Family Doctors Celebrated as the Foundation of Health Care
BC College of Family Physicians names Dr. Paul Graham as Fraser Health’s My Family Doctor Award Recipient
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VANCOUVER (May 10, 2023) – The BC College of Family Physicians (BCCFP) today announced Dr. Paul Graham as the recipient of the My Family Doctor Award for Fraser Health.
Each year, five family physicians receive the patient-nominated award which celebrates the doctor-patient relationship that supports good health.
Dr. Paul Graham pursued family medicine with the idea of helping others navigate their health through all walks of life. He has grown to appreciate the delicacy of life, meaningful connections with patients, and helping in small ways to listen, guide and advocate for patients.
“When his patients’ anxiety, fear, or shame is exposed, he is empathetic, kind, and non-judgemental,” says a patient of Dr. Graham, “He then gently begins to guide them through the steps they need to take to wellness. He considers not only their physical health, but also their mental, emotional, and spiritual health.”
Dr. Graham completed his undergraduate training in 2006 at the University of Calgary then moved to Chilliwack for the Family Medicine Residency Program which prompted him to start a full-service practice – including obstetrics and hospital work – in 2008.
“When Dr. Graham walks into his examination room, he doesn’t just see a diagnosis or a problem that needs to be fixed. He truly tries to see the person sitting in front of him,” describes a nominator. “He is present with his patients, taking the time to listen and walk alongside them in whatever struggles they may be having. He isn’t afraid to dig below the surface.”
“Dr. Graham goes above and beyond, compassionately caring for and valuing his patients as the individuals that they are.”
Dr. Robin Craven, who is currently completing Family Medicine Residency training in Surrey South Fraser, is the recipient of the R2 Resident Award.
The announcement comes ahead of Family Doctor Day, proclaimed in BC and globally, recognizes family doctors as a resource to their communities who provide relationship-based, comprehensive, longitudinal care that improves overall health outcomes.
It also comes at a time when there is wide-spread acknowledgment that primary care is in a state of crisis in BC, and that transformation should include investment in team-based family medicine.
“Evidence shows that having a family doctor who knows you and cares for you over time results in better overall health outcomes, higher patient satisfaction, and fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits,” says Vancouver-based family physician and BCCFP President, Dr. Justine Spencer.
“This is affirmed by the hundreds of letters we have received from patients sharing how essential their family doctor is to their overall health and quality of life.”
“We launched our awards program as a way to celebrate the exceptional work of family physicians across the province,” says Dr. Spencer. “We received hundreds of nominations for the My Family Doctor awards, this year. Sadly, we also continue to receive messages from people desperate to find a family doctor.”
“In their nomination letters, the public told us that they value the relationships they are able to build with their family doctors, as well as their medical expertise,” says Dr. Spencer. “We’re continuing our advocacy work to create a more sustainable career for family physicians and provide all British Columbians with access to high-quality, culturally safe care.”
About the Award Recipients:
My Family Doctor Award
- Dr. Ingrid Cosio – Prince George (Northern Health)
- Dr. Paul Graham – Chilliwack (Fraser Health)
- Dr. Sheldon Howard – Vancouver (Vancouver Coastal)
- Dr. Anna Mason – Victoria (Island Health)
- Dr. Ella Monro – Princeton (Interior Health)
BCCFP members also recognized Dr. Jennifer Lush (Victoria) as BC Family Physician of the Year, Dr. Bradley Little (Vancouver) as the First Five Years of Practice award recipient and five exceptional family medicine residents in the following categories:
- R2 Resident Award: Rachel Cook (Kamloops), Dr. Robin Craven (Surrey South Fraser) and Dr. Cassia Tremblay (Kootenay Boundary)
- Dr. Manoo and Jean Gurjar Award: Dr. Arielle Roberts (Campbell River) and Dr. Nique Seper (Vancouver Island)
Read more about our award recipients here.
About the BC College of Family Physicians
The BCCFP is a not-for-profit organization that supports family physicians and advocates for the future of family medicine. We are the home of family medicine in BC, providing leadership, support, advocacy and education for more than 7,000 members from across the province. The BCCFP celebrates the specialty of family medicine and the excellence in patient care family doctors provide. Our members include family physicians, family medicine residents, and medical students interested in pursuing a career in family medicine.
For more information, or to arrange an interview with any of the award recipients, please contact:
Erin Murtagh, BCCFP Communications Manager
erin.murtagh@bccfp.bc.ca
604-802-0981
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- Twitter – @BCCFP
- Facebook – BC College of Family Physicians
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Sized for Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn:
Individual images:
- My Family Doctor Award – Dr. Paul Graham (Chilliwack)
- R2 Award – Dr. Robin Craven (Surrey South Fraser)
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Individual images:
- My Family Doctor Award – Dr. Paul Graham (Chilliwack)
- R2 Award – Dr. Robin Craven (Surrey South Fraser)