a 500-word essay to  addressing the following:

  • Your interest in addiction medicine and what inspired your passion for the field.
  • Your educational and career goals related to addiction medicine.
  • Any relevant experiences, including research, clinical practice, advocacy, leadership, volunteer work, or community involvement.
  • How attending the CSAM-SMCA Scientific Conference will contribute to your professional development and future career.
  • Why you believe you should be selected as the 2026 recipient of the Dr. Nady el-Guebaly Travel Award.

Application Deadline:
Monday, August 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST

Applications will be reviewed by the CSAM-SMCA Grants & Awards Committee based on the applicant’s demonstrated interest in addiction medicine, relevant experiences, career aspirations, the anticipated impact of attending the conference, and the overall quality of the submitted essay.

The successful applicant will be notified by Monday, September 29, 2026.

We encourage all eligible learners to apply and join us in honouring Dr. Nady el-Guebaly’s lifelong commitment to advancing addiction medicine by supporting the next generation of clinicians, researchers, educators, and leaders in the field.

We also encourage CSAM-SMCA members to share this opportunity widely with learners and trainees within their institutions and professional networks.