Dr. Samantha Nutt (Sam) is a medical doctor with more than thirteen years of experience working in war zones. Committed to peace, human rights and social justice, her ambition has always been to help war-affected women and children. She has worked in some of the world's most violent flashpoints with War Child Canada, the United Nations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Iraq, Afghanistan, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Burundi, northern Uganda, Ethiopia and the Thai-Burmese border.

Over the course of her professional career and as the Founder and Executive Director of War Child Canada, Nutt has spearheaded efforts to provide direct humanitarian support and long term programming to war-affected children and their families, and to promote greater awareness in Canada concerning the rights of children everywhere.

Nutt’s work on behalf of war-affected communities around the world has been widely recognized. Among other honours, Nutt is a recipient of Canada’s Top 40 under 40 Award (Globe and Mail). She was designated by Time Magazine as one of “Canada’s Five Leading Activists.” CBC News has profiled her as a “Canadian leader.” CTV National News has declared her a “Canadian Success Story” and Maclean’s Magazine featured her in their annual Honour Roll as one of “Twelve Canadians Making a Difference.” Global TV has declared her a “National Trailblazer.” Chatelaine Magazine has named her one of “Twelve Canadian Women Who Should Run for Politics,” as well as awarding her the title of “Ms. Chatelaine.” Flare Magazine has profiled her as one of “Thirty Great Canadian Women.” She has been described by Hello Magazine as one of “Canada’s Top Ten Outstanding Women,” by Homemakers Magazine as one of “Ten Great Canadian Women to Know,” and has been featured as a guest on CBC Television’s “The Hour.” (Sam’s interview on The Hour can be viewed at http://www.cbc.ca/thehour/videos.html?id=729577449). Most recently, she was chosen as Personnalité De La Semaine by La Presse and CBC Radio Canada, and was chosen as one of 200 Young Global Leaders in the world by the World Economic Forum.

Nutt has written for Maclean’s Magazine covering war-related issues, is a published author and frequently appears on Canadian television and radio as an expert commentator on war and human rights issues. She is also a highly sought after keynote speaker on the impact of war, human rights, social justice and on public engagement in global issues, inspiring others to make a difference.

She graduated Summa Cum Laude from McMaster University, earned an MSc with distinction from London University, and holds a Fellowship in Community Medicine (FRCPC) from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. She is further certified by the College of Family Practice (CCFP) and completed a sub specialization in women’s health through the University of Toronto as a Women’s Health Scholar. Dr. Nutt has received honorary doctorates from Niagara University and Brock University (Doctor of Humane Letters) and McMaster University (Doctor of Laws). In 2009, she will be awarded an honourary doctorate from the University of Lethbridge.

Dr. Samantha Nutt is bilingual, and is also on staff at Women's College Hospital in Toronto and is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto in the Department of Family and Community Medicine.

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