Dr. Chritchley's nominator had this to say "Sarah is a dedicated family physician whose commitment to her patients and passion for the art of medicine makes her well-loved by patients, their families, and her colleagues.  She has been giving of herself to her profession for years, serving on the Board of the Victoria Division of Family Practice, working as treasurer for her very large call group, and functioning not only as clinical teaching faculty but taking on an official role with the Island Medical Program.  She is a devoted teacher, and both medical students and residents alike receive a warm welcome and impeccable educational experience while learning from Dr. Chritchley.  Her clinical acumen is very strong, and she does not shy away from caring for the most medically complex and challenging patients.  She is a true example of the value of the longitudinal community family physician and has served her profession and her patients so steadfastly, without any expectation of recognition, that I think she is an ideal candidate to receive the BCCFP College Coin."

Dr. Clark's nominator had this to say "Dr. Cynthia (Cindi) Clark is an exceptional physician. She is a proud Fellow of the College of Family Physicians Canada and has been practicing on the North Shore. She started here first as a locum, and then in her own practice and in a clinic setting. Dr. Clark is a positive and respectful physician who often enthuses about the privilege practicing Family Medicine. She is a wonderful teacher for medical learners and is dedicated and caring toward her patients. She embodies lifelong learning - she continues to learn new skills in her practice and strives to offer exceptional care. As a colleague she is positive, reliable and inspiring. There have been so many times over the years she has covered for me when I needed support - thank you for always being there! She has an amazing talent for design and helped design our clinic space when we built it almost a decade ago. She has been an unsung hero - I feel so lucky to have the privilege of working with her."

Dr. Duncan's nominator had this to say: "Dr Duncan is a full service family doctor who also is the physician lead at the Vancouver Division of family practice. She has a long history of advocacy and leadership work with family medicine locally and provincially while maintaining her busy urban practice. She is passionate about many things but lately has been advocating strongly for improved home based care for both palliative and frail elderly patients. She herself does home visits as needed (rare in urban centres). She also teaches family medicine residents. Where does she get the time and energy? - no one knows! Please consider celebrating her amazing contributions to all facets of family medicine."

Dr. Gillis's nominator had this to say "Dr Gillis has maintained an exceptionally high level of care for her patients across all domains of family medicine from birth to end of life. She does this while being our clinic’s medical lead (and heart), obstetrics rotation coordinator for our local family practice residency, preceptoring residents and nurse practitioners in the clinic, and helping our clinic be a local leader as a pilot for allied health in PCN. She is fearless, principled, and works tirelessly for her patients, colleagues, and community. If you saw the complexity of physician scheduled she designs for our group to thrive as individuals and a bio system, there would be no doubt in your mind that she is an inspiration and deserves recognition for her contribution"

Dr. Harper's nominator had this to say "Thank you for supporting your colleagues and the compassionate care you provide your patients. Your sense of humour and calm manner enhances the workplace."

Dr. Hefford's nominator had this to say "She currently leads the White Rock Primary Care Centre and tirelessly provides primary care to the much needed in her community on top of her leadership roles"

Dr. Howatt's nominator had this to say "In addition to her work as a full scope family doctor - and I'm talking FULL scope, as she not only provides office and inpatient care but maternity and emergency too - Alison stepped up when our hospital was in need of a new chief of staff. She has worked diligently to advocate for our facility in the dense thicket of healthcare bureaucracy that would have handily defeated a lesser human. She is a dedicated preceptor for the UBC rural residency program whose students rave about their experience with her. On top of all this, she was the captain of the Salmon Arm Silverquacks at the Vernon Doc Hockey tournament this year. For the compassionate care she provides to her patients and her leadership and dedication to our medical community, Alison is incredibly deserving of recognition by the BCCFP."

Dr. Lau's nominator had this to say "thank you for supporting your colleagues to take time away as they need. The compassionate care you provide your patients wherever you are is amazing. Your passion for the Environment is inspiring"

Dr. Lee's nominator had this to say "Thanks for being a wonderful part of our small team at Langara. Your authentic caring and diligence is appreciated."

Dr. Linekin's nominator had this to say "Amazing lead as residency director, supportive of colleagues, excellent patient centered care."

Dr. Linton's nominator had this to say "Over more than 20 years, Dr. Greg Linton has demonstrated his dedication to family medicine and to the community of Terrace. He continually strives to improve patient care by collaborating with allied health care providers and our local First Nations communities. He has been critical to the development and sustainability of our residency program. As a mentor and educator in the medical community, he teaches not only the medicine, but the art and nuances of rural family practice. He has truly demonstrated his commitment to his patients, learners, and community as a whole."

Dr. MacKenzie's nominator had this to say “Dr. Mark MacKenzie definitely embodies the "unsung hero" role in family medicine.  There is no greater commitment and dedication to family medicine than to lead the largest Family Medicine Residency Program in Canada as Program Director, and to train future generations of family physicians who will look after patients in our big and beautiful province.

I first met Mark over 20 years ago when I just graduated from family practice residency.  I had recently moved from Prince George to Chilliwack and was looking to do locums.  I remember Mark's family practice in Chilliwack to be friendly and welcoming.  Everything was easy to find and nothing stood out as particularly difficult when it came to finding the information I needed to resume care of patients where Mark had left off.  As a young and green physician then, I enjoyed doing Mark's locum but I did not fully appreciate all the organization, the culture of safety and inclusion for staff and patients, and the anticipation of the locum's needs that all had to be in place to create a smoothly running office even when Mark was not there.

I see that now.  And I have seen that over and over again as I have worked more with Mark over the past 2 years.

It was at a UBC Family Practice retreat in Kelowna that my husband (also a family physician) and I met Mark again after a very long time.  It impressed me that Mark came to the event and honestly, I felt flattered he still remembered my husband and myself.  We talked shop, of course.  And not long after the event, he asked if we might help a resident in difficulty.  Apparently, he heard of our favourable reputation as effective preceptors and wondered if we could help.  As we navigated the heavier responsibility, Mark felt like he was always available.  If we weren't reaching out to him, he would be following up with us.  Not excessively, but just the right balance so we were all on track. And I learned then that Mark was staying in touch with the resident too.  Our UBC Program has over 350 family medicine residents across the two years of our program and as program director, he has innumerable responsibilities to the program (all staff, all preceptors, all residents, and all UBC superiors).  The level of personal attention for this one individual resident and to us, inspired me.  This was commitment - no resident got left behind; the resident was afforded every support to become the best family physician they were capable of becoming.

During this past year, as I navigated the role of interim Co-Site director of the Surrey South Fraser program, Mark was again personally available whenever difficulties arose.  And he reached out to touch bases regularly to ensure that I was supported and to ask if I needed anything or if there's anything he and his central office could do better.

At each committee meeting that Mark chaired, Mark made every effort every time to introduce new members and to thank departing ones.  He paid close attention to body language (yes, even via Zoom!), to raised hands, and to comments in the chat.  He would facilitate discussions and he would also slide in somewhat inconspicuously which sites we're from so we, as a large group of more than 20 site directors and co-site directors, would become acquainted with each other; this also gave some context to the comments being made.  When it came to discussing business, it was always obvious to me that Mark is a tireless advocate for our preceptors in the community and our residents.  Every meeting was densely packed and efficiently run.  Even with opportunities given for those who want to speak up to speak up, most meetings ended on time with clear action plans that Mark would speak to at the beginning of the next meeting.

In short, Mark is an unsung hero deserving to be recognized for his tireless efforts to advance family medicine through advocating for family medicine preceptors and residents.  He has worked hard in his role as Program Director of the UBC Family Practice Residency Program.  He creates welcoming, safe and inclusive work environments.  He makes time for us.  He wants to hear from us and to support each preceptor and each resident.  He seeks feedback to do better himself.   Mark is dedicated and committed to bettering family medicine now and for the future.  Thank you so much, Mark!!"

Dr. McMeel's nominator had this to say "Dr. McMeel is a dedicated innovator who has been instrumental in improving access to emergency care for rural communities across BC by building essential programs and infrastructures as well as providing direct mentorship.
Dr. McMeel is an emergency physician with an accomplished career of over 30 years. He has leveraged his wisdom, leadership, and mentorship to build systems that enhance the delivery of rural medicine throughout BC.
Despite advances in medical technology, there remains a gap between the health status of rural and urban dwellers. Emergency care in rural BC is delivered by family physicians who may or may not have had the opportunity to receive enhanced skill training in emergency medicine. This means that self-identified “infrequent providers” are often the ones caring for the sickest patients across BC in the most resource-limited settings far away from additional support.
Dr. McMeel is improving emergency care across BC by mentoring providers and equipping them with the skills and confidence to function in the low-resource settings. This has been a longstanding gap that has been inadequately addressed by current medical training programs. Dr. McMeel has therefore created a number of programs in order to build this capacity across the province.
The first program that Dr. McMeel created is the Practice Eligible Program. The program allows practicing family physicians to work in a high-volume trauma centre in a supported environment. Participants of this program gradually increase their level of exposure to complex emergency patients as their level of skills and experience increases. Participants receive structured performance reviews as well as direct mentorship on shift. This is supported by an exam preparation study group that assists candidates in preparing for their certification exams. Since the creation of the program in 2009, 25 out of 27 candidates have successfully completed the program and passed the certification exam.
Dr. McMeel also created the Nanaimo Emergency Education Program in 2017. This 3 month mini-fellowship program also hosts practicing rural family physicians from across the province. They undergo a well-designed academic curriculum incorporating specialty knowledge, hands-on skills, and simulation. This is coupled with 3 months of supervised clinical practice designed to put these into practice. Since its inception, 11 cohorts with 37 learners have completed the program, with an additional cohort of 3 learners currently underway. Dr. McMeel has also been instrumental in expanding the program to Prince George and Kelowna.
Most recently, Dr. McMeel has created the 1-year emergency residency program in Nanaimo, with a dedicated focus on training fully certified specialty emergency physicians who are interested in supporting rural communities. In contrast to many programs, the program incorporates placement in a rural emergency department. The program has now graduated 4 cohorts totalling 7 physicians, with another cohort of 2 physicians underway. Dr. McMeel has also successfully facilitated the expansion into the Prince George site.
Dr. McMeel has diligently worked to boost the local capacity at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital in order to support these programs. Through his tremendous collegiality, he has built up good-will among his colleagues. Rather than reaping these for personal gain, he passes on any returned favours to supporting these programs that in turn helps others. His great vision and dedication also means this work is done largely without compensation. The impact that he has created is already saving lives across the province, and will continue to benefit people for generations to come. His work is some of the consequential and tangible contributions to rural health in BC. "

Dr. Meyer's nominator had this to say "Dedication to full service rural family practice for 30 years in Dawson Creek. Advocacy to maintain rural maternity care in a small town despite bureaucratic hurdles. Innovative research into the effects of natural gas fracking on pregnancy outcomes. Progressive professional educational services to her peers. Studied and adopted integrative medicine into her practice. Kindness to all: peers, co-professionals, staff and patients. An outstanding physician!"

Dr. Schokking's nominator had this to say " I have been in Prince George since 2002 and Ian has been an amazing collaborator, Colleague and teacher. He wears many hats and probably doing job of 2 persons. He is always available for a listening ear or if you need advice on anything personal or professional. I have looked up to him as a big brother. Prince George is lucky to have him."

Dr. Soetaert's nominator had this to say "I would like to nominate Dr Shayne Soetaert, a colleague of mine in Fernie. I am choosing Shayne as he works tirelessly to provide exceptional care to his patients, the patients in the community and is always there to have a good laugh with. He goes above and beyond with his patients, and the patients he cares for in the emergency department and hospital. He does all this while raising elite level athlete daughters. He does countless hours of unpaid work, to help our hospital, and community to thrive. He is a physician that all young physicians (and others in their senior years), can look up to."

