Few McGill scholarships carry the weight of prestige and promise quite like the McCall MacBain Scholarship. Awarded to just 30 outstanding individuals each year, the scholarship is a testament of its recipients’ leadership, intellect, and dedication to community service. This year, Thiago Magalhães de Aguiar has become the joint first Brazilian recipient of the scholarship—and only the second student receiving it to study at the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences since its inception. For Thiago, this recognition is not just a personal achievement, but a responsibility to use his knowledge and skills to improve lives.
Pride and responsibility
When Thiago received the call from the McCall MacBain team, it was a moment of sheer joy. The scholarship founders, Marcy and John McCall MacBain, personally delivered the news, making the experience even more special. “I felt deeply grateful and honestly surprised to have been chosen among so many brilliant and committed young people,” Thiago recalls. He describes the honour as both exhilarating and humbling, knowing he had been recognized not only for his academic achievements but for his potential to create positive change.
Life-changing, changing lives
As Thiago prepares to embark on the MSc Dental Sciences (Thesis) program at McGill, he reflects on the significance of this opportunity. “For me, this is a life-changing opportunity. I’ve always dreamed of studying in different parts of the world, learning from diverse professors and scientific cultures,” he says. His passion lies in researching oral squamous cell carcinoma, with a focus on immunocompromised and transplant patients. These vulnerable groups often receive limited attention in dental medicine, and Thiago is determined to help bridge that gap.
McGill’s renowned dental research community, with its impactful contributions to global oral health, offers Thiago the mentorship and resources to further his work. He hopes his studies will not only advance scientific knowledge but also lead to tangible improvements in patients’ lives.
The journey to McGill
Thiago’s road to McGill was paved with determination and a commitment to giving back. After studying dentistry, he knew he wanted to continue his academic journey as both a researcher and educator. Encouraged by mentors who had collaborated with McGill, Thiago realized that the university’s values chimed deeply with his own. “What really resonated with me was the scholarship’s emphasis on community service and leadership—two values that I’ve always prioritized,” he says.
A passion for oral health
Thiago’s drive to specialize in oral cancer research stems from personal experience. At ten years old, he lost a cousin to oral squamous cell carcinoma, a tragedy that made him acutely aware of the impact of neglected oral health conditions. Ever since, he has dedicated himself to studying malignant oral lesions, particularly in high-risk patient populations.
Throughout dental school, he worked on research aimed at improving treatment protocols for cancer and transplant patients—groups that often struggle to find specialists trained to address their complex oral health needs. For Thiago, research is more than academic pursuit: it is a mission to elevate standards of care for overlooked communities.
Service and leadership
Thiago’s achievements extend beyond the classroom and laboratory. From a young age, he was engaged in volunteer work, supporting his community through church initiatives such as local food and book drives. At university, he expanded his impact through health promotion projects, bringing oral health education to schools, elderly care centres, and public health clinics.
While completing his clinical internship in rural Brazil, Thiago helped design a public fluoridation protocol to improve access to preventive dental care. He played a pivotal role as the chief fellow in the Extension Program for Dental Care of Transplant Patients. In this position, he helped organize care schedules, developed treatment protocols, and facilitated communication between students, professors, and patients—ensuring high-quality dental care for vulnerable populations. Among his most recent projects is his work with “Anjos do Sorriso,” (Smiling Angels) an initiative offering free dental care to women and children affected by violence.
Looking ahead
Thiago Magalhães de Aguiar’s journey to becoming a McCall MacBain Scholar is one of perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine desire to uplift others. As he begins his studies at McGill, he will carry with him the lessons of his past and the promise of his future. “Having the support and mentorship of exceptional researchers at McGill gives me the confidence that I’ll be able to produce work that truly makes a difference in people’s lives,” he says. Congratulations, Thiago!