This year, the BC College of Family Physicians received nearly 700 heartfelt nominations – an incredible testament to the deep appreciation and respect British Columbians have for family doctors.
Through these nominations, we heard powerful stories of gratitude, compassion, advocacy, education, and unwavering commitment to community well-being. The value of family medicine was evident – family physicians play a vital role in creating healthy communities across BC.
To all the nominators – thank you for taking the time to share your stories. And to every family physician across the province – thank you for your dedication, your care, and your impact.
Please join us in celebrating the 2025 BCCFP Award Recipients – an inspiring reflection of excellence in family medicine!
We would love to see this year’s recipients celebrated across social media channels, and welcome you to save and share the images below:
- BC Family Physician of the Year
- First Five Years of Family Practice Award
- My Family Doctor Award
- Resident Awards
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BC Family Physician of the Year: Dr. Danette Dawkin
As a leader in rural healthcare, Dr. Dawkin has served as President of BC Family Doctors and has been instrumental in improving healthcare policies and physician support systems.
One of her nominators says “her leadership philosophy centers on inclusivity, collaboration, and compassionate advocacy. She is known for her ability to navigate complex negotiations with integrity and persistence, ensuring that both physicians and patients receive the support they need.”
She has played a key role in negotiating physician funding models and advocating for sustainable healthcare practices, ensuring equitable access to quality care, particularly in underserved communities. “Dr. Dawkin’s ability to adapt, problem-solve, and lead in my stead speaks volumes to her reliability and expertise. She communicates clearly and passionately and consistently leads with kindness.”
Her work with the Rural Coordination Centre of BC since 2016 has cemented her commitment to improving the health of rural communities and patients. Danette is honoured to live on the unceded, ancestral territories of the Lheidli T’enneh and Necoslie nations of Northern BC and is privileged to serve in several Carrier Sekani where one of her nominators say “she is outstanding in her dedication to serving underserved communities.”
She is a graduate of the UBC Faculty of Medicine and of the UBC Master of Health Administration Program. She has served as curriculum lead for the UBC Family Medicine Residency Program in Fort St. John, and also has served on the boards of the North Peace Division of Family Practice, the Fort St. John Medical Staff Association, the Rural and Remote Division of Family Practice, and BC Family Doctors.
Danette is a persistent rural health advocate, physician leader, and an unwavering champion of doing better every day in healthcare. She approaches every initiative with compassion, integrity, and a focused dedication to making the healthcare system more equitable, accessible, and accountable.
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First Five Years of Practice Award: Dr. William Mak
Dr. William Mak is a dedicated and compassionate family doctor and addiction medicine consultant. He was the inaugural CARMS Category 1 Resident for Addiction Medicine at UBC, where he also served as the co-lead resident for all UBC Enhanced Skills residents.
He devotes his career to helping patients with substance use disorders. He strives to create positive change in the ongoing opioid crisis, focusing on providing trauma-informed, culturally safe, and anti-racism care. “Dr. Mak not only improves care at an individual level but also influences broader healthcare policies, fostering a more compassionate and effective system for those struggling with addiction,” said one of his nominators.
As a consultant, he works in hospitals on the addiction medicine consultant team and rapid access addiction medicine clinic. He values longitudinal relationships where he provides patients on opioid agonist therapy at the Anne Vogel Clinic with much needed primary care and preventative health, acknowledging that these patients are often under-served due to stigma around substance use disorders and difficulty being attached to family physicians. Similarly, he provides primary care and addiction expertise at a quaternary level concurrent disorders program with BCMHSUS, holistically treating patients and optimizing their health while they are in an in-patient treatment setting. He is recognized by one of his nominators as a “compassionate and highly skilled family physician who has dedicated his career to caring for society’s most vulnerable patients.”