Dr. Slatnik's nominator had this to say "Without Dr Michael Slatnik our small rural hospital and emergency department would likely be closed, harming thousands of patients in the Grand Forks and west boundary area. Dr Slatnik is our chief of staff/local leader and practices full scope family practice in a very small rural community of Greenwood BC. He works in the ER in our hospital as well. Over the last several years we have seen our hospital pushed to the brink collapse. Our colleagues are burnt out and our physician engagement as a result has deteriorated. As president of the medical staff I have seen his unwavering commitment to endless bureaucratic engagement in attempts to bolster safe staffing levels, engage with the health authority and keep pushing for safe care when nearly everyone else has given up. He is an unsung hero.

Thousands of patients rely on his ongoing commitment and efforts (Much of which likely draws him away from his young children and supportive spouse)."

Dr. Stewart's nominator had this to say “Dr. Stewart has enjoyed a long career as a Hospital Medicine physician at Burnaby Hospital. As well as being an excellent clinician Dr. Stewart takes the time to  teach and educate medical students and residents and is a clinical instructor faculty of medicine at UBC.  Dr.  Stewart  has also been actively involved in non-clinical  administrative roles; President of the Burnaby hospitalist Physicians incorporation, director-at-Large for the Medical Staff association, member of the inaugural Women in Leadership MSA physician group, member and lead of several committees (infection control, Hiring, redevelopment, education and leadership and home first) and is  currently involved  with the Doctors of BC as the Co- Chair for BC Guidelines and Protocols advisory committee. In her spare time Dr. Stewart sings with the Vancouver Bach Choir and is a wonderful mother to her two children. Burnaby Hospital has significantly benefited from Dr. Stewart’s wise and thoughtful leadership and is deeply appreciative of all the contributions Dr. Stewart has made throughout her career.”

Dr. Taylor's nominator had this to say " I have worked with and been a patient of Dr. Taylor .. She is one of the best physicians I have ever worked with. Compassionate , thorough, uptodate and knowledgeable. She managed to continue to provide excellence of care throughout the entire covid pandemic to myself and countless others while raising her own kids and acting as the site director for KB UBC Family Medicine program. I know that her students and patients love her and that she loves to pass on what she has learned to others. Including my daughter with severe anxiety whom she has helped so much!"

Dr. Thompson's nominator had this to say "She is an exceptional physician who practices Hospitalist Medicine at Burnaby Hospital and is held in very high esteem by all her colleagues, patients, and their families. Dr Thompson has provided over 15 years of leadership, support and service to our group of physicians, notably through her involvement in scheduling, teaching, mentorship, and recruitment. Her compassionate wisdom and clinical excellence have influenced countless medical students, residents, new graduates and locum physicians, along with her hospital community. Participating on many committees, Dr Thompson exemplifies team spirit and a goal of excellence, be it in clinical practice, team interactions, QI projects, or more! She is an inspiring advocate for evidence-based care, growth mindset, and health care improvement. She is a highly valued colleague, and her outstanding penmanship is rivaled by none. In her spare time, Dr Thompson is an amazing mother of three children, with extensive volunteering and community involvement. Based on her own experience, she has also provided support to other physician mothers of twins.

Dr Thompson is beloved by patients and their families for her kindness, dedication and thoroughness, through years of service and care. She is held in the highest esteem by her colleagues and by the staff at Burnaby Hospital, and it is truly an honour to nominate her for a College Coin."

Dr. Whalley's nominators had this to say "Dr Danica Whalley is a palliative physician providing care in the Fraser Valley that is exceptional and should be recognized and applauded. She is a superb clinician and advocate for those nearing the end of their lives, and someone who is able to draw alongside her patients and their families in a way that provides them dignity and meaning at this difficult time in their lives. She is a trusted colleague, never too busy to offer a colleague or fellow healthcare worker some of her time and expertise, whether informally, or in formal CPD meetings. Her clinical notes and orders are legendary, providing not only clarity to those working as part of the team caring for a patient, but also providing templates as to best care and practice. Palliative medicine is really understaffed and under-resourced at the moment, but this never deters her and she gets on and does what is needed with a laugh and a smile. It is an honour and privilege to work with her and call her a colleague."

"She should be nominated because she is so hard working with a good sense of humour. She is easy to approach and very diligent .She treats every body with respect irrespective of her status and person. She has a passion for her job."

Dr. Wong's nominator had this to say "Dr. Wong has been practicing in BC for greater than 10 years and has provided exceptional care to her patients. She cares deeply for her patients and has consistently provided patient centred and evidence based care. She is friendly and approachable and is always willing to help out a colleague and shows genuine care for patients and colleagues alike. For many years she’s also worked in long term care and helped families navigate through complicated illnesses and end of life. On top of this, she also served as the medical coordinator for her long term care facility and helped with recruiting and training new physicians to join this work when many facilities were short staffed. Dr. Wong is an exceptional physician who deserves to be recognized for her many years of hard work in BC."

Dr. Yoon's nominator had this to say “Lt(N) Phillip Yoon is nominated for a BCCFP College coin for his exception work and teaching during Ex Rescue Medic in 2023. He presented an excellent presentation on airway management bringing together his expertise in pre-hospital care and emergency medicine. He served as a role model to all the students present.”

Dr. Watt's nominator had this to say "

Dr. Watt has spent her career making tremendous contributions to family medicine, medical education, and to her community.

Dr. Watt has spearheaded the Abbotsford Youth Health Centre, which is an inclusive space for youth primary and mental health care. She has played an instrumental role in making gender affirming care available in Abbotsford, which is a much needed service. She played a large role in transitioning the AYHC into the new Foundry multi service agency.

Dr. Watt has also worked with women under incarceration in providing trauma-informed care. She has supported countless women in accessing low barrier health care who otherwise may not have received care.

Dr. Watt has played a significant role in the education of family practice residents in the UBC Abbotsford program in offering them opportunities to develop skills in caring for marginalized patients. She has also created opportunities to support Nurse Practitioners and International Medical Graduates.

Dr. Watt has played a leadership role in her community. For years, she served on the Board of the Abbotsford Community Services, now know as Archway Community Services. She has also provided care to underhoused patients at the community fair year after year.

Much of the above work was done not only without recognition, but also without compensation. She frequently invested her own funds in order to create the above opportunities."

Dr. Wiss' nominator had this to say "An exceptional mentor and colleague. Dr Wiss shifted his practice from full time head of department emergency medicine to working in longitudinal primary care 3 years ago. He has tirelessly worked to adapt and tweak his practice style to become an exceptional primary care physician late in his career. I commend him on his ability to shift and adapt so well."

Dr. Bass's nominator had this to say "Bryan is a physician in Cowichan who consistently meets the needs of his patients and is the Chair of the Cowichan Division of Family Practice. He is able to see the big picture in primary care, he speaks on behalf of his colleagues and also understands the need and value of team based care members. In the past few months Bryan has been at the table with the Health Authority in difficult conversations around an Urgent and Primary Care Clinic in Cowichan. Through it all, he has remained calm, kind and generous while bravely representing any/all concerns expressed by the other primary care providers in the community. We are grateful that Bryan remained in conversation, stood up for his members and retained his sense of humor as this has been hard, soul-searching work. Bryan is truly a leader in so many ways and Cowichan is very fortunate that he is here."

Dr. Boskovic's nominator had this to say "She has worked effectively and collaboratively with program leadership and administration while at the same time advocating for improvements to the program. Her advocacy has been informed by actively listening to the concerns of her fellow residents and by a pragmatic and realistic perspective.

 Her efforts on behalf of residents helped lead to enhanced resident activity fund dispersal, improved resident reimbursement for program related expenses, improved travel and accommodation stipends for rural and remote rotations, and more protected time for exam registration."

Dr. Bourdon's nominator says "Dr. Bourdon has built a career almost entirely focused on the concept of “Community-Based”. Seeing gaps, and care needs in the community, she does NOT simply throw up her arms and give up in frustration… she organizes, calls people, talks to politicians and Health Authorities, looks for innovations in other communities and finds ways of bringing care models and teams to the communities in which we live and serve. Furthermore, she participates actively in the Family Physician-led Community Hospital, is involved in acute and hospital-based care and the Doctor-of-the-Day program along with other community Family Physician Colleagues."

Dr. Chritchley's nominator had this to say " She does family medicine, baby to grave, but no maternity, obstetrics, or Emergency Room. Palliative care and house calls when needed and she works with an amazing team of docs and now a nurse in our office. Her love is internal medicine and complex patients. Longitudinal care is the best gig."

"Dr. Cordoni has been one of the bravest physicians working through COVID pandemic in person, supporting colleagues and patients. She is almost never thinking of self and always being there for others: from babies she delivers to frail elderly she supports. Dr. Cordoni is an amazing physician for over 40 years and thousands of her patients and many colleagues are loving her for her big heart, amazing knowledge, wit, hard work and ability to deal efficiently with interpersonal problems. It is a great privilege to work with such an amazing doctor like Dr. Cordoni for over 20 years and wishing for another 20! She is the most VERSATILE physician I've ever met."

Dr. Du Plessis's nominator had this to say "Dr Magda Du Plessis - she is a caring and great doctor. She is the head of Dawson Creek Hospital, as well as running Mile Zero Medical clinic and Chickadee maternity clinic.  She does everything so well and still has a family of her own. It amazes everyone how she gets everything done. She is a wonderful leader and example as a doctor"

Dr. Grainger's nominator had this to say “Since moving to Victoria, Major Grainger has supported 11 and 12 Field Ambulance with lecture provision and mentoring junior GDMOs(General Duty Medical Officers) in BC.”

Dr. Grewal's nominator says "Dr. Grewal plays such an important role in our family, and I can’t thank her enough for her honesty, compassion and patience. She really is the best there is. She always does her best to help us and I have leaned so heavily on her during this pandemic and she has held me up and validated my experiences. I will be forever grateful for the care that Dr. Grewal has provided to me and my family."

Dr. Grover's nominator says "As the medical director of Fraser Canyon Hospital, Dr. Grover was instrumental in securing the welfare of his community, which includes Boston Bar First Nation, during the 2021 wildfires of B.C. and then again in November when he went on several rescue missions during BC floods to accompany patients and drop off essential medical supplies."

Dr. Hawkins's nominator had this to say "Dr. Hawkins hasn’t sought out recognition or defined positions within local governance, instead choosing to work in the trenches of PCN development and implementation of the Patient Medical Home. She doesn’t seek (or even really want) acknowledgement of the hard work she puts in as she helps the teams that she works with to promote the fundamental ideals of family medicine and primary care. Her name doesn’t show up on many documents, social media blitzes or thank-you lists. She is simply motivated by the greater good. Ensuring patients get the best possible care and that physicians are supported in providing that care. She is a reminder to me every day of the higher calling of medicine, of the social contract we have and of what it really means to be an excellent family doctor."

Dr. Hobson's nominator had this to say "I am nominating Dr. Bruce Hobson for the College Coin. He is now retired from full service family practice - however, has been an exemplary dedicated family physician in his community of Powell River providing longitudinal comprehensive care for more than three decades to his patient panel, in addition to his teaching and mentoring learners.

He then transitioned into more focused work on supporting provincial CPD initiatives and coaching his colleagues both in EMR optimization and CPD best practices.   He has and continue to involve himself in leadership roles to represent the family physician voice in healthcare transformation”

Dr. Hofmeyr's nominator had this to say "Dr. Hofmeyr is an exceptional person, doctor and health mentor who has had such an positive influence on my family’s health care and well being, as well as in the community around him through the Docs on the Bay practice which he started over a decade ago in the community of Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver."

Dr. Juneau's nominator had this to say “As Second in Command of 12 (Vancouver) Med Coy Eric has learned about leadership from Senior Officers over the past year and has implemented those lessons in his clinical work in Richmond ER and on weekend military exercises. He also provides medical care internationally with the CAF. He serves as an exemplary role model to soldiers, residents, and medical students.”

Dr. Kirby's nominator had this to say “Dr Kirby has been a stalwart supporter of junior family Physicians within the Canadian Armed Forces over the past 2 years. During his tenure in Victoria he has created opportunities for junior family physicians to contribute to planning medical care at CFB Esquimalt.”

