With medical education now taking place at more than 90 urban, regional, community and remote settings across the province, family physicians are playing an increasingly important role as teachers, preceptors and mentors. The Exceptional Teacher Honour was created to recognize and celebrate those family physicians who are dedicated to teaching and mentorship.
Nominations will be considered throughout the year.
If you are a colleague or former student and would like to nominate a community-based BC family physician for this honour, please submit the form below. Nominees must be a BCCFP member.
Honour recipients will receive a personal letter of congratulations, a stethoscope charm, and be included in our communications to members.
Exceptional Teaching Honour Nomination
Learn more about our 2024 recipients:
"Over the last 10 years, Dr. Chang has directly been in involved in teaching both medical students locally and physicians from around the world. As a physician myself who received training from Dr Chang, I like many others have benefitted from his unique ability to break down complex surgical strategy and steps into smaller bite sized knowledge pearls that he has acquired by performing over 30,000 vasectomies and circumcisions in his career. His teaching of global physicians in his techniques has resulted in better care for patients around the world and resulted in access to circumcision and vasectomy services that would have otherwise taken years to just days. The time I spent receiving training with Dr Chang over the course of the last five years has been one of the highlights of my medical career and I know that many other physicians from around the world who have sought training with him have expressed to me the same about his devotion to medical and surgical education. He is well deserving of this honour."
"Dr. D Dhillon has been providing CTU teaching at SMH for more than 5 years. He’s an excellent teacher with focus in teaching both FM residents and MSIs. He providers bedside teaching and didactic lectures. He is always eager to teach and likes to demonstrate procedural skills as well."
"He was a great instructor! Helped me feel welcome to the profession of Medicine and took the time to find patients that would enhance my learning."
"As my preceptor in Hospitalist medicine, Dr. Dhillon was professional, kind, and approachable and took the time to teach his students with care and passion. I learned so much from him and he made learning engaging and fun. He exemplified amazing compassion with his patients and was a practicing physician that was an excellent ambassador of health and character. We need more teachers like Dr. Dhillon."
"Dr. Dale Dhillon displayed remarkable leadership skills while mentoring his students, during my time as a student registered nurse at Surrey Memorial Hospital. I had a direct experience with Dr. Dhillon while we were stitching an elderly patient who had suffered from a head injury. He gave clear and informative instructions while explaining the rationale behind each step. Moreover, Dr. Dhillon exhibited professionalism in front of the patient while teaching us how to perform the procedure."
"I am nominating Dr Dale Dhillon because he is very attentive and he is an excellent listener and teacher . I have observed him at work and the way he interacts with patients and staff is very remarkable . I highly recommend Dr Dale Dhillon."
"Dr. Dhillon is very patient and knowledgeable physician. He takes time explaining everything to Nurses and students. He is very kind and speaks very softly with students and patients. I think he should be definitely recognized!"
"Dale is an amazing, caring and compassionate person. He takes time to educate patients regarding self care and things they can do to get better. He is engaged with his patients. He goes out of his way to get needed literature, pamphlets and other resources needed for his patients. He is truly inspirational and very hard working person."
"Dr. Dhillon was personable, knowledgeable, and had a relaxed approach to teaching that encouraged critical thinking without creating stress or pressure. He demonstrated good bedside manner and was open about sharing advice on clinical practice."
"He was my preceptor for one of my electives and was a phenomenal teacher, yet, at the same time demonstrated how he cared for his students. He would provide me with bottled water periodically when he saw all I was sipping on was my coffee to ensure I was never dehydrated. He spent time answering my clinical questions, sharing practical clinical tips, and also ensuring he was always available. He is certainly deserving of this award."
"Dr. Dhillon is an exceptionally patient and enthusiastic teacher. He is very understanding of our level of education and adjusts his expectations accordingly. Overall he was a pleasure to work with and study under."
"Dr. Duncan Etches has always been on the forefront of teaching. Prior to medical school he spent 1967 to 1969 as a secondary schoolteacher in Ethiopia. He made a long-term commitment in Hazelton BC from 1977 to 1992. This First Nations community is remote, and very needy. I first met Dr. Etches in 1993 when I was Head of Family Practice at Children’s and Women’s Hospital. There he pioneered in developing a course for family doctors called Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics. Dr. Etches frequently taught the course locally and throughout BC and soon throughout Canada. He then gave the course in Georgia, Tajikistan, Moldovia, China, Kathmandu, Nepal, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Kenya, Rwanda, and other locations throughout the world. His contributions to maternal health and parental well-being are exemplary. Throughout these many activities his ongoing commitment to teaching medical students at UBC continued – – from basic courses in communication skills with patients to specific technical skills. He was a tutor in doctor, patient and society, clinical skills, interviewing, foundations of scholarship, and ethics. He has been recognized by the UBC faculty of medicine for his clinical teaching with a career award, and from the College of Family Physicians of Canada for his outstanding contributions to family medicine."