Dr. Mak is also valued as an excellent mentor and leader in his diverse roles. He regularly teaches at UBC and BCCSU. He leads quality improvement projects through Shared Care and the Fraser Northwest Division of Family Practice. In his pursuit to create change in the full spectrum of substance use care, Dr. Mak serves in medical lead capacities for Fraser Health, PHSA, and Vancouver Coastal Health.
In his free time, he likes to experience the culinary scene in Vancouver, play badminton with his friends, and go on hikes and road trips around BC.
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First Five Years of Practice Award: Dr. Chelsea Hart
Dr. Chelsea Hart completed medical school in Prince George in 2019 and graduated from Nanaimo Family Medicine Residency Program in 2021. She then spent some time doing locums and settled in Creston in September 2022 where she has been practicing full scope family medicine ever since
Her nominators say that she has “not only come back and work rurally in the first years of her independent practice, but to set up roots in the community and invest for the long term”
Currently, her work includes family practice, working in the ER at Creston Hospital, rounding on admitted patients, spending time at the addictions clinic in Cranbrook, and providing care at Ktunaxa Nation Medical Clinic. She also “has a passion for teaching and supporting the next generation of rural physicians” and has the opportunity to teach medical students and residents on a frequent basis.
She loves the variety of medicine that she gets to practice and that she is continuously challenged to learn more. More than anything she appreciates the opportunity family medicine provides to build meaningful longitudinal relationships with patients, and the ability to walk with them and their families through both life’s joys and trials – a true privilege.
She is known as a “culture setter.” Outside of work, she loves spending time with family and friends, and enjoys doing anything in the beautiful outdoors.
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My Family Doctor Award: Dr. Nimeera Kassam (Burnaby)
Born in Tanzania, Dr. Nimeera Kassam immigrated to Canada as a Swahili speaking three year old who dreamt of becoming a doctor. With the unconditional love and support of her parents, she did just that, receiving her MD from the University of British Columbia.
Upon completion of Family Medicine residency at the University of Alberta she remained in Edmonton where she provided longitudinal care in the community, taught at University of Alberta’s School of Medicine and was Medical Director for the Sexual Assault Response Team of Edmonton (SARTE).
Since returning to Burnaby in 2003 Dr. Kassam has been providing primary care in the community, including long term care. She has been a Board Member of the Fraser Northwest Division of Family Practice and in 2023 she took on the role of Interim Regional Medical Director Primary Care, Fraser Health.
Dr. Kassam also provides longitudinal care at the Port Moody UPCC, where she serves as Medical Director. She is passionate about ensuring equity and supportive team based care for patients. “”I have no doubt that her impact is felt in countless ways, as she embodies the true spirit of service to others,” recognizes one of her nominators.
Building relationships based on honesty, humility and respect has been key to bringing joy and meaning to her work. “”Her approach is the epitome of patient-centered care, always working with me to find the best approach to my health and well-being.”She sincerely believes that Family Doctors are entrusted with supporting patients to not just survive but thrive and live a life of wellbeing – focusing on the health of the body, heart, spirit and mind. One of her nominators says “”Her commitment to my health and overall well-being is evident not just through her knowledge and expertise, but in the care and empathy she has consistently demonstrated from the first day I walked into her office.”
Outside of work Dr. Kassam loves spending time with family and is happiest when hanging out with her beautiful son. Volunteering within the Ismaili Muslim community is a source of deep satisfaction, while trail running in the nearby woods provides her peace and time to reflect.
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My Family Doctor Award: Dr. Kyle Stevens (Summerland)
Dr. Kyle Stevens is a passionate cyclist and Nordic skier who brings the same energy and dedication to his medical practice. Since 2005, he has worked extensively with individuals facing addiction, including providing methadone services and supporting patients with complex needs.
With a strong focus on mental health, Dr. Stevens has served as the South Okanagan “GP Champion” for the GPSC Practice Support Programs in both Adult and Child & Youth Mental Health. He is recognized as “a shining example of primary care.”