Dr. Kleinhans' nominator says "When I considered nominating Dr. Kleinhans for this award, I reflected on the qualities and skills that most individuals would expect of an exceptional Family Physician. I first met Dr. Kleinhans 7 years ago when I was in a Senior Physician Leadership role as well as providing clinical care as a Family Physician. I was immediately struck by her compassion, keen wit and desire to learn and make a difference in people’s lives and in her community. I was impressed by her innate leadership abilities and her willingness to be curious and to share ideas to solve problems and to find the best course of action. I reflected on a clinical day in Lake Country when a patient presented for follow up of significant traumatic injuries. When I asked about her initial care, the patient informed me how wonderful her emergency care had been in Creston. She explained how careful and thorough the doctor had been and what a difference it had made following her traumatic event. I asked the name of the physician and wasn’t surprised to learn the physician who had provided such exemplary and reassuring care was Dr. Nerine Kleinhans."

Dr. Knebel's nominator had this to say “I would like to nominate Dr. Laura Knebel for a BCCFP College Coin Honour. Dr. Knebel is a inner-city family physician and the medical lead for the Downtown Community Health Centre (DCHC). As well as continuing to provide high-quality complex primary care to the patients of the DTES, Dr. Knebel also demonstrated exemplary clinical leadership throughout the pandemic as well on-call physician support to the DTES Covid Outreach Team.”

Dr. Kozoriz's nominator says "She is active as a teacher, mentoring family medicine residents and third year medical students in this clinic as well as in the inpatient ward at Cowichan District Hospital, where she is part of a team of family physicians who care for unattached patients. While raising her young and growing family, she has contributed to the medical community in many ways. Through the past two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, she has emerged as a respected local expert on Covid-19 assessment and treatment, as Medical Lead of the Cowichan Respiratory Assessment clinic, and more recently, with her work in launching the Island wide Covid-19 Outpatient Therapeutics Clinic. Throughout the pandemic, Dr Kozoriz’ compassion and dedication to the Indigenous communities in our area have been apparent. She coordinated a group of physicians who provided countless hours of support to vaccine clinics in Cowichan Tribes, Penelakut Tribe and Stz’uminus First Nation. In bringing a physician presence, these clinics became “one stop shops” where community members could access testing, assessment, and get their vaccine concerns addressed before receiving immunization. In the context of ongoing systemic racism and historical trauma and mistrust of the health care system, Dr. Kozoriz recognized the importance of reaching out and going in to the community and building relationships."

Dr. Kugyelka's nominator had this to say: “Dr. Kugyelka after a career as a full-service family physician in several areas of Canada including Nova Scotia, Alberta and the Yukon now works as a Hospitalist at Burnaby hospital. In her hospitalist role Dr. Kugyelka has as taken on many extra projects including creating a physician scheduling system to provide the greatest continuity of care for patients, working on quality improvement projects “home for lunch” to promote early discharge of patients and creating fun videos highlighting  quality improvement projects. During her time as the Burnaby Hospital Medicine department head Dr. Kugyelka focused on ensuring appropriate physician staffing levels were scheduled for each of the shifts, a fair and transparent hiring process for the program and ensuring the highest quality of care was provided from the hospitalist service to every patient admitted to Burnaby Hospital. Dr. Kugyelka is well deserving of this college coin “an Unsung hero of family medicine – some one we admire for their ongoing commitment to family medicine and their dedication to good work”.

Dr Lee's nominator had this to say "The transformation I have witnessed as he has taken on challenging leadership positions that would have stressed and broken other physicians has truly been impressive. It can be difficult for physicians to move from the clinical realm to the world of leadership. Dr. Lee has taken the position and responsibility that was thrust on him with great gusto. His leadership has allowed a cadre of Medical Assistants and Medical Technicians in the Reserve Field Ambulance to witness what caring leadership looks like and what its effects are."

Dr. Magnuson's nominator had this to say "It is with great pride and confidence that I nominate my colleague and friend, Dr Paul Magnuson, for this prestigious award. Our Board of Directors (for the Central Interior Rural Division of Family Practice) and I would like to say that Paul has been and continues to be a bedrock in the foundation of the healthcare system here in the Cariboo. He is a leader, a teacher, a highly skilled and trusted physician, and he is absolutely deserving of this honour. I know I speak on behal fof our entire membership when I say how privileged and proud we are to have Paul in our community and on our team."

Dr. Maroney's nominator had this to say "When our old doctor left suddenly, Dr. Roy Maroney took over his patient load. We found he was kind, and treated his patients with respect, liked to laugh with you and yet makes you feel like an old friend. We could talk to him on anything and openly.He is a diamond in the world of Doctors. Open, honest, willing to discuss and not veto your ideas on your own health care treatment, makes you feel validated and not talked down to."

Dr. Marshall's nominator had this to say "Dr. Carrie Marshall has much to offer our medical system and proves her dedication to public health and family medicine all the time. She puts her whole self into her profession and she should be recognized! Along with our west coast community I cannot speak highly enough about this remarkable doctor. She puts "family" into the term family doctor and we all love her!"

Dr. McIntyre's nominator had this to say "Our doctor lives and breathes doctoring. This young man is a credit to doctoring as he puts his whole life into being a doctor. When the emergency room does not have a doctor, to keep them from shutting down Dr. McIntyre will fill in. Dr. McIntyre will call you at home if he needs to discuss something with you. I feel Dr. McIntyre is very selfless and a wonderful doctor and all around human. I am so very grateful for him."

Dr. McLachlan's nominator had this to say " Dr. Mclachlan continues to amaze me with her hard work and dedication to her patients. She is such an amazing advocate for her patients as she is always striving to get them the best care possible. She has an endless supply of energy that is utilized for a busy office practice, house calls, palliative care, teaching Family Medicine residents, surgical assists, and up until recently an obstetrical practice.  Donna has inspired many young doctors over the years to provide full service family practice. She is a real gift to our community. "

Dr. Mehta's nominator had this to say "When I see Dr. Mehta in action with his interactions with others- I see the kindness, the compassion, humbleness of what encompasses a good family doctor to his patients, to his colleagues and the community. These characteristics has been steadfast and consistent. It inspires me being a primary care physician, it gives me hope and belief that a sustainable primary care is really what is good for our patient's community and system. He inspires us to do our part and be better everyday."

Dr. Monk's nominator had this to say "First, Dr. Monk is a wonderful family doctor with over 30 years of experience in her own longitudinal care family practice in the Burnaby/Coquitlam area. I have known her for many years, since she did a locum in my office shortly after she completed training. She is a knowledgeable, caring, dedicated physician who is supportive of her patients, co-workers, and her family medicine colleagues; and she actively advocates for us all. Despite the time commitments and challenges of practice she has always looked outside her own immediate situation and has advocated and worked to improve the lot of all family physicians and their patients. I think I can safely say that there is no family physician in BC, and hence none of their patients, who have not benefited from some aspect of the work Dr. Monk has done."

Dr. Olsen's nominator had this to say "Dr. Olsen has been the heart of Kamloops' family medicine obstetrics clinic - Thompson Regional Family Obstetrics (TRFO) for the past year. She has put in hours and hours of her time to help support this clinic. Without her, this clinic would not be what it istoday. Recently, she has started a program to help support the local marginalized maternity patients. She is an invaluable member to the TRFO team and to the Kamloops community."

Dr. Olsen's nominator had this to say "Dr Olsen goes above and beyond to make her practice inclusive. Whether you are queer, straight, trans, fat, skinny, a new mom, or an old farmer, Dr Olsen meets you where you are at. From the intake forms which include opportunities to express name and gender preferences, making room to acknowledge trauma and the roll it plays in health, chairs that allow all sizes to fit and feel comfortable, to even the art hanging on the walls. It is a welcoming and safe practice and her work feels collaborative"

Dr. Ritonja's nominator had this to say "There are many reasons why Dr. Ritonja is very deserving of this award. First, Dr. Ritonja displays excellence in family medicine. She is an extraordinary advocate for comprehensive and evidence-based, patient-centered care. I am always impressed with her knowledge (both medically and with community resources), how thorough her consultations are, and how well supported her patients are."

Dr. Sawatzky-Martens's nominator had this to say "Jeremy is the doctor we all wish we could be. He is empathetic, thorough, and beloved by his patients. He is kind and collegial to every one of his colleagues. There are the little things - like the fact that he always brings in coffee to the ER on his shifts, just to go the extra mile for his team. But more than that, Jeremy is always willing and eager to lend a hand, trade a shift, or talk through a tough case or personal troubles."

Dr. Sestak's nominator says "An advocate, leader, educator, and remarkably skilled clinician, Dr. Sestak exemplifies the pillars of family medicine to the utmost degree. His care and compassion for his patients is endless; his clinical acumen and attention to detail is unparalleled. Even in the twilight years of his career, he continued to learn, adapt his own skillset to the changing needs of his patient population, and continued to provide care to the highest of standards."

Dr. Sidorov's nominator had this to say "So many times over the last twenty years, she has taken the time and interest to get to know all of us, our medical (and personal) histories and thoughtfully guide us through medical care and follow-ups. She is thorough and is not hesitant to direct us to specialists if she feels the need. On more than several occasions over the years, she has reached out to her personal medical contacts as we sat right in her office to get us help and appointments asap."

Dr. Sloan's nominator had this to say “During the transition to Cerner at the Sechelt hospital a frail elderly palliative patient attended the ER. Dr. Sloan arrived before she did by EMS and through phone calls, and personally driving to her home to discuss her care with her son he was able to avoid an unnecessary admission for this frail patient and to continue to provide care to her at home while freeing up our limited rural EMS services.”

Dr. Strovskaia's nominator had this to say "Our family doctor has been wonderful with our care and committed to well being for 15 years, it truly is a partnership for wellness. Her holistic approach to health as a family has made a difference in our lives, she provides education, life health advice as well as good follow-up. She has outstanding traits for a medical professional - compassion, knowledge and passion for what she does. I love that she is quick to make sure you are seeing the right person for the best care."

Dr. Wade's nominator had this to say “Over the past few years Maj. Wade has served as 39 Brigade Surgeon in BC and supported the provision of healthy troops to a number of provincial emergencies through Op Lentus. He is known as a trusted advisor to junior physicians within both 11 and 12 Field Ambulance.”

Dr. Zeineddin's nominator took the time to say “I would like to nominate Dr. Maryam Zeineddin for her work over the past few very difficult months as a negotiator for the new PMA. I had the opportunity to discuss this process and the challenges that it entails with her in person over a year ago and it was obvious that she was literally sacrificing her time, energy, and life to enhance the cause for others in the profession.”

Dr. Stephanie Aung’s nominator says “She is a tireless advocate and caring physician for her patients. She goes well past the extra mile for them ensuring that they are well monitored and cared for. A significant component of her practice has been providing care for trans patients who have gone without a caring longitudinal provider and have had numerous challenges navigating the system. She has become an anchor they rely on in their journey of transition and a mentor to other physicians learning how to care for these amazing people.

She is also an invaluable resource within our office providing consultations and procedures for contraception, cervical cancer screening and women’s health.

On top of all that, she has served as the co-chair for the Fraser Northwest Division of Family Practice since 2016, as the division has boldly jumped in to establishing Primary Care Networks. There she has continued to advocate for women’s health and mental health supports for patients and longitudinal family physicians. She inspires me to be a better provider for my patients every day.”

Dr. Bagdan's nominator says: "Dr. Bagdan is a respected physician leader within the Comox Valley. She has been serving our community first as a Director with the local Division of Family Practice, and subsequently as Co-chair. She has maintained her tireless involvement as the new PCN lead during the operational rollout within the Valley. She has, throughout it all, maintained a busy family practice."

Dr. Bakker’s nominator says, “Dr. Bakker is not only a rural family physician, but she sits on a number of committees and, just as importantly, she is a mother of two children, with a third on the way. Despite family responsibilities, she is able to work in a full-time family practice, including inpatient and residential care, emergency medicine, occasional surgical assisting, and prenatal care. She also does outreach medicine to the Ktunaxa Nation. She is involved with teaching medical students and residents as part of the UBC Clinical Faculty. She exudes passion for medicine to her patients, students and the community.”