"Dr. Francis is an amazing, dedicated, and passionate teacher to his students. His willingness to go above and beyond for his patients is inspirational, and makes us want to do the same throughout the future of our training. He encourages his students to take independence and mentors them in a caring and effective manner. I am grateful to have been one of Dr. Francis' student."
"I am thrilled to nominate Dr. David Jerome for the Exceptional Teacher honour from the BC College of Family Physicians. Dr. Jerome's remarkable contributions include the establishment and dedicated teaching of the Wilderness Medical Society of Canada, fostering a national platform for education in this crucial field. His commitment has opened numerous learning avenues, impacting healthcare professionals across the country. Driven by passion and expertise, Dr. Jerome has significantly enriched the landscape of wilderness medicine education in Canada."
"I wholeheartedly nominate Captain Eric Juneau for an exceptional teacher award. His outstanding contributions in developing a clinical curriculum for medical technicians at a national level have significantly elevated the standards of education in the field. Captain Juneau's leadership in crafting a comprehensive teaching program for family physicians to deliver this curriculum demonstrates his dedication to advancing medical education. His commitment to excellence is evident in the meticulous planning and execution of these programs, which have not only enhanced the skills of medical technicians but also empowered family physicians to impart crucial knowledge effectively. Captain Eric Juneau's visionary approach and tireless efforts make him a deserving candidate for recognition in the realm of exceptional teaching."
"Dr Kooy has been teaching 3rd medical students for many years in our rural family medicine program. He really cares about the students education and success and goes the extra mile for them. As undergraduate lead for year 3 FM at SMP Jack will call me about any student where he is concerned about their ability or progress and is always willing to chat about a plan for their success or how best to get them help. Equally he provides excellent and insightful feedback to his students in their evaluations. He takes students for a month in their RFP rotations and teaches multiple students per year. He is very supportive of family medicine education and does his best to make students feel welcome in his community."
"Dr. Rusanna Mitchell has done (and continues to do) an exceptional job teaching and mentoring UBC medical students in the clinical setting of her family practice. Often she will have up to 3 students at one time shadowing her busy clinical practice, which encompasses a diverse patient population which a wide range of medical conditions; this ranges from routine well baby care to the care of complex elderly and frail patients. This exposure provides an invaluable experience to the medical students; she takes great care to include them and takes many opportunities to probe them on their knowledge. Furthermore, they get exposure to clinical procedures as well, such as minor biopsies. I can say with great confidence that her immense knowledge base, practical approach to Family Medicine, excellent clinical skills, and patient-centred approach to medicine are equipping these future physicians with new expertise and skills that they will carry with them as they navigate their careers moving forward. As a fellow physician in her clinic that has just completed my first 5 years of Family Medicine practice, she has been a very appreciated and valuable mentor to myself as well, and does not hesitate to share knowledge and clinical skills in the care of my own patients whenever I need; she is always looking for opportunities to share new, interesting, or complex clinical cases with me to expand my own knowledge. She is a wonderful teacher and is very deserving of a clinical teaching award; I am sure all of the medical students who have been lucky to shadow her would agree."
"Exceptional mentor, teacher, and role model for future physicians. Kind nature with learners and wide knowledge base, along with a dedication to teaching, make Dr. Mitchell the best medical teacher anyone could ask for. Always goes well above and beyond for any future medical professionals, as well as all of her patients."
"Dr. Mitchell is an exceptional teacher. She goes above and beyond for both her patients and her students. Her warm and empathic nature makes a very positive learning environment. She is dedicated to teaching students. She is very knowledgeable and up to date with family practice. Her dedication to her practice and to teaching is inspiring."