He currently divides his time between his family practice in beautiful Summerland, BC and Martin Street Outreach Clinic in Penticton, which supports patients living with severe and persistent mental health or addiction challenges. As a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Family Practice, Dr. Stevens is deeply committed to teaching and mentoring the next generation of physicians, offering hands-on learning opportunities to Family Practice Residents.
Patient-centered care is central to Dr. Stevens’ approach—he believes in meeting patients where they are, listening deeply, and working collaboratively to support their goals. One of his nominators states “I have a feeling that every person who comes in that door feels welcomed like family, and no one feels like ‘just a number’.” This philosophy is integral to his role as an Opiate Agonist Therapy preceptor, where he trains physicians, nurse practitioners, and nurse prescribers to provide compassionate, evidence-based care that respects patient autonomy and fosters trust. By modeling trauma-informed and nonjudgmental care, he helps learners build strong therapeutic relationships with individuals navigating substance use disorders.
Dr Stevens is deeply grateful for the unwavering support and love of his wife, and his two daughters. Their encouragement and inspiration are a constant source of strength.
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My Family Doctor Award: Dr. Harwood Reimer (Duncan)
Born and raised in Abbotsford, Dr. Harwood Reimer obtained his medical education at UBC, followed by a Family Medicine Residency at the Calgary Foothills Hospital.
After spending two years practicing in the Northwest Territories, Dr. Reimer married and relocated with his fellow family physician wife to Duncan. “A true family doctor,” he has spent over 33 years devoting himself to full-service family practice, including sports medicine, providing comprehensive and compassionate care to his community. He is recognized as “professional, knowledgeable, patient, humble.”
Dr. Reimer’s upbringing was enriched with a strong emphasis on music, sports, and academics, thanks to the encouragement of his parents. He continues to enjoy participating in fitness and recreational sports including ice hockey, swimming, hiking, and canoeing. Furthermore, he contributes to the cultural fabric of his community by playing the violin in a local string orchestra.
In addition to his professional and recreational pursuits, Dr. Reimer values family and spiritual life, which play a significant role in his holistic approach to well-being and patient care.
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My Family Doctor Award: Dr. Stacy Cabage (Prince George)
Dr. Stacy Cabage grew up in Japan, Taiwan, and the United States. She moved to Canada in 1992 to work alongside the Ulkatcho and Lhoosk’uz Dene First Nations. She became a proud Canadian Citizen in 1997 and raised her six children in an off-the-grid strawbale house in Prince George.
She was expecting her youngest child when the Northern Medical Program opened in Prince George, and finally hoped that she might fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a family physician. She delayed upgrading for 5 years, as her youngest was born with Down Syndrome. She was accepted into the Northern Medical Program in 2009 and residency in 2013 – completing in 2019, having taken time off to work on her master’s degree in health sciences and to support her 4th child through gender transition. She “provides excellent patient care in a region where physicians can be scarce.”
Dr. Cabage’s patients are her heroes – bravely facing physical, mental, and sociopolitical challenges. It is her privilege to help support them on their journey. One of her nominators states that “her willingness to learn and grow with me as someone on a challenging journey far exceeds treatment I have had with any other medical practitioner.” She is “truly invested in supporting her patients through their health care journeys.”
When not doing this, she is happily gardening, hiking, canoeing, and travelling. One of her highlights is a yearly multiday backpacking trip with her kids. The wisdom, verve, and diversity of her children greatly inform her practice.
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My Family Doctor Award: Dr. Joanne Irwin (Vancouver)
Dr. Joanne Irwin was born and raised in Scarborough, Ontario and chose to head east to Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario where she completed my B.Sc. in Life Sciences (1985), her Masters in Anatomy (1987), and her M.D. (1989). Following her Anatomy supervisor’s advice to spread her wings and she headed west to the University of British Columbia for the Family Practice Residency (1991).