Dr. Baxter's nominators say: "We would like to humbly nominate a member of the Sechelt Medical Clinic and local Sunshine Coast family doctor, Julie Baxter, MD, for being a trusted advisor and friend to ourselves and her other practice colleagues at the Sechelt Hospital. While simultaneously being an engaged mother/wife/friend, she skillfully conducted a concussion quality improvement project through our Sechelt Hospital Emergency Department, provides full-spectrum family medicine (including maternity care) and has been the lead physician in a continuing medical education problem-based learning group. She does it all with empathy, humor and cheer. She is, simply, amazing. We are proud to know her."

Dr. Black’s nominator says, “In my years of practice I have met many doctors, but very few that inspire me. Dr. Black is one of those unique individuals that you simply cannot help but be inspired by. She is one of the best physicians that I have ever met. Encompassing all the facets of what a true physician is: caring, knowledgeable, passionate, a leader, outstanding work ethic, professionalism, confidence and humility. I have learned a tremendous amount of knowledge and skills from this special woman.”

Dr. Coetzee’s nominator says, “Dr. Coetzee is treasured by the community for treating each patient with the utmost in kindness and dignity, and with a special interest in caring for the most vulnerable individuals impacted by poverty and homeless in and around Prince Rupert. He is a tireless advocate for health equity and equality for all Indigenous Coastal Nations… As an exemplary and community focused teacher, Dr. Coetzee is a Clinical Instructor with the University of British Columbia, supporting medical students…Dr. Coetzee’s inspiring leadership during the time of COVID-19 has supported the region through the difficulty of some of the highest rates of local transmission in the province.”

Dr. Sarah Culkin’s nominator says, “Dr. Culkin has become a leader in the Abbotsford community and provides exemplary care for her patients. In a short space of time, her achievements and dedication to medicine in Abbotsford are nothing short of incredible. She has a full family practice clinic, is the lead for Maplewood house long term care, lead of the Salvation Army Clinic for the homeless, and advocates tirelessly for her patients; including meetings at city hall for much-needed community resources.”

Dr. Sylvia Duccheschi’s nominator says, “Dr. Ducceschi has been a caring and nurturing family doctor; I consistently hear from her patients the mutual respect, good humour, and love in their patient-doctor relationships… Sylvia was instrumental in the early years of the first Sexual Assault Team at Women’s Hospital. … She has been training medical students in our office weekly for many years, helping to inspire a new generation of family doctors… I feel that Sylvia Ducceschi exemplifies the values of quiet, consistent caring, knowledge, and energy we all look for to carry our family medicine discipline forward into the uncertainties of the future.”

“I would like to nominate Dr. Dumont for his tireless enthusiasm to promote and create, (alongside others) a sustainable culturally safe Indigenous Health network. I have admired his patience and his optimism despite obstacles along the way.”

Dr. Jessie Flear’s nominator says, “Whether it be providing primary care to vulnerable patients in the Mobile Health Unit or by navigating the system to get a hospital inpatient a managed alcohol prescription, Dr. Flear has a patient-centred approach that exemplifies the best of family medicine. Her important clinical work, kindness and equanimity in her non-clinical life, and her commitment to longitudinal family practice are something for new-to-practice family doctors to aspire to. If her first five years of practice have been any indication, the future of family practice looks bright.”

Dr. Goojha's nominator says: "We recently had an issue here on the coast with end-of-life care kits being discontinued and causing major issues in terms of providing the medications to effectively care for these patients on the Sunshine Coast. She worked with local palliative resource nurses, hospital pharmacy to rapidly create standard order/Rx sets in order to continue to provide this care to patients in this complex holiday season."

Dr. Hardial’s nominator says, “Dr. Hardial is a community building, and community changing family physician. She is an exemplary clinician, advocate, teacher, and leader. She has been a source of strength and inspiration in her role as Medical Director at Sheway Maternity Services, as well as the leader of our maternity call group at BC Women’s Hospital (BCWH)… Those who work with Janine are instilled with her strength and her heart, and we are all better for it. It would have been difficult to continue practising the way I have without her support, and many more feel the same way I do.”

Dr. Jim Ketch’s nominator says, “Dr. Ketch serves a very marginalized population of patients in our community.  He takes care of women who are experiencing drug addiction while pregnant. He tries to steer them towards harm reduction and advocates where he can to keep their children with them.

He has taught residents and medical students for years and, given his Indigenous background, he provided them a unique perspective of needs and difficulties in the community.”

Dr. Langille Rowe’s nominator says, “Dr. Langille-Rowe advocates endlessly for her patients and community. Her passion for addiction medicine is evident in the work she has done in developing Terrace’s first Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) Clinic… Dr. Langille-Rowe is a clinical instructor and faculty member for the UBC Rural Northwest Family Practice Program based in Terrace and a preceptor for the UBC Longitudinal Clerkship Program…. Dr. Langille-Rowe embodies the qualities of an excellent, full-service, rural family physician. She is dedicated to her patients, medical community, and community at large.”

Dr. Larsen-Soles’ nominator says, “Dr. Larsen-Soles has served our community for over 30 years. In these years she has provided obstetrical care, emergency medicine, palliation, paediatrics and geriatrics and everything in between. She was a former president of Doctors of BC and has continued to be a physician and patient advocate for our community. She has been a community champion during COVID, providing updates to the entire community about numbers, safe practises, testing, and support. She has been essential in ensuring our clinic- doctors and staff, functions efficiently and effectively… Her care resonates with humanity, compassion and extensive knowledge tempered wth years experience.”

“Dr. Sarah Lea and Dr. Heather McEwen saw the gap in care here in Victoria in looking after pregnant women with addictions. Thanks to their hard work and vision, they are bringing Victoria into this millennium in the care of women with perinatal addictions. I’d seen in Vancouver the incredible benefit of appropriate support for these women and was saddened to see Victoria so far behind when I moved here. Thanks to these two hard working docs, we’re slowly starting to catch up. There’s still a lot to be done, but at least we’re heading in the right direction.”

Dr. Malleson's nominator has this to say "I would like to nominate Dr Sarah Malleson for the College Coin for her advocacy to youth services, her passion at delivering health care to vulnerable populations, and her intrigue at educating her peers with the latest changes to practice. She works with me as a youth clinic physician and is very vocal about delivering high quality care to youth and young adults and is quick to engage others to support her cause given her intense drive to serve this population. She also provides PrEP and contraception option to this population and is working with government and organizations (namely ACCESS) to ensure that the Provincial Government's promise of free contraception to British Columbians is considered an essential priority within the provincial health-care budget. Finally, she is always learning and offering her knowledge to her peers, whether it be a discontinuation of Macrobid and appropriate substitution, the use of PrEP on demand - which is not widely used, or even to advise her peers of the new Nexplanon device for long-acting contraception.  She epitomizes a physician that goes above and beyond, and it is my pleasure to nominate her for this honour."

Dr. Marin’s nominator says, “Dr. Marin is devoted to her patients and is one of the most hard working physicians. She is always going that extra mile and is very thorough. She is also dedicated to the community in so many other ways. She participates in the outreach communities, and has taken the lead on our long-term care initiatives. She has also taken the lead on recruitment and retention to the North Island area and is really enthusiastic and dedicated to this cause. Since she has been here, she has made a lot of long-lasting positive changes which will impact the community for years to come.”

Dr. McCaffery’s nominator says, “Dr. McCaffery is extremely thorough and really caring of his patients. He will go the extra mile for all his patients. He has covered for other physicians and all the patients have really enjoyed having him cover at our practice. He is busy taking over a retiring doctor’s practice and has been an awesome asset to our group clinic practice.”

Dr. McRae’s nominator says, “Dr McRae joined the Comox Valley Division of Family Practice and now sits as the co- chair. Her natural and humble leadership style has been welcome…Samantha actively volunteers in the community and currently is mentoring a young woman through the John Howard KidStart mentor program… Samantha sits on the Comox Valley Primary Care network committee… Over the years I have worked with many new colleagues all whom were a credit to the profession. Dr McRae stands out to me and many as truly exceptional.”

Dr. Mithani’s nominator says, “Dr. Mithani is one of the most compassionate physicians we know, with a deep-rooted desire not only to better the lives of his patients, but to improve the society around him in a way that is profound, sustainable, and done with a spirit of selfless humility. He is truly an exemplar teacher, advocate, mentor, and healer, who approaches his work with cultural humility and a passion that is infectious and invites those around him to elevate their own standards of care and leadership.”

Dr. Birinder Narang has been recently selected to participate as a national lecturer in one of Canada’s largest family medicine conferences during COVID-19.  He has provided clinical teaching to hundreds of medical residents and now in-practice physicians as well.

Dr. Danielle Pichie’s nominator says, “Within a year Dr. Pichie had become the youngest physician to hold the position of Chief of Staff of Wrinch Memorial Hospital in Hazelton, BC…  After just six months in this position, Dr Pichie’s boundless enthusiasm and vision for healthcare had recruited more than enough physicians to the community to finally fully staff the hospital for the first time in decades. She was able to energize and excite other young physicians to join the practice through her passion and vision for change… I cannot imagine a young physician who has shown more initiative or promise in the first five years of practice than Dr. Danielle Pichie.”

Dr. Pooyan’s nominator says, “Every day, I hear from Dr. Pooyan’s patients that he is very respectful towards their concerns and that he is going above and beyond for his patients to ensure their well being. I have had patients state that they’ve read all the positive reviews about Dr. Pooyan online. This inspired me to go read some of the reviews and it is clear to see how much the patients like him and respect him.”

Dr. Prem-Smith’s nominator says, “Dr. Melodie Prem-Smith is strongly guided by the Four Principles of Family Medicine.  She is a skilled clinician who is a great resource for our own community and to the Fraser Health district.  She has actively worked to improve our communities’ health with her work in the Division of Family Practice, in helping to develop our new Foundry program and our Urgent and Primary Care Centre.  With all that Melodie brings to our community, she also remains committed to the physician-patient relationship with all those in her practice. To my mind, she not only fulfills but exemplifies the qualities we value in a community family physician.”

Dr. Emma Preston’s nominator says, “Although her education has taken her far afield, Dr. Preston has remained closely connected to the East Vancouver community and has become a very strong humanitarian advocate for the people living in the Downtown Eastside. She is an extremely well balanced human being, well grounded in her values, and an excellent role model for our profession. In my 21 years as a family doctor, I have worked with hundreds of physicians, but none has impressed me more than Dr. Emma Preston during their first five years of practice.”

Dr. Purdy’s nominator says, “Dr. Purdy was instrumental in the proposal and implementation of the new Urgent Primary Care Clinic at REACH. As the Medical Director of both the Medical Clinic and the UPCC, Lloyd is involved in numerous important committees. Those include the implementation of Covid guidelines, the Covid vaccination task force, the sanctuary health program, OAT program implementation, the Strathcona Park tent city team and others just to name a few. I have worked with numerous amazing physicians… but very few have made as a large an impact to both the organization and the community the way Lloyd has in a relative short period of time.”

Dr. Reimer’s nominator shares: “Dr. Reimer has been in full service family practice in Duncan since 1991 with many years of obstetrics, emergency room and hospital inpatient work, teaching medical students and office administration. 

He has a Sports Medicine Degree and is lead team physician for the Cowichan Capitals Junior B Hockey team. 

He carries out his work with a high degree of integrity, commitment and pursuit of excellence.”

Dr. Sanghera’s nominator says, “Dr. Sanghera has been everything anyone would want in a family physician. He is an effective physician leader, a community leader who has brought about social change, a mentor to younger physicians, and, according to his patients, one the best physicians they could possibly have, in addition to countless other accomplishments. Dr. Sanghera does all of this, and more, with respect, integrity, and humility. He inspires all those around him to be a better person, to be healthier, and rise to the challenge to serve their community. I cannot think of another physician who better exemplifies all of what a family physician can be.”

