CAGS Exceptional Service Award

Volunteer Recognition Program

Awarded annually during the Awards Ceremony at the Canadian Surgery Forum, the Exceptional Service Award recognizes a CAGS member that has shown dedication to advancing the general surgery profession in Canada.  It is not restricted to those in current leadership positions at CAGS but those who work both within or outside of the committee structure in service to CAGS (illustrating how contributions promote the strategic pillars of CAGS), or on behalf of CAGS towards improving the profession of general surgery in Canada.

Submit a Nomination

Deadline for nominations is June 14, 2026.

Eligibility & Nomination Criteria

This award is to recognize CAGS members who go above and beyond in their commitment and dedication to supporting the profession of general surgery, either through longstanding leadership roles in CAGS, or through championing of issues to improve the surgical professional in Canada.

Criteria

  • Must be a CAGS member in good standing, is a full-time practicing surgeon, with at least ten (10) years of active volunteerism as outlined below.
  • The award will be open to members across Canada.
  • Demonstrate exceptional commitment and dedication to supporting and advancing the profession of general surgery in Canada.
  • Have made significant contributions over time, either through:
    • Longstanding leadership roles within CAGS, or
    • Active engagement outside formal leadership roles, including committee work, initiatives, or advocacy efforts.
  • Show evidence of impactful service to CAGS and/or the broader surgical community, including work that strengthens the profession nationally.
  • Illustrate how their contributions align with and support one or more of the four strategic pillars of CAGS.
  • Have demonstrated initiative in championing issues that advance the surgical profession, improve patient care, support surgeons, or influence policy and practice in Canada.
  • Be recognized by peers as a role model for volunteerism, leadership, and professional service.
  • Contributions may occur within or outside of formal CAGS structures, but must clearly reflect service in support of CAGS’ mission and the advancement of general surgery in Canada.

Nominations outlining the above must also include:

  • Two letters of reference in support of the application
  • A detailed letter in a word document (or PDF) that addresses the required elements as set out on the awards criteria document

Review Process & Presentation

All nominations will go to the CAGS Executive Committee for review and decision, and a letter will be sent to the recipient.

The Exceptional Service Award will be presented annually in person at the Canadian Surgery Forum during the President’s Address.

Recipients

2026 - Dr. Diederik Jalink

Dr. Diederick Jalink was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Canadian Association of General Surgeons Exceptional Service Award in recognition of three decades of dedicated service to general surgery in Canada, with outstanding contributions to surgical education, mentorship, professional leadership and volunteer service.

A CAGS member since 1996, Dr. Jalink has made a lasting impact on generations of surgeons through his commitment to surgical education. At Queen’s University, he served as Program Director of Core Surgery/Surgical Foundations from 1999 to 2010 and subsequently as General Surgery Residency Program Director for 11 years. His dedication to teaching has been recognized through numerous awards, including the PAIRO Teaching Award, the Dale Mercer Award for Excellence in Teaching and the Department of Surgery Faculty Clerkship Award.

His contributions have also extended to the provincial and national levels. Dr. Jalink has served on multiple CAGS committees, including the Hepatobiliary and Transplant Committee and the Postgraduate Education Committee, as well as the Royal College General Surgery Specialty Committee, where he has served as Vice-Chair since 2022. He has also contributed to competency-based medical education, cancer care and HPB surgical practice.

A particularly significant contribution was his leadership in the transition to competency-based medical education at Queen’s. As Program Director and CBME Lead, he played a major role in implementing the new model and subsequently became a valuable resource for other General Surgery programs undertaking the same transition.

Beyond his formal leadership roles, Dr. Jalink is recognized by colleagues and trainees as a mentor, trusted clinical resource and collaborative leader. His willingness to support colleagues, share his expertise and take on responsibilities has been a consistent feature of his career. As one nominator noted, he is someone who, when asked to contribute, consistently says “Yes” and follows through with dedication and excellence.
Dr. Jalink’s sustained commitment to education, professional service and the development of future surgeons exemplifies the values of the CAGS Exceptional Service Award. His contributions have strengthened surgical training, supported colleagues and trainees, and helped advance the practice of general surgery across Canada.