Falling in love with the mountains, the water, the sunshine and learning to tolerate the rain she decided to stay here and open a practice. For the past 34 years she has had the honour and privilege of enjoying the full-scope of family medicine. A nominator recognizes that “her presence in our community reinforces a culture of wellness, education, and compassion, leaving a lasting positive impact on everyone she touches.”
From prenatal care, to delivery, to watching these newborns and families grow. She loves when a toddler comes into the office and greats her as “Dr Jo” for the first time! One of her patient nominators states that “she exhibits every quality of a health care professional that you hope to be exposed to. She is caring, compassionate, understanding, professional, competent, and extremely educated. Every appointment I am heard, cared for, provided excellent care and leave feeling understood.” As Family Physicians, she believes “we are more than just physicians…I feel that we become part of the family. We are there for births, celebrations, struggles, illnesses and to assist with palliative care. We are a listening ear and a guide to help with the puzzle of medicine.”
She has enjoyed working on committees at Vancouver General Hospital and BC Womens as well as being Medical Director for Well Health – Point Grey. Another one of her nominators says, “’the health care system is better off for her contributions as a family doctor. There is so much you can say to describe Dr. Irwin and unfortunately words don’t do justice, she is a gift.”
Outside of medicine she has been the proud Mom of a teenage daughter, enjoying many adventure travels with her.
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R2 Resident Award: Dr. Sahil Chawla
Dr. Sahil Chawla is a Family Medicine Resident at the UBC Abbotsford site. He pursued family medicine for its emphasis on continuity, prevention, and community-rooted care.
Throughout residency, Dr. Chawla has demonstrated a deep commitment to health advocacy and outreach. He is described as being “deeply committed to advocating for the value of family medicine, not just in clinical settings but also through community-based initiatives that directly impact patient lives”
As co-lead of CanAm Health, he has organized culturally tailored blood pressure and diabetes screening drives at gurdwaras, mosques, and mandirs across the Fraser Valley—screening over 500 individuals and facilitating timely follow-up for newly identified cases. He also leads monthly health talks for South Asian elders, helping address gaps in preventative health literacy around chronic diseases, women’s health, and mental wellness. He has a “deep understanding of how family medicine extends beyond the clinic and to the heart of communities”
Dr. Chawla is equally passionate about supporting the next generation of healthcare leaders. Through the CanAm Future Leaders Program, he has mentored over 20 first-generation students from immigrant families, helping them gain confidence and clarity on their paths to careers in medicine and allied health.
He is known for his compassionate, culturally aware approach to care and his ability to empower both patients and colleagues. His “dedication to patient-centered care is evident in every interaction.”Dr. Chawla is honoured to be recognized by the BC College of Family Physicians and remains committed to advancing equity and connection in the communities he serves.
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R2 Resident Award: Dr. Caitlin Finnamore
Dr. Caitlin Finnamore is a second-year family medicine resident in the UBC Vancouver Fraser program.
She completed her undergraduate and graduate studies at Simon Fraser University before attending medical school at UBC. Her early work in health research focused on supporting older adults in the community, which sparked her passion for long-term, relationship-based care.
As a “very passionate and enthusiastic” resident, she is drawn to the breadth and depth of family medicine and values the opportunity to care for patients across their lifespan. Caitlin finds meaning in the trust that builds over time and feels privileged to walk alongside individuals and families through all stages of life.
Caitlin is also engaged in community advocacy through her role as the Resident Advisor for the Fraser Northwest Division of Family Practice, where she contributes a resident voice to local initiatives and system improvement efforts. She is recognized as having a “sense of advocacy, and desire to influence change.”
She is passionate about providing thoughtful, compassionate care and hopes to build a future practice that includes both comprehensive family medicine and long-term care. She is described as having an “exceptional ability to demonstrate the value of family medicine through the work that she does on a daily basis.”
Caitlin believes that the foundation of excellent family medicine lies in the continuity and trust developed through lasting patient relationships.