“Dr. Snyman is an exceptional, well-balanced physician and colleague. She spends time with her patients, teaches them, empathises. She is a team player and a true leader. She is humble, strong, provides culturally and gender safe care to the most vulnerable and under-serviced people of our province. This level of care she shows is rarely shown by a physician in the first five years of their practice. Through her actions she energizes and mentors us as her colleagues, including the team around us. What a privilege do we have in Fort St. James to work alongside someone like Gretchen.”

Dr. Michele Thomasse nominator says, “Dr. Thomasse has dedicated a lot of her practice time serving the urban outreach community dealing with those suffering from addiction, mental health issues and homelessness.

She does this with skill and respectful compassion and strongly advocates for her patients.

She has also taught residents for many years and dedicated many hours each day reviewing cases with her residents and cared deeply about their competency and knowledge.

Michelle is one of those quietly unsung heroes of family medicine.”

Dr. Tracey Thorne’s nominator says, “Dr. Thorne has been a tireless leader working to bring many projects and initiatives to our rural community. Our island was struggling with a mental health crisis with many suicides. Dr. Thorne was instrumental in creating a position for a Mental Health and Substance Use Nurse and a social worker – both of whom are embedded in our community. Those projects were a tremendous success and continue to improve lives of many patients living here… Recently, she has been a community leader during the COVID-19 pandemic and has focused her attention on rural needs during a pandemic.”

Dr. Van Zyl’s nominator says, “When I think of Dr. Van Zyl, I think of how he has shaped medical care in our community. Under his leadership, Kimberley became the first community in the province that really modelled the concept of a primary care network in the province… Dr. Van Zyl was instrumental in helping to establish a onestop-service for the Kimberley patients… Dr. Van Zyl is also a preceptor for UBC medical students. He is a wonderful teacher and medical students speak highly of Dr. Van Zyl and their experience at the clinic… He is also a loving husband, and father to his three sons… He is somebody that the whole community of Kimberley looks up to and trusts.”

Dr. Watters founded the Fairview Medical clinic in Penticton.  Her nominator says, “She has tirelessly served as the clinic medical director until early 2021 – sacrificing her time, energy, and finances to grow the clinic.

As a result of her efforts, thousands of patients in the South Okanagan now receive primary care and a place they can call their medical home. When she welcomed me into the practice, she guided, mentored and supported me, never turning a request away.

In addition to her leadership at our practice and her full time, full-service family practice, Dr. Watters served as the Head of Family Practice at Penticton Regional Hospital, provided consultative Palliative Care services, organized social events for various groups and taught residents through the UBC Residency Program.

In our community, she has served on many committees and boards, including the OSNS Child and Youth Development Center.

Anyone who works alongside Dr. Watters knows that she is a joy-filled, positive, and encouraging  physician and leader.”

Dr. Monika Wojtera’s nominator says “Dr. Monika Wojtera has served as the Program Lead Resident for the UBC Family Practice Residency Program for the past year, and she is about to start an additional year of training in Emergency Medicine.

Her leadership during a time of unprecedented upheaval and uncertainty has been calm, collaborative, effective, and humbling.

She is a committed advocate for the residents in our program and has represented their concerns capably at different levels of governance and with stakeholder organizations. She identifies priorities, works methodically to address them, and has worked effectively to advance resident concerns and issues within the parameters of uncontrollable pandemic constraints and restrictions.

Our program has been extremely lucky to have her in the role of Lead Resident.

She is natural leader and her composure under pressure will stand her in good stead in her Emergency Medicine training."

Dr. Yang’s nominator says, “Dr. Yang set his heels in to advocating for marginalized patients and embraced many of the most challenging clinical cases in primary care in Surrey. He has, for more than two years now, worked extremely hard to make things better for his clinic team and for the ostracized forgotten people of my city. He has bridged the challenging UPCC development mandates with the will of the Division… Alex has been a critical part of making the best out of a complex situation and keeping the focus on longitudinal family practice and patient care.”

Dr. Yu's nominator says: "In my two years of medical school thus far, and going through different family practice rotations, I have not met a more enthusiastic and dedicated physician as Dr. Yu. She allowed me to enhance my clinical skills and taught me new material, despite COVID and all the challenges that it brought. Dr. Yu is one of a kind and truly cares about the student that she is teaching. Not only is her teaching fantastic, but all the patients that come see her have positive interactions with her. She does not rush any consult and truly cares for her patients. I cannot think of a more deserving candidate for this award."

Dr. Yunus’ nominator says, “Dr. Yunus keeps pushing forward even though it’s very hard. She’s doing her best to learn as much as she can about practice and leadership. She really cares about doing a good job and is trying her best to live up to her image of awesome family doctors. She works super hard, including in hospital and in clinic, and helps out at her Division. She reaches out for help regularly, which is very promising and part of a growth mindset, boding well for her community.”

Dr. Alec was nominated by a colleague for his efforts in stepping up to support his group by taking extra virtual clinics for doctors who were involved in provincial and national COVID-19 planning meetings. He also supported by providing hands-on care to a remote First Nations community.

“Dr. Armstrong stepped up tremendously during the COVID-19 pandemic by helping out whenever and wherever she is able.  In addition, she maintained honouring her ongoing commitment to providing medical services to the students of, and in our Secondary School health program. “

“Dr Baldwin has been an exceptional advocate and change maker for marginalized patients in the Okanagan area. Dr Baldwin is an invaluable resource when I want to talk through a complex case or have questions around some of the programs he specializes in, particularly HIV, hepatitis C treatment and addictions medicine. He provides excellent care to marginalized and underserviced populations including: the street entrenched and sheltered based population in Kelowna/West Kelowna through our Outreach Urban Health clinic, where he is our medical lead; people who use drugs populations providing addiction medicine expertise both in the community at our injectable OAT clinic of which he was one of the founding physicians, as well as our OAT clinic and addiction medicine consult service at Kelowna General Hospital; LGBTQ+ populations providing trans care; HIV populations providing community HIV care; HCV populations providing community treatment. He is an active proponent of combining all of the above forms of treatment into Primary Care, significantly improving outcomes. I can always count on Dr Baldwin to provide me with honest feedback, and to advocate for our patients to both the public, colleagues and the health authority. He teaches all levels of learners from med students through to colleagues, as well as the public. He was instrumental in implementing program changes in response to the COVID pandemic across the breadth of his clinical work.”

Dr. Baxter was honoured for her role in the COVID-19 family physician task force on the Sunshine Coast. Her nominator says, “The entire family physician group on the Coast was supportive and engaged from the earliest days of the pandemic.”

Dr. Bluman is recognized for his work in spearheading the UBC CPD webinars on “Primary Care in the Time of COVID-19”. These webinars came at a critical time and created a crucial sense of connection between family physicians across the province. His direction in creating the webinar series is a wonderful example of reflective, responsive leadership, and the webinars themselves support the collaborative, respectful relationships that that the BCCFP values.

“Dr. Brar is a family physician and addictions medicine specialist who has been working tirelessly to support and advocate for those living with substance use disorders in the struggle against opioid overdose. She is a true advocate for patients in every way possible. She is so passionate about her work and this translates into real inspiration for learners and colleagues around her. She sincerely wants the best for patients and to support her colleagues. Dr. Brar has spearheaded many initiatives during the pandemic to help prevent the spread of COVID while supporting those living with substance use disorders and homelessness. I truly feel that her incredible efforts are deserving of recognition and acknowledgement.”

“Drs. Ava Butler and Pal Randhawa have been on staff for a few years now. Despite their other commitments, they have become very active in preparing out group for COVID related resuscitations. Drs. Butler and Randhawa took on the task of preparing simulation sessions for ER and ICU staff. They put hours of time into researching protocols and writing one that works for us in our semi-rural site. Then they created a video that has been used Island-wide to assist other sites in their preparations. And finally, they have run several days of simulations so that all staff had the opportunity to participate in scenarios, from recognition of the need for intervention, to doffing and debriefing at the end of a case. I recently had a case that required the full COVID protocol and was extremely thankful for the training I had received.”

“Dr Bradley is an inspiring figure in our community, championing physician wellness through her work with the MDs4Wellness group (especially their excellent podcast) and her passion for Advanced Care Planning. When patients of mine are admitted to hospital under Dr Bradley (a hospitalist in New Westminster) I know they will receive the best care, in a patient centered, empathic way — Dr Bradley’s trademarks.”

“Dr. Ken Brown is a wonderful full scope family physician who has been delivering care in Cranbrook for over 25 years. His kindness, generosity, and dedication to his patients, colleagues, and community deserve recognition. He is a true “unsung hero” figure who runs his full scope practice (including obstetrics), teaches medical students and residents, and is a managing partner of the clinic. Despite his busy roles, he never hesitates to cover colleagues, offer advice on cases, and support new physicians at the clinic and in the community. Thank you Ken, for all you do!”

“Dr. Campbell is a dedicated, resilient and strong physician. Both her colleagues and community are ever thankful to her for her ongoing maternity care despite a full clinic compliment and schedule.”

“Drs. Kelsey Kozoriz and Meghan Chabot organized the Cowichan Valley COVID Virtual Clinic during the first months of COVID. As early as March 18, Dr. Kozoriz was working on creating a digital clinic for unattached patients to access healthcare in the valley, thereby lightening pressure on the emergency department and walk-in clinics. She and Dr. Chabot mobilized nearly immediately, drawing together a number of organizations to coordinate the launch of the clinic. They recruited a local internal medicine office to provide EMR access, funding via Doctors of BC and the Cowichan District Medical Association, and nimbly set up virtual visits via an online platform all within DAYS, so that patients could access timely assessment and care.  By March 27, they were already accepting patients, jumping through bureaucratic hoops at breakneck speed to ensure patients had adequate support, access to COVID testing and medical care. Drs. Kozoriz and Chabot stayed on top of the ever-changing guidelines in the early days of COVID, providing a sound resource for the entire medical community of the Cowichan Valley via a Whatsapp group established for physicians. I applaud their ingenuity, recognition of a gap in care, and the initiative to provide excellent care to vulnerable, unattached patients in a timely and responsive fashion.  They are both very deserving of recognition for their hard work!”

Dr. Chow's nominator says: "He is a trusted advisor, leading activities outside of clinical practice, serving as a role model, and providing leadership and teaching, especially in the pharmaceutical arena. But what makes Walter so special is that he is indefatigable, willing to help at any time day or night, and he has been doing this for 30 years. He has the most delightful sense of humor, is a wonderful communicator, and a joy to work with as a colleague."

“Dr. Curtis was tasked with overseeing the creation and operation of the COVID-19 clinic at CFB Esquimalt this year on her start as a physician in BC for the Canadian Armed Forces. There was clear direction from the outset that the clinic would not be closing our clinic to patients that depend on our services for ongoing care. She was responsible for managing and testing our military patients for COVID-19, so that they would not increase the workload of the civilian public health system. As the situation evolved, she was involved in providing outreach and guidance on respiratory illness management with the other units on the base and also instituted regular case review and teaching rounds for the Med Techs in the clinic, as they are trained in paramedicine and may have less experience in primary care.”

“Dr. Dale has recently completed all of his military courses as a family physician reaching his Operational Function Point with 12 Field Ambulance. He has done medical teaching at the unit and two of our medical technicians have now decided to pursue family medicine residency.”

Dr. Dosanjh’s nominator highlights his fearless leadership in guiding the Society of General Practitioners through a pivotal cultural shift that reflected the evolving needs of family medicine while respecting the perspectives and values of those who came before.

“I am grateful for Dr. Dosanjh’s honesty and capacity for compassion, as well as her ability to see potential and to hold space for healing.”

