“I've come to know Leisha through her leadership in family medicine, both within the College of Family Physicians of Canada and in Nova Scotia, where I've followed her work with great interest. She brings a strong commitment to health equity, a deep understanding of the challenges facing physicians and patients, and an ability to build relationships, bring people together and turn advocacy into action. Leisha combines the perspective of a practicing family physician with the experience of a respected physician leader. I am pleased to support her candidacy for CMA President.”

Dr. Sarah Cook, President, College of Family Physicians of Canada (2025–2026)

“Since we were medical students, I’ve worked with Leisha on many challenging projects- including co-founding the Newcomer Health Clinic in 2012. I’ve watched her break down barriers and inspire physicians, decision-makers and patients. She combines a bold vision for social justice with a proven ability to make change happen. I’ve known many leaders in medicine who would make a great CMA President, however, Leisha Hawker is uniquely positioned to be the exact President the CMA needs right now.”

Dr Tim Holland, Past President Doctors NS, Founder Newcomer Health Clinic

“I’m thrilled for her [Dr Hawker] and know she will do a fantastic job because I’ve seen firsthand the compassionate medical care she provides, especially to refugees and newcomers to Canada. In fact, while working together we often discussed the cultural challenges newcomers face, and how we can assist them with medical and social issues, along with any other issues that may impact the quality of their healthcare.”

- Rafah DiCostanzo MLA Clayton Park West

“Anyone who knows Dr Hawker, her character, her moral compass, her values, the changes she has made and wants to make could never be less than awed by her.”

- Dr Natasha Deshwal Past President of the NS College of Family Physicians and Director for the Bedford Basin Women’s Health Clinic

Letter of Recommendation from Dr Tim Woodford

Many of you may be familiar with Dr Hawker while observing her leadership as the President of DoctorsNS.  Her list of accomplishments is impressive.  The details of those accomplishments are readily available and speak to the exceptional person.

I have known Dr. Hawker for 8 years through our membership on the board for the Nova Scotia Chapter of the College of Family Physicians of Canada.  I would like to share a few stories that, I hope, demonstrate her qualities as a person, physician and leader.

During her tenure as president of DoctorsNS she was our guest speaker at the NSCPC awards dinner.  Leisha chose to speak to her experiences as a family doctor….at a time when many family doctors were (and still are) struggling with the many demands of managing a practice.  She did this without notes.  She had with her thank you cards and messages from patients for whom she cared.  She spoke of the privilege she felt providing care for her patients during very vulnerable times.  I can’t remember the details of the stories.  I do know, though, how I felt listening to Leisha speak.  I felt very proud of family medicine and my colleagues who do, day to day, what Leisha was speaking about.  How many of us don’t realize the importance and impact of our work.  A reminder about why we studied medicine…. something that often gets lost through our day-to-day challenges.   Through Leisha’s words I saw an exceptional empathetic, skilled, community minded physician providing care for individuals in some of the most challenging circumstances.  I saw a young physician who I would want to care for me or my loved ones, this being the highest praise we give our colleagues.  I wished all family doctors could have been present to hear her words.  

Dr. Hawker and I attended the Premiers meetings when the government was struggling with how to address the deficiencies in the health care system.  I was attending as President of the NSCFP and Leisha as President of Doctors NS.   We were amongst many individuals with a stake in the health care system.  Listening to her speak at these meetings allowed me to observe her communication style and leadership skills.  I noticed when Leisha speaks, everyone in the room was listening.  Her words and messaging were well organized, clear and succinct.  When questioned she was knowledgeable about the topics and represented the profession and our position very well.  I remember thinking that I was watching an exceptional leader.  A special combination of skill and humanity.  People want to hear more about what Leisha has to say.  

I have no hesitation in recommending Dr. Hawker to represent all Canadian physicians as the President of the CMA.  She will bring all the skills from her impressive resume, life experience and exceptional character.  She will make us very proud. 

Award of Excellence Nova Scotia College of Family Physicians 2016 for outstanding dedication as an advocate for Indigenous and refugee Health

ISANS Immigrant Settlement Association of Nova Scotia award 2016 given to the Newcomer Clinic clinical team for our rapid response and adaptations to provide care to a large influx of refugees from Syria

Dr. William Grigor Award Doctors Nova Scotia 2015 Given to a physician under the age of 50 who has made an outstanding contribution benefiting the health of Nova Scotians

The Medical Post’s Top Twenty Physicians to Watch 2015

ISANS Immigrant Settlement Association of Nova Scotia award 2015 shared with Dr Tim Holland and Dr Mandi Irwin for exceptional and innovative work helping refugees to access medical care

Dalhousie University Doug Mulholland Research Award 2013 for the best resident research project in the Department of Family Medicine

Canadian Medical Association Leadership Innovation Grant 2009 for efforts to increase Indigenous representation in medicine