"You stride into your preceptor’s building for the first time, heart pounding, already 10 minutes late. A traffic jam might have tarnished your reputation even before you had the chance to make your first impression. After a comedic episode of running up and down the stairs three times, desperately searching for room 202, you discover that your preceptor’s office was right at the entrance all along. Focused on the sheen of sweat on your forehead, you sprint through the open door of the office, until… you bump into your preceptor and almost spill her morning tea. This was how I introduced myself to Dr. Rusanna Mitchell on my very first day. The doctor who I am now proud to say has been the most incredible and influential teacher I have ever had, let alone the best teacher I have had in medical school. Back to the story. Dr. Mitchell's reaction was nothing short of miraculous given the circumstances. Instead of a frown or a lecture, her eyes twinkle with amusement as she steadies her cup. A smile spreads across her face, “Exciting morning!” she laughs. She calmly introduces herself and her staff, diffusing the tension with the grace of someone who's seen it all. In the chaos of the morning, there was another mishap—my lab coat was torn in the back by a rebellious door handle. Lucky me. “Have you ever sewn before?” Dr Mitchell asks. I never had, but I had a sewing machine at home. “I have a replacement coat for you to keep," she says, fetching a pristine coat. "But how about a challenge? Next week, bring that torn coat back, sewn by you. Getting a new coat is easy, but sewing? That’s a skill!” She smiled and asked, “Are you up for it?”. I was! This unexpected lesson, nestled within my first hour of meeting Dr. Mitchell, sets the tone for the year to come. A year where each mistake is reframed as a stepping stone, every challenge a chance to grow. Dr. Mitchell’s mentorship extends beyond the confines of medicine, teaching resilience, and patience. She instills in students to cherish every opportunity to improve, learn, and grow. After her warm introduction, and my brisk apology, we dive into the day's schedule buzzing with patients excited to see their favourite doctor. The story of one patient has still stuck with me that deeply illustrates Dr. Mitchell’s character. Mrs. Doe (anonymized case/details) was a middle-aged woman who had been navigating the complexities of managing Type 2 diabetes amidst a life filled with personal challenges, including a recent job loss. Upon entering the room, Dr. Mitchell gives her a warm smile and asks if I can join the visit. Mrs. Doe smiles back and agrees. Nothing could prepare me for the story that was to ensue. Mrs. Doe was grieving the loss of her son. Over the past five months, she was unable to take care of her blood sugar since food was her primary comfort during this time. Dr. Mitchell listened with intent, as she kneeled to be eye-to-eye with Mrs. Doe throughout her story. Dr. Mitchell was reassuring, and acknowledged her pain and struggle with every word. It was astonishing to see how Mrs. Doe opened up. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Mitchell gave ideas on managing diabetes under stress, suggesting small, manageable steps that Mrs. Doe could take to regain control over her health. Additionally, Dr. Mitchell connected Mrs. Doe with a support group for parents who have lost children, emphasizing the value of shared experiences and community support. What truly highlighted Dr. Mitchell's prowess as a teacher and mentor was her encouragement of my direct involvement in Mrs. Doe’s care. She guided me through the process of developing a personalized management plan, while asking Mrs. Doe about her preferences and involving her in the conversation as well! In such a sensitive conversation, Dr. Mitchell was able to engage both myself and the patient in collaborating on a way forward. We all left the visit with a smile. This visit was truly a sight to behold, both as a patient seeking support and as a student. For the sake of brevity, I hope these stories have given you into the unique physician, mentor, and human that Dr. Mitchell is. I could write many more paragraphs about her unique passion and effectiveness as a medical school preceptor. Dr. Mitchell is a rare asset to medical education, and it is due time that she is recognized. This is precisely the reason I have written such a lengthy response. I want to do my part in ensuring she is recognized by the physician community. I wholeheartedly endorse Dr. Mitchell for the Exceptional Teaching Honour, and any greater award that can be given to a physician mentor."
"Dr. Pichie has been a guiding light for numerous medical students and residents who have trained in Hazleton. She has created a culture of inclusivity, safety, and support, while allowing learners to work with independence and challenge themselves during their training. She is a fierce leader for rural and remote medicine and leads by example to teach learners how to provide culturally safe cafe. Having Dr. Pichie as a preceptor and mentor is a privilege."
"Dr. Purdon exemplifies excellence in all aspects of his practice including his teaching of medical students and residents. He meets the needs of the various levels of learner perfectly. He also shines as a role model, which is demonstrated with the multiple patients per day who say how lucky and happy they are to have him as their family doctor. Unlike other preceptors he challenges learners to find the answers to their own questions first, and to generate their own management plans and commit to them. He is also extremely meticulous in his oversight of the learners, and they therefore feel very well supported despite being given an appropriate amount of independence - a tricky balance. Truly an exceptional educator."
"Toye is a strong supporter of family medicine education. He and his colleagues in his clinic take multiple 1st and 2nd yr undergraduate students per yr in our undergraduate family medicine program. When he recruits new physicians for his clinic he strongly advocates that they teach. When we are short of a preceptor he is the first to step up and help out. He takes time to contact the program if he is concerned and he is willing to give honest and insightful feedback to his students. He is supportive of his students and their educational goals. He is an advocate for education in family medicine."
"Dr. Tranquilli-Doherty is an exceptional preceptor in both family medicine and low-risk obstetrics. She has a unique gift for noticing areas for improvement in even the strongest students, and supporting their development in a safe, supportive, and compassionate manner. She always takes time to teach around the cases seen each day, while also expanding on them to bring in new clinical pearls that are related but may not have been directly seen in a patient's specific presentation. She is able to perfectly balance giving resident independence and clinical exposure while also ensuring adequate supervision and feedback based on a learner's abilities. Her clinical knowledge is excellent, and she models compassionate care in all her patient encounters. She is loved by learners and patients alike. She has also brought her passion for teaching to other preceptors in her role as Site Faculty for Faculty Development in the UBC Family Practice Program's St. Paul's site."
"Dr. Tsang is an excellent, very kind, compassionate, and great teacher. She is knowledgeable and is easy to approach with questions or concerns. She gives the best care to all her patients at our office."