“As Physician Lead for the Vancouver Division of Family Practice, Dr. Duncan has really stepped up to meet the need for leadership in this city in helping family doctors to be aware of resources available to them during this COVID pandemic, and in advocating for primary care during this crisis. Vancouver is a challenging region to oversee due to the large number of family physicians and diversity of members, and she has done excellently in reaching out as able and mobilizing resources of the Division to pivot in meeting ongoing changing needs. She has taken the time to listen to feedback and has followed through on commitments given to members. I remember when one of her mentors, Dr. Terry Chang, “passed on the baton” to her when she took up leadership within the Division, and I believe she has done well in emulating his example of servant leadership so needed these days. She has always been a highly committed leader who goes above and beyond her role, but this has been exceptionally and especially noticeably so during this pandemic. As a delegate to the Doctors of BC Representative Assembly, I have always found her to be very responsive, helpful and collaborative whenever I have been in touch. During town hall meetings, one can see the genuine concern she has in hearing member challenges and needs. In responding to multitudes of emails, she carefully reads and responds appropriately to requests or concerns. She is a wonderfully reliable leader who can be counted on to hear and respond to member needs. There are many within the Division who work together in providing assistance to family physicians, so any of the other team members are also deserving of recognition, but I believe they would also echo that she truly stands out as a leader in the Division and the city in sacrificially giving of her time and energy in stepping up to a needed role of leadership for family physicians in this unprecedented year.”

“Dr. Easterbrook has had a significant contribution and impact in the area of medical leadership, knowledge translation, and development of innovative ways of delivering patient care. In addition, Dr. Easterbrook practises comprehensive primary care on the Saanich Peninsula. He is a future leader in our profession.”

Dr. Nicole Ebert volunteered to provide backup care and advice to the resumption of clinical training for the Canadian Armed Forces troops as they restarted training in Vernon, BC. She was called upon to provide advice on the local clinical environment and aided in the organization of care for soldiers.  Her nominator says, “Dr. Ebert is a trusted advisor and friend to practice colleagues, covering call while a colleague is away for a family emergency or other unexpected reasons.”

“Not only a skilled and cherished family doctor, Dr. Evans is a committed advocate for family medicine and for her community. She works tirelessly with our local Division of Family Practice to help build family medicine in Kelowna and to ensure access to care for patients. She has also served as a preceptor in the local residency program and, in this role, has established herself as a leader, providing training in virtual medicine to residents and her fellow preceptors in the early days of the pandemic. More recently, Dr. Evans has organized drive-through influenza vaccination clinics to ensure that members of her community have ready access to this important preventative treatment. Dr. Evans, more than any other family physician I know, understands that family medicine, at its core, provides a service to its community. Her contributions to family medicine in Kelowna–and the larger community–deserve recognition and celebration.”

“Dr. Ewing’s exceptional passion for palliative care is most remarkable.  Given our demographic and therefore frequent need for palliative considerations, he is always willing to offer sage and welcomed advice to his colleagues.”

“I am grateful for Dr. Fernandez’s bold vision for the specialty of family medicine. I wish to acknowledge her capacity to create the safe environment required to shift the culture of the Society of General Practitioners to one that seeks meaningful change for the betterment of the welfare of our patients as well as her family medicine colleagues. This capacity, paired with her ability to make change happen, is a rare combination that creates a culture of compassion, cooperation, service and wellness that will inform the work of the profession in BC for years to come.”

Dr. Fukunaga is recognized for the March 20, 2020 “Walk and Talk with the Docs – COVID-19” patient information video. This was an excellent way to increase public knowledge and awareness on the subject of COVID-19, delivered in a calm and timely manner. The public-facing messaging was approachable, relatable and easy to digest – serving as a strong example of family physicians’ strength for communicating with patients and providing trustworthy guidance to communities.

“Dr. Lisa Gaede is a North Shore family physician who is passionate about improving the quality and delivery of medical care for the benefit of both patients and physicians. Indeed, it is difficult to put boundaries on the scope of her contributions, which have been at the local, provincial and national levels.  The spirit of this coin however, is to highlight her enormous contributions over the past 20 years to the enhancement of practice on the North Shore. She was a founding member of the Division of Family Practice, and continues her work there with the GP Specialist Committee and the ‘Pathways’ referral initiative. For many years she has coordinated a large on-call group schedule for GP’s. Her advocacy for physician education and well-being includes chairing the ‘Dine and Learn’ Committee, as well as contributing to MDs4Wellness North Shore. This coin is extended as a token of gratitude from the many of us who have benefited from the gifts of her grace, dedication and time.”

“I wish to acknowledge Dr. Galbraith’s commitment to the patients she serves in Nelson and surrounding communities.

Early in her career, Dr. Galbraith supported a challenging practice during a very difficult time of transition with sensitivity, thoughtfulness and compassion. Since that time, in response to community need, she has taken on additional training in an area of healthcare that is not without controversy.

Dr. Galbraith has seamlessly integrated into a complex working environment and respectfully challenges her colleagues to continue to improve processes and workflows for the betterment of both patients and providers.

Through example, she encourages others to live the values of accessibility, compassion and cultural safety and humility.”

“Dr. Gelfer has led our group practice with wisdom, strength, and evidence-base well-informed principles throughout the pandemic, especially and not limited to the early days when medical evidence and guidelines for COVID management were still being debated.  Dr. Gelfer guided us through the murky and confusing public health instructions, and inspired us to always critically appraise everything we were told.  Most importantly, he is accessible to each and every physician colleague in our group, and to individual patients too, no matter how busy, whenever we needed prompt clarifications.  He has done that always, but especially so since the pandemic.”

“We would like to nominate Dr. Janet E. Green for a College Coin. Dr. Green is an exemplary family physician who has provided care to many generations of families in the Comox Valley for over 30 years. From delivering babies to hospital work and home visits, Dr. Green has truly provided cradle-to-grave care with compassion. She has lived a life of service and dedication to her patients during her long career in medicine. She provides truly patient-centred care and knows not only the patient, but their entire family and friends. As a colleague, Dr. Green has always been quick to offer to cover for a colleague in the event of an unexpected illness or other family circumstance. She has, as they say, “one’s back”. Dr. Green is the consummate family physician; she would be a very deserving recipient of the College Coin.”

“Dr. Guthrie has provided many stellar years of service to our community. She is a role model for many and is a good friend to us all in all circumstances. She is a most caring and passionate physician who always goes the extra mile for all patients who are fortunate to have her as their care provider.”

Dr. Halliday was nominated by a colleague for her active work in the local COVID-19 planning in Prince George. She synthesized essential information for CSFS colleagues to keep them up to date, as well as provided comprehensive care to her outreach community.

“It is my pleasure to nominate Dr. Hopkins for her passionate commitment to family medicine. She is a constant support to her patients and fellow colleagues, always keeping the team on their toes to do the right thing, no matter the situation.”

“Dr. Jordan is a valuable member of our medical community and is passionate about the retention of physicians in our community.  He is always ready to help out a colleague or offer moral support, innately aware and responding in a most professional manner.”

“I would like to nominate my colleague Dr. Karen Kausky for the College Coin award. She has been a dedicated family physician in Whistler for about 25 years. She has been an excellent support to women as well as families with young children. At one point, her wall was covered with hundreds of baby pictures of children she had in her practice. She has been a true family physician, seeing these babies grow up and become young adults. Over the last two years Dr. Kausky has been advocating for a new model to administer family medicine in Whistler. Most recently, Dr. Kausky has taken a lead role in finding a safe way to administer primary care during the COVID pandemic. She also helped to establish a trailer as a COVID testing site for Whistler. COVID swabbing and care of COVID positive patients is almost entirely administered by family physicians in Whistler. Dr. Kausky works diligently and with a positive attitude, encouraging her colleagues and advocating for her patients. I and my colleagues would like to applaud her for her work.”

“Dr. Klein is an exemplary family physician who is striving to change the way longitudinal family medicine is delivered. Dr. Klein cares for his patients in many settings, including in the clinic, hospital, and emergency department. In addition to running a very busy clinic, he somehow also has time to be a preceptor for family practice residents. Dr. Klein is truly an example of a phenomenal family physician.”

“Drs. Kelsey Kozoriz and Meghan Chabot organized the Cowichan Valley COVID Virtual Clinic during the first months of COVID. As early as March 18, Dr. Kozoriz was working on creating a digital clinic for unattached patients to access healthcare in the valley, thereby lightening pressure on the emergency department and walk-in clinics. She and Dr. Chabot mobilized nearly immediately, drawing together a number of organizations to coordinate the launch of the clinic. They recruited a local internal medicine office to provide EMR access, funding via Doctors of BC and the Cowichan District Medical Association, and nimbly set up virtual visits via an online platform all within DAYS, so that patients could access timely assessment and care.  By March 27, they were already accepting patients, jumping through bureaucratic hoops at breakneck speed to ensure patients had adequate support, access to COVID testing and medical care. Drs. Kozoriz and Chabot stayed on top of the ever-changing guidelines in the early days of COVID, providing a sound resource for the entire medical community of the Cowichan Valley via a Whatsapp group established for physicians. I applaud their ingenuity, recognition of a gap in care, and the initiative to provide excellent care to vulnerable, unattached patients in a timely and responsive fashion.  They are both very deserving of recognition for their hard work!”

Dr. Krickan was honoured for his role in the COVID-19 family physician task force on the Sunshine Coast. His nominator says, “The entire family physician group on the Coast was supportive and engaged from the earliest days of the pandemic.”

Dr. Landry’s nominator shares: “Major Landry is a recent transplant to British Columbia with the Canadian Armed Forces and has taken on the role of Acting Regional Surgeon during the restart of Reserve Summer Training in the province. He was always available at all hours for clinical and related questions to his junior physicians and played an integral part in allowing the 39 Brigade to complete their summer training without any COVID outbreaks. In addition to his clinical work in the Esquimalt Clinic as a family physician, he is also a Consultant in Diving & Submarine Medicine.

“Dr. Howard Lee is the most senior physician here in Port Hardy and is an absolutely outstanding colleague. He is always available to assist us in the ER with emergencies when the doctor on call needs assistance. Not only will he happily drop everything he is doing to support us, but he will thank us for calling him in. He is also always the first physician of our group to cover call shifts when someone is unable to work. Most notably, during the recent COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, he offered to be the designated physician on call for any patient that needed intubation, meaning he was on call for intubations 24/7 for almost 3 months. In addition, Dr. Lee is a preceptor with UBC and frequently has medical students that he teaches and mentors. He is also our unofficial “IT guy” in the clinic, as he is always available to assist when our computers and printers don’t work. Dr. Lee never stops advocating for our community and is in meetings with health authority management weekly to address issues and advocate on our behalf. Most importantly, Dr. Lee is incredibly kind and empathetic. Our community is incredibly lucky to have a physician like Dr. Lee here and we would love to see him be recognized for the amazing colleague he is.”

“I wish to acknowledge Dr. Levitt’s ongoing commitment to her patients, colleagues and to the specialty of family medicine. I am so grateful for the quiet example of dedication and service that Dr. Levitt demonstrates every day. I have never seen her without a smile and she always delivers a kind word, even after a long meeting, or at the end of an already long day with more clinical work yet to do. She lifts up those around her, be they her patients or colleagues. The impact of the culture of care, service and compassion that she fosters has ripples far beyond that of which she may be aware.”

“When I think of dedication by Family Physicians I think of Cristina; sitting next to her in my office I can see and hear how much she is dedicated to her patients, especially those who are vulnerable and have disabilities. Often she is working with our MOAs to fit in another house call after work for the many frail seniors she cares for in our community of New Westminster. She is a true treasure to work with and inspires me to care for patients ‘the right way’.”

Dr. Mackenzie has been a practising family physician in BC for 45 years. He has served patients in Kitimat, Duncan and Gabriola Island, where he now resides and is soon to retire. Dr. Mackenzie was nominated by a great number of colleagues. Some of their reflections are shared below:

“Dr. Mackenzie was an excellent and accessible mentor and role model to me and many other physicians and medical students over the years.  In addition to being a well liked and popular physician with a very busy family practice in Kitimat, Dr. Mackenzie served as Chief of Staff for many years. He was a tireless advocate for improvements to healthcare infrastructure and access to specialist services in our remote community.”