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R2 Resident Award: Dr. Salina Kung
Dr. Salina Kung is an R2 resident at the UBC Surrey-South Fraser site who loves full-scope family practice and maternity care.
Leading initiatives as co-lead resident and excelling across rotations, preceptors and faculty nominees describe her as “one of the best residents” and “a leader and role model for future generations of family physicians”. She “certainly provides exceptional patient-centered care”, goes “above and beyond in all aspects of care from bedside patient care and communicating with families” and “works extremely well with all colleagues”. Her peers also say she “consistently goes out of her way to support her co-residents”.
Dr. Kung completed her undergraduate studies at Simon Fraser University and was a convocation speaker and recipient of the Dean’s Medal for Academic Excellence. While completing her medical degree at UBC, she co-organized UBC’s first MedZero family medicine conference for over 200 medical students and co-founded a volunteer program that reduced social isolation among older adults during the pandemic.
Dr. Kung continues advancing patient care through research with the UBC Perinatal Anxiety Research Lab and enhancing medical education with the UBC Postgraduate Education Committee. Her nominees emphasize that “she leads by example, fostering enthusiasm for family medicine and enriching our profession.”
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Dr. Manoo and Jean Gurjar Award: Dr. Yousef Shahin
Dr. Yousef Shahin is a first-year resident at the Kelowna Rural Family Practice Program. He chose Family Medicine to specialize in providing primary care services, especially for marginalized and underserved populations.
He is the first resident to train at the Outreach Urban Health in Kelowna as his home clinic – a multidisciplinary centre that cares for patients living with substance use disorders.
Further, Yousef has led the qualitative evaluation of a specialized community-based facility that improves access to antimicrobial therapy for persons living with addictions. He strongly believes that all patients should be able to access exceptional care, regardless of their geographic or psychosocial background. He is known to approach “each interaction with patience and understanding, allowing patients to feel safe and respected, which is essential for fostering trust in a system that has, at times, let them down.”
Yousef is looking forward to continuing to provide comprehensive care in rural and remote settings in his second year of training and beyond. He is described by one of his nominators as someone who “demonstrates a deep appreciation for the importance of family medicine, as a means of serving the community.”
In his free time, Yousef enjoys exploring BC’s beautiful landscapes and perfecting his pour-over coffees.
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Dr. Manoo and Jean Gurjar Award: Dr. Christopher O' Grady
Dr. Christopher O’Grady is a second-year UBC Family Medicine resident at the St. Paul’s Hospital site. Dr. O’Grady was drawn to family medicine because of the opportunity to develop longitudinal relationships and advocate.
Having been raised on the traditional and unceded territory of the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh, and Squamish nations, Dr. O’Grady returned to the West Coast for residency after completing medical school at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Prior to studying medicine, Dr. O’Grady completed degrees in music, engineering physics, and a master’s degree in medical physics.
Described as “incredibly compassionate and caring” and having a “calm, gentle presence,” he is passionate about working with patients who have substance use challenges, refugees, Indigenous patients, and transgender patients.
As a medical student, he worked with the Halifax Newcomer Clinic, served on the Student Diversity and Inclusion Committee, contributed to several advocacy committees with the CFMS in 2022, and co-founded the Dalhousie 2SLGBTQIA+ and Allies medical interest group. As a resident physician, Dr. O’Grady is grateful to have been placed with his home clinic of 3 Bridges, as well as to have completed electives with the Vancouver Aboriginal Health Society, the Columbia Street Clinic, the Umbrella Multicultural Health Co-op, and the Trans Specialty Clinic among others.
“I believe that this demonstrates that Christopher has gone out of his way to ensure that he has the skills he needs to provide care to the isolated and at-risk. This is very clearly his career path and our communities will be the better for it,” emphasizes one of his nominators.
Outside of medicine, Dr. O’Grady takes every opportunity for alpine hiking and long-distance running. He is deeply grateful to be a resident in family medicine at St. Paul’s, and looks forward to remaining on the West Coast after graduation.
