In less than two years, Aliyah has turned UV&Me, a sun-safety initiative, into a national cause. What began as a single classroom presentation has expanded to 12 medical schools across Canada, engaging nearly 100 medical students, a dozen physicians, and more than 3,000 youth.
Through bilingual, dermatologist-approved presentations on sun protection and skin cancer prevention, brings important knowledge into classrooms in ways that are both engaging and accessible. For Aliyah, the project is not just about education—it is about empowering the next generation to make healthier choices and showing how medical students can spark lasting change in their communities through mentorship, research, and outreach.
A student project becomes a national network
During an early placement at the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre, Aliyah created educational infographics on sun safety with a focus on skin of colour populations. She also volunteered with ’s Mole Mobile and at skin check fundraisers.
“Although ultraviolet radiation is not the only cause of skin cancer, it is the most significant modifiable risk factor.”
Aliyah King
— 3rd year 糵 medical student
“These experiences reinforced for me that although ultraviolet radiation is not the only cause of skin cancer, it is the most significant modifiable risk factor and is also important in many other sun-sensitive conditions” says Aliyah. “I valued learning how this message can be communicated in a compelling and accessible way across all ages.”
In June 2023, Aliyah partnered with Faculty of Medicine graduate Dr. Reetesh Bose, dermatologist at and founder of , to launch the first Canadian chapter of UV&Me. The initiative, adapted from an American model, delivers bilingual, dermatologist-approved presentations in elementary and secondary schools in Ottawa.
“Starting sun-protective behaviours in elementary school helps children develop habits that will benefit them now, and later in life. Skin cancer rates are rising despite current strategies. Educating children and youth may be more effective long-term, not only for skin cancer prevention, but for photosensitive conditions as well,” says Dr. Bose.
What began as a local Ottawa chapter has since grown into a national movement, now active in 12 of Canada’s 17 medical schools, all in under two years. Nearly 100 medical students and a dozen physicians have joined forces, already reaching more than 1,500 youth in the Ottawa area, and more than 3,000 nationally.
Hands-on learning that sticks
Among UV&Me’s most popular and innovative activities is the creation of UV-reactive bracelets at summer camps: beads that change colour in the sun and fade back in the shade. This simple, playful tool gives children a tangible reminder of the invisible presence of ultraviolet rays.
Teachers have been quick to embrace the program. “The content fit perfectly with our human body unit… the students loved the quiz and the UV wristbands,” said a teacher at W. Erskine Johnston Public Elementary School. Another, from École secondaire catholique Renaissance in Aurora, added: “We hope to continue this collaboration for a long time to come.”
For Aliyah, some of the most moving moments are when medical student volunteers return to the very schools they once attended to teach a new generation about prevention. Others occur when youth share how they passed along the knowledge to family and friends touched by skin cancer.
Building knowledge through research
Education is only half the story. Aliyah and her team are also determined to contribute to the scientific understanding of sun-safety and skin cancer prevention.
So far, UV&Me Canada has published two studies in Pediatric Dermatology, one on , and . A third article, Rays of Change: Commentary on Potential Interventions for Skin Cancer Prevention in Ontario Medical Education, co-authored with Dr. Bose, appeared in the University of Ottawa Journal of Medicine.
The group has also presented at major scientific meetings, including the 2025 Conference, the 2024 Symposium, and .
Beyond UV&Me, Aliyah has contributed to a large retrospective review investigating the impact of social determinants on melanoma outcomes, including all patients who met criteria and underwent surgical melanoma treatment at The Ottawa Hospital between 1999-2023. The study was published in the Journal of Surgical Oncology. Melanoma accounts for only about 10% of all skin cancers, but it is by far the most dangerous, responsible for roughly 80% of skin cancer deaths. Unlike other skin cancers that occur mostly in older adults, melanoma is more likely to affect younger people, making it the 4th most common cancer among Canadians aged 30-49. Primary prevention methods, such as UV&Me, are critical.
“Research allows us to measure our impact, identify gaps, and ensure that what we are doing is evidence-based and sustainable,” says Aliyah. “It also gives medical students the chance to evaluate outcomes and share findings with the broader dermatology and public health communities. In this way, research strengthens the initiative itself while advancing knowledge that can benefit others.”
Leadership and mentorship
From the very beginning, mentorship has been at the heart of Aliyah’s journey. “The Department of Medicine has supported every experience, learning moment, and endeavour,” she notes with gratitude. “It has instilled in me a responsibility to give back in the same way.”
Aliyah highlights the guidance of Dr. Bose in particular: “Dr. Bose’s commitment to building evidence-based, high-quality educational materials has shaped the foundation of our program and ensured its credibility and impact. Dr. Bose’s mentorship has inspired medical students across the country and helped empower youth with the tools to protect their health for years to come.”
Her sense of discipline and perseverance was forged long before medical school. Aliyah spent nearly a decade training in competitive figure skating under Olympic coach Marina Zoueva in Michigan. “As a child, I dreamed of living in a city where skating could be a way of transportation,” she recalls. “In Ottawa, being able to skate to the hospital feels like that dream realized.” The resilience and focus she learned on the ice continue to guide her as she balances research, clinical training, and national leadership.
“Aliyah had the brilliant idea of starting a Canadian chapter of UV&Me so children here could also benefit.” says Dr. Bose. “As a physician-educator, I was excited to support the creation of accurate, engaging content and to study its impact. The positive feedback encouraged expansion into a national movement.”
Recognition and next steps
Aliyah’s leadership has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, she was recognized as a Rhodes Scholarship finalist, one of the most prestigious international scholarships in the world for academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service. In 2025, she received , one of the most prestigious student awards in Canada.
She was further honoured as the first Canadian recipients of the Skin of Color Society Observership Grant, awarded jointly to her and her mentor,Dr. Monica Li from the University of British Columbia, joining past awardees from Harvard, Cornell, and Johns Hopkins.
Looking ahead, Aliyah wants to continue to build. “Our vision is for UV&Me Canada to continue expanding to medical schools across the country. We aim to grow our survey on youth perceptions of sun safety nationwide, contribute Canadian-specific evidence to the literature, and empower youth with lifelong sun-safe habits that ultimately can reduce their risk of skin cancer. We want prevention and sun-safety to become part of everyday conversations.”
By combining academic excellence, research, and community engagement, Aliyah King is showing how 糵’s medical students are helping to shape a healthier world.
Support the Faculty of Medicine today!
Enter “Faculty of Medicine Scholarship for Graduate Research” on to help students like Aliyah improve health care.