“Dr. Mackenzie is appreciated by his patients and colleagues for his integrity, honesty, curiosity and diligence in his practice of medicine. He exemplifies what a caring, competent family doctor should be.”

“It was Jim who really taught me the art of developing a deep knowledge of my patients – their interests, hobbies, fears, etc. – which has helped me to develop a deeper therapeutic alliance with the patients in my own practice to this day.”

“Dr. Mackenzie has been very involved in his community and models wellness for his patients in his own life, biking 20+km a day. He has taught countless medical students, many of whom attribute their eventual choice of family medicine as having been inspired by him. He is passionate about CME and often going to courses. He has been amazingly supportive of me and I could not have asked for better.”

“Dr. Mackenzie has thoroughly enjoyed his work. He has been keen to share his wisdom, knowledge and enthusiasm with colleagues, medical students, and doctors in training. He remains concerned and interested in the holistic lives of his patients, taking a medical history and getting to know the patient well and in depth is part of his teaching – no cutting corners.”

“As a family physician in Fort St. John for decades, Dr Mackey served his community as a truly full-scope family physician, providing anesthesia, maternity, ER while also running his clinic. He was head of the local family medicine residency program and was also a preceptor for the third year medical student integrated community clerkship, where he instilled a passion for high quality care and evidence-based medicine in all of his learners. He has since moved on from his practice in Fort St. John and now provides locum family medicine and anesthesia services around the province to rural communities, while also helping out in his new local community of Kamloops.  As one of his learners, Dr. Mackey had a hugely positive impact on my training and inspired me to continue to pursue a career in rural family medicine. He is not only a great mentor, but a friend.”

Dr. May has been an advocate and leader for improving palliative care and chronic pain care services to the people of his community. Currently working as a GP Anesthetist and with a consulting practice for palliative care and chronic pain, he strives to spread his efforts regionally, provincially and now nationally. He has been on the local Division board chair and serves the Facility Engagement Initiative, as well as serving on both the BCCFP and CFPC Boards.

“I would like to recognize Dr. May’s dedication and commitment to championing difficult causes, not only on behalf of his patients – as seen by his commitment to comprehensive longitudinal care and access to appropriate chronic pain services – but also his colleagues. Dr. May has demonstrated the importance of valuing family medicine leadership. He lives and acts according to his principles, even when it compromises his own aspirations. I am so appreciative of Dr. May’s commitment, humility and integrity.”

“Dr. Mancini was one of the first two family physicians to commence work at the new James Bay Urgent Primary Care Centre. JBUPCC is a “first-of-its-kinds” VIHA facility doing both urgent care and attached longitudinal care. The clinic opened in the peak of the first wave of the pandemic, understaffed and with all the challenges of a pioneering medical facility. Dr. Mancini has also been our champion of computer systems. Dr Mancini has liaised with all staff at our site, the medical IT systems representatives at various levels and VIHA leadership to advocate for the changes necessary for a functional primary care EMR. This has taken enormous amounts of time, many of which have been volunteered by Dr Mancini, and she has had to acquire a large amount of technical IT infrastructure knowledge in a very short amount of time. This work has been demanding, challenging and resource-intensive. Without Dr Mancini’s generosity and commitment, we would be struggling to fulfil our potential as a high functioning primary care team in an under-serviced community with complex medical needs. She deserves all the recognition and kudos in the world as we are extremely grateful to her for her efforts and achievements.”

“Dr. McCracken has worked tirelessly in her efforts to guide our clinic through the pandemic.  This has included the guiding of necessary clinic upgrades; creating avenues for effective communication between staff, physicians, and patients; and ensuring that safe protocols are in place so that we can feel safe going to work through the pandemic.  Her updates on the latest medical guidance were always helpful and accurate, highlighting her role as a medical expert.  She has arranged meetings and made sure that we work as a team to weather this storm.  We thank her for taking on this position as our medical leader and feel very grateful that she not only stepped up to the task but has exceeded any of our expectations.”

“I’m honoured to nominate Dr. McKellar as she is a hardworking and caring young physician that is a role model for new rural physicians. Her willingness to learn new (rural) skills is exemplary.  She has often exceeded her own expectations when thrown into the deep end. We are truly fortunate to have her on our team.”

“Dr. Mentz volunteered to take on the significant responsibilities of leading the ER department in Sechelt prior to the onset of the COVID-19 Epidemic. Since the onset of the pandemic, he has advocated for the ER group within the local COVID-19 task force and ensured that our local population’s care and health was at the forefront of planning for the many possible iterations of the upcoming winter season.”

Dr. Chris Morwood is passionate about child and youth health, and has worked on many initiatives over the past seven years. He has dedicated his time, energy, creativity and collaborative effort to create physical activity opportunities for all Powell River residents, with a focus on children and youth. He has used his gift for collaboration and complex problem-solving to lead many multi-sector projects. He is also active in the Division of Family Practice and serves as president of medical staff while managing a full-time family practice, ER work and inpatient care.

Dr. Morwood worked consistently and passionately as the local COVID steering committee lead in Powell River. His nominator says, “He is a role model of how to lead a community through a crisis.”

“I would like to nominate Dan Pare who is the medical director for DTES Connections clinic as well as other efforts in the Downtown Eastside. He is a very friendly and responsive leader who embraces team care models. He is compassionate and committed to his patient and colleagues.”

“Dr. Persad is an excellent physician who displays his passion for education and ongoing learning.  His dedicated to ensuring SIMS training is ongoing, offering a fantastic benefit to his colleagues. His ongoing support and coordination for the UBC residency program as well as an active member of our Physician Recruitment team.”

Dr. Poteryko is recognized for the March 20, 2020 “Walk and Talk with the Docs – COVID-19” patient information video. This was an excellent way to increase public knowledge and awareness on the subject of COVID-19, delivered in a calm and timely manner. The public-facing messaging was approachable, relatable and easy to digest – serving as a strong example of family physicians’ strength for communicating with patients and providing trustworthy guidance to communities.

“I would like to nominate Nitasha Puri for the College Coin. She is a committed physician who works to improve substance use treatment for racialized groups including the IndoCanadian community. She is active in her Division of FP and is also a clinical researcher with the BCCSU and leading innovative work in PTSD treatment. I have known her since her fellowship and am appreciative of her humbleness and dedication. She is a role model for upcoming family doctors with her diverse interests.”

“Dr Rahnema is a trusted colleague who is always there to support her fellow family physicians; a great active listener and confidant, I know I can turn to her to review a tough case, or share in the sadness and joys of life outside of work.”

“Drs. Ava Butler and Pal Randhawa have been on staff for a few years now. Despite their other commitments, they have become very active in preparing out group for COVID related resuscitations. Drs. Butler and Randhawa took on the task of preparing simulation sessions for ER and ICU staff. They put hours of time into researching protocols and writing one that works for us in our semi-rural site. Then they created a video that has been used Island-wide to assist other sites in their preparations. And finally, they have run several days of simulations so that all staff had the opportunity to participate in scenarios, from recognition of the need for intervention, to doffing and debriefing at the end of a case. I recently had a case that required the full COVID protocol and was extremely thankful for the training I had received.”

Dr. Scott’s nominator says: “Dr. Scott is a credit to family medicine for many reasons, including his indefatigable dedication to improving healthcare through health professional education. Most recently he has led and facilitated the creation of “Virtual Water Coolers”, an online opportunity for educators across the professions to share successes, struggles, and stories about adaptations that need made to educational practice in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is just the latest of his efforts, however, that have made him a true leader for our discipline.

He developed and leads the Education Leadership Development program in the Faculty of Medicine at UBC, has always been actively engaged as a trusted advisor to students, residents, and colleagues, and has advocated strongly for family medicine through his role at the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

As Director of the Centre for Health Education Scholarship and his curriculum development activities in the MD Undergraduate Program, Dr. Scott routinely represents the values and priorities of family medicine. He has also recently helped out by accepting additional administrative duties such as being Interim Head of the UBC Department of Family Practice and leading the UBC Academic Leadership Development Program. This is all in addition to maintaining an active clinical practice. Above all else are his humility, kindness and compassion.”

“Dr. Shahram is the clinic director where I work and is always available for any urgent questions and concerns. She teaches medical students and is working to create a cohesive group of family doctors for our community.”

“There are physicians, and then there are those physicians that when the time does come, you hope will care for you and your family. Dr. Spithoff is a GP-A on the Sunshine Coast who is available more than 24-7 for not only his patients, but for the ER as well. His bedside nature and calming nature are a welcome presence in some of the most stressful moments that can occur during the intersection of life and death on the coast.”

Dr. Spithoff was also honoured in 2020 for his work on the local COVID-19 task force.

“An outstanding team player, both new to the country and our community, Dr. Storrier has proven over and over what a strong physician and colleague he is. He is always willing to help out, despite a busy clinical schedule and home life.  We are blessed to have him call Creston his home.”

“I would like to nominate my colleague, Dr. Joyce Tsang-Cheng, for the College Coin.  Since I joined the UBC Student Health Service in 2011, Dr. Tsang-Cheng has proved to be a constant voice of reason and a strong advocate for both the physicians and patients at the clinic.  She also volunteered to review all the labs and reports when the other physicians are away. Since the pandemic, Dr. Tsang-Cheng took the major role in creating the COVID-19 Safety Plan for the clinic, and she also drafting up the many protocols to streamline patient care and our ongoing safety. “

Dr. van Duyvendyk is recognized  for her March 2020 petition calling on the BC business community to proactively close and transform their business to maximize social distancing in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her petition and subsequent media appearances were a wonderful example of family physicians’ ability to provide community leadership and proactively advocate for the health of British Columbians. Her efforts certainly had an impact on raising awareness of the need for strong action to protect public health.

“Dr. Weaver is a passionate family physician whose dedication to teaching residents in our community has been outstanding.  He has added to his dedicated schedule overseeing long term clients in the community as well as his very busy clinic duties.”

Dr. Wilkinson is honoured for her contributions towards physician wellness, including her research on the topic of peer support for physicians and your leadership of the “Transforming Our Work” wellness retreats for specialists and family physicians across the Kootenay Boundary region. She is also recognized for her April 2020 article on “Taking care of each other during COVID-19 – peer support for physicians,” which came at a crucial time and provided honest, open, useful guidance for physicians. Her commitment to rural medicine throughout her career is also acknowledged.

“Where do I start with Lawrence. He is an enthusiastic learner and teacher, but more importantly a calm and inspirational leader who exudes an aura of compassion and thoughtfulness that affects everyone who interacts with him. When I left Surrey, Dr. Yang took over and expanded my role on our Division’s Opioid Overdose Task Force, creating a regional and multi-disciplinary team. He has also continued on and progressed the work that the community was doing around homelessness, support recovery housing, and pharmacy oversight. Dr. Yang has long been involved in Quality Improvement and is now part of the QI Faculty for Fraser Health. As well, he is involved with the Physician Support Program and a kinder more compassionate mentor would be hard to find. Lawrence’s good-humoured and compassionate leadership ranges from physician wellness to community wellness and system wellness. He is an amazing asset to the Surrey medical community.”

"Dr. Zahynacz works part-time at the UBC Health Clinic. At the beginning of the changes to practice due to COVID, she stepped up and organized our virtual care platform. This does not seem like much but there are 13 other part time family physicians in the clinic and 5 specialists to walk through setting things up, trying things out etc., plus there was UBC IT to go through for security and privacy and then central administration to allow her to update the clinic website with urls, etc… It has been really helpful because the usual Directors of the clinic have been excessively busy. All this work that Dr. Zahynacz has done is on top of being a great teacher and keeping our academic faculty grounded with respect to what happens in FFS community practice."

“Steve Beerman is a passionate family physician leader in Nanaimo, Site Director of the residency program there and leading a primary care transformation project separately funded from PCN’s. However, what’s more is that he is recognized locally, nationally and internationally for his work in drowning prevention.”

“He very quietly and efficiently provides his clinic colleagues with experience, support and locum coverage that far surpasses what we could ever ask for! This helps his colleagues get amazing down time while ensuring short wait times for our patients to access care even while we are away.”

