Spotlight on Alexa Thompson, Governor General's Gold Medal winner, Spring 2025 

What initially drew you to the LMP Grad Program?

Coming into grad school, I knew I wanted to do a dry lab project that incorporated infectious diseases and pregnant women. I ultimately chose the LMP Program because of my amazing supervisor, Dr. Carmen Charlton, and her oversight of the prenatal communicable disease and hepatitis testing programs at the provincial public health lab during that time. 

What achievement, accomplishment or moment are you most proud of from your time in the LMP graduate program?

In terms of my research, I would probably have to say seeing how my research influenced guideline recommendations made by the Public Health Agency of Canada, Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology Canada, and Action Hepatitis Canada. I was also fortunate enough to publish my research in one of the top hepatology journals in the world, which was a huge accomplishment for me. One of the best moments of my program was the day I found out I won the CIHR Vanier Scholarship. But I’m overall the proudest of the relationships I was able to build with other people, which I believe helped me accomplish everything I was able to and get me to where I am now.  

What was the biggest challenge you faced?  How did you stay motivated?

Probably imposter syndrome. I think academia sometimes has a way of making you question your knowledge, adequacies, and worth. To help combat this and stay motivated, I always reminded myself that nobody will know as much about your research project as you will, I wouldn’t have gotten this far without having sufficient knowledge and experiences that make me worthy of the opportunities I have now, and learning is a lifelong experience. These three things were a bit of a mantra I revisited many times during my PhD, and I hope other students read this and embody them too.

Looking back, is there any advice you would give to your younger self starting out as a graduate student?

Criticism is not a reflection of you as a person. I think it’s important to acknowledge that everyone has different perspectives in life that aren’t always going to align with yours or your work. Because of this, receiving criticism or feedback is a great learning opportunity to understand how other peoples’ perspectives may improve the quality of your work. 

What comes next for you in your professional journey?

Directly after finishing my PhD, I completed a contract with the federal government as a Policy Analyst with Indigenous Services Canada. I am now working as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Indigenous Health Division within the Government of Alberta, where I get to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into new health policies that ensure equitable access to healthcare for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit populations across Alberta. 

Can you comment on your research and contribution to science, the research being done in the Charlton lab, and anything else you would like to highlight about your research and winning this award: 

My research in the Charlton lab evaluated healthcare programs for individuals infected with hepatitis C (HCV) in Alberta, with a focus on pregnant women, their babies, and populations that often experience barriers to care. During my program, I validated a new one-step HCV testing algorithm and evaluated new HCV screening guidelines for pregnant women and their babies. Overall, my research contributed to the permanent adoption of one-step HCV testing and screening of all pregnant women for HCV in Alberta, which influenced new HCV policy and guideline recommendations across Canada. 

Fun fact: in 2022, I was interviewed by FoMD where during that interview, I was asked where I could see myself in five years. I responded that I hoped to be working in health policy for the government to support policies for women, children, and/or marginalized populations. Just three years later, I am happy to say I have been able to achieve that goal!