Two Cobourg students pursuing careers in healthcare have been awarded Northumberland Hills Hospital’s 2026 Health Professions Scholarships.
The annual awards, presented by the hospital’s Board of Directors, provide $1,500 scholarships to students from west Northumberland who are enrolled in post-secondary healthcare programs and have demonstrated academic achievement, community involvement and a commitment to healthcare.
This year’s recipients are Aya Al-Ali and Vikaash Angusami Subasri.
Al-Ali is currently completing her second year in the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery program at the University of Limerick in Ireland. A graduate of Trinity College School in Port Hope and the University of Ottawa, she has participated in healthcare research, emergency response volunteering and medical simulation training.
Hospital officials say Al-Ali plans to return to the community following her studies and will be completing observerships at Northumberland Hills Hospital later this summer.
Subasri is entering his second year in the Bachelor of Nursing Sciences program at the University of Ottawa. He has volunteered extensively with Northumberland Hills Hospital through the Hospital Elder Life Program and as a hydration volunteer, supporting patients through recreation activities and social engagement.
He has also volunteered with the Cobourg Public Library and Community Living and Respite Northumberland.
Hospital officials noted that both students were selected not only for their academic accomplishments but also for their commitment to volunteerism and improving patient experiences.
The scholarship program has been offered since 2003 and is designed to support local students pursuing careers in healthcare while encouraging future healthcare professionals to maintain connections with the community.
Applications for future scholarships are accepted year-round through the careers section of the hospital’s website, with annual presentations typically taking place at the hospital board’s June meeting.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