“Sarah Brears and Maria Hubinette are family physician leaders in undergrad (at UBC) who have been endlessly trying to engage FP’s in teaching and building capacity to ensure medical students continue to have early clinical experiences that entice them to apply to family practice residency. Sarah is Director of family Practice for the Southern Medical Program.”

“Dr. Bryson is the consummate family physician, one that every citizen wishes could be taking care not only of oneself but of their own family members. In his many years of work on the coast, innumerable patients have been helped with his 24-7 mentality with patient care at the front.”

“She has been a role model and mentor to me and many of my colleagues over decades. She provides insightful feedback and has been and encouraging teacher and mentor to medical students and residents and continues to provide this mentoring long after our formal training has ended… She not only goes above and beyond for her colleagues, but also for patients. She has been a dedicated family physician and maternity care provider, providing patient-centred care over many decades. We are all luckier for her dedication, leadership and mentorship.”

“I would like to nominate Dr. Sue Burgess for her encouragement of my own activism and using my voice in defense of patient care in light of ongoing system changes, College Regulations and Health Authority mandates. She continues to walk in the alleys to outreach to patients who perhaps would never have connected and has tirelessly treated HIV and MH addictions with great compassion.”

“He has put forth a tremendous effort giving to the community. He a leader in developing the ICON project in concert with UBC for Diabetics in an ethnic community.”

“David has been a player for the Canadian men’s medical football team for the past three years and has traveled with the group overseas and represented the senior men’s team with distinction.  He serves as a role model,  illustrating the balance that can be achieved while working incredibly hard as a family physician and maintaining one’s own mental and physical well-being, while representing his country and serving his patients in the same breath.”

“Spencer spent three years developing a High Complexity Care family practice, taking on some of the most complex and marginalized patients in the western communities of Victoria. He has worked tirelessly with administration, local family practice divisions, and hospital groups to establish this clinic which provides comprehensive care. It is an alternatively funded practice, allowing time for longer, more thorough appointments, and home visits… Spencer is a strong advocate for patients, an advocate for change in a very troubled time for family practice, and compassionate and caring physician.”

“She has been incredible in doing the mundane background that has to be done in order to keep an ER running well including, scheduling, department organization, protocols and expectations, and incident review.”

“Dr. Cudmore came to Squamish around 25 to 40 years ago, took over the Chief of Staff position from Dr Kindree who pioneered health care services in the corridor before there were roads. Dr Cudmore built what we have today in Squamish and the corridor by becoming Medical director also serving years on the RMAC…rural MAC in a prominent leadership role to guide the evolution of services from Squamish to Pemberton… Richard is uncompromising if it comes to quality of care, loyalty to colleagues and setting an example of what professionalism and collegiality should look like…  He has navigated us through many regional health authority changes in leadership and evolution of health care services.  We are proud of him and think he needs recognition for carrying the flag in leadership for nearly three decades. He recently retired as local medical director.”

Dr. Dhillon is the founder and current manager of the Canadian Medical Football Team, as well as working in clinic practice, raising a young family and serving as a medical officer in the Canadian Armed Forces. He is also a founder of the Review Course in Family Medicine. According to his nominator, he is “a huge asset to the medical community.”

“Paul spends many long hours putting in the work to enable many physicians throughout the country to turn up and play and have the honour of representing Canada in international competition… As physicians, it is important to raise awareness of the benefits of physical exercise. By being the leader of the Canadian Medical Football Team, Paul provides all physician players the opportunity to advocate for and achieve this important goal.”

Dr. Dubland has over 37 years of dedicated family practice and palliative care consultant expertise. He acts as a role model and mentor to numerous physicians. His dedication to the profession, and tireless advocacy work, has led to the development of palliative care services locally and in Northern India (acute care and home-based services), helping to provide end-of-life care to countless individuals.

His nominator highlights that he has helped form palliative care services with the Emmanuel Hospital Association (26 rural hospitals); Christian Medical College of Ludhiana (a 600-bed teaching hospital); and a home care program to service those living outside of cities. This has provided a population of several million with access to palliative care services.

“I would like to nominate Dr. Dumont for his tireless enthusiasm to promote and create, (alongside others) a sustainable culturally safe Indigenous Health network. I have admired his patience and his optimism despite obstacles along the way.”

“She has recently been working towards retirement and was my preceptor in residency. She is extremely thorough, provided the perfect amount of supervision and autonomy during my training. After my training she has been available for support whenever it was needed. I still hear her voice in my head when I’m thinking through difficult cases.”

“She has delivered thousands of babies, is the smartest doc I know, we’ve been friends forever, she teaches, has had tremendous personal challenges and KEEPS on going! and I don’t think she has won an award yet!”

Dr. Clayton Ham is a most knowledgeable and caring family physician. I am a retired family physician from Alberta and have suffered several health events of a serious nature in the last four years attended to by Dr. Ham with dispatch and caring. He has not needed to make house calls to me but I know that this is part of his practice. He takes the right amount of time with patients in the office with skill and arranges follow-up appropriately. I am impressed by Dr Ham’s skills and compassion.”

“Marlowe is an inspiring rural generalist… he manages to run a full family practice, be an emergency physician, deliver babies, perform as a GP surgeon (c-sections, endoscopy, etc.), be involved in teaching, run medical staff meetings…”

“Maria Hubinette and Sarah Brears are family physician leaders in undergrad (at UBC) who have been endlessly trying to engage FP’s in teaching and building capacity to ensure medical students continue to have early clinical experiences that entice them to apply to family practice residency. Maria is the Director of Undergraduate program central.”

“I am very grateful for Dr. Huff’s passion for holistic, patient-centred care. Her advocacy around the social determinants of health and health promotion/illness prevention through her work with the Divisions of Family Practice and the BC College of Family Physicians is inspiring. Her work not only has a positive impact on the patients she serves directly, but will also have far-reaching effects by showing other physicians what is possible.”

“Dr. J, as he is known by many in the community, is known not only for his dedication to his patients but his willingness to take on new patients in need of physicians on the Sunshine Coast. He has adapted over time to learn and treat addiction on the coast, and has helped many patients through some of the most difficult moments and stations of their lives. He is a constant teacher and incessantly positive influence on students and residents on the Sunshine Coast.”

“Dr Key is an exceptional full-service family doctor, providing excellent clinical care within her practice an in the hospital where she provides inpatient care as obstetrical services. On top of this, Dr Key is part of the local palliative care team, providing end of life care as well as supporting other physicians with issues or challenges with their own patients around palliative issues. As if that wasn’t enough,  Dr Key has been providing weight loss management group to the community, following evidence based models, as she recently completed her Boards in Obesity Medicine. Dr Key provides endless support to the students and residents in the community, as well as to her colleagues.”

Dr. Shawna Koehle is recognized as “is an ethical and conscientious family physician serving her community well.” Dr. Koehle practices family practice obstetrics and teaches family practice residents. She has also taken part in several medical missions to Africa where she taught nursing students obstetrics skills to enhance community health. Dr. Koehle is also a tireless volunteer for the BCCFP’s Dinner with Docs.

“She recognizes the difficulty in locuming that new grads face and provides excellent support for locums… She was very encouraging and also listened to my concerns about any challenging patient interactions or any uncertainty I had. Dr. Larsen is a joy to work for and work alongside and her patients are fortunate to be under her outstanding care.”

“An excellent family physician that is never too busy to help a colleague, Kriegler is caring, kind and has a brilliant mind. His sense of humour has uplifted all of our spirits on more than one occasion.”

“She is a joy to have in our office due to her caring for patients, caring for colleagues, her fantastic (and quirky) sense of humour , and her great teaching abilities.  She is able to draw out knowledge from residents and always makes them feel good about their learning. If I went through the list of attributes of a good family doctor she excels at every single one!”

“Dr. Linton has worked in the rural community of Terrace for over 25 years. He is a highly-skilled and well-established Family Physician in the area… I have come to know him as a great leader, role model, and primary care innovator in our community, our region, and throughout the Province. He has been a teacher, a mentor, and a trusted advisor and confidante to so many of us. Going above and beyond the call of duty, Dr. Linton is the Site Director for the Rural Northwest Terrace Family Medicine Residency program. He is also a founding board director of the Pacific Northwest Division of Family Practice, and involved in ChangeBC… I really can’t think of a Physician in our community that would be more rewarding of the honor of receiving the BCCFP College Coin.”

She has been the lead of the Central Okanagan Division of FP until recently and works to improve patient care as well as physician health and engagement. She is always the first to listen and provide advice on a difficult case for any of our practice partners.  She is a preceptor for family practice residents, and is an excellent role model for them. She is constantly working on office improvement, MOA efficiency and job satisfaction, physician supports, etc… she is endlessly and concurrently efficient, compassionate, and effective in her care of her patients. I marvel at her skills and am happy every day to work along-side her and gain from her example and leadership.”

“She is a dedicated family physician and advocate for patients. She has been key in Divisions of Family Practice initiatives and improving care for patients. She is involved in the community and in teaching students and residents.”

“Melanie has dedicated her career to serving the community. She provides exceptional patient care. She has taken on numerous leadership roles in the hospital, as a preceptor for UBC and on collaborative projects with community partners. She is a trusted colleague whose opinion and experience is often sought out by new and experienced physicians. She is retiring this year.”

“His work connecting people is inspiring.  He does not seem driven to do things for recognition or the recognition of his organization (RCCbc) but he engages people simply to improve the system. The Provincial Partnerships event in January was an example of his influence. He is an inspiration to FPs and FP leaders.”

“Dr. Sarah Lea and Dr. Heather McEwen saw the gap in care here in Victoria in looking after pregnant women with addictions. Thanks to their hard work and vision, they are bringing Victoria into this millennium in the care of women with perinatal addictions. I’d seen in Vancouver the incredible benefit of appropriate support for these women and was saddened to see Victoria so far behind when I moved here. Thanks to these two hard working docs, we’re slowly starting to catch up. There’s still a lot to be done, but at least we’re heading in the right direction.”

Dr. Katharine McKeen is recognized for her love of providing primary patient care, her deep commitment to serving her community and her teamwork. She “balances patient care and system thinking” as the co-chair of the GPSC Residential Care Initiative and the Medical Coordinator at the Heights at Mt. View. Dr McKeen other commitments include co-chairing the Collaborative Services Committee and membership on the Inter-divisional (Vancouver Island) PCN Steering Committee.

“Janet is one of the Medical Directors in the UBC Health Clinic. She is an excellent role model for the residents: as a comprehensive FP with a special interest in sports medicine she continues to provide home visits and residential care coverage. In addition, in 2005 I engaged Janet in the developing UBC Neighbourhood Ministry serving the UBC area homeless community. Since 2005, she has continued to work with the group and eventually they developed the Mobile Care Unit working with social workers they visit the community during the week and on Saturdays. Only recently did we manage to provide APP coverage for the work she has been doing.”

Dr. Simon Moore is recognized for co-creating the Review Course in Family Medicine, which runs in seven cities and attracts “exemplary and heartfelt” feedback from residents and practice eligible candidates across the country. His nominator notes that Dr. Moore’s commitment to excellence in education is unparalleled for someone at such an early stage of his career.

In the words of the colleague who nominated Dr. Marianne Morgan, she is “passionate about patient care, especially maternity care, and puts effort into team building and communication with nurses and other allied professionals. Marianne also cares about youth mental health and community health. She is an ethical and conscientious family physician serving her community well.”

“Dr. Mundy is the most disarming physician on the sunshine coast. When a mop of greying hair, commonly capped with a beret, arrives at a code situation with a gentle laugh and clear collaborative direction, patients, physicians, and nursing staff all know that the best outcome will be achieved. A wealth not only of historical experience and knowledge, but also of the latest and greatest innovative moves in medicine. He is an invaluable member of the Family Medicine team on the coast.”

Dr. Christie Newton’s positive influence on the specialty of family medicine is significant and far-reaching. Dr. Newton has shaped and guided the profession to meet the challenges of healthcare provision in the 21st century through her work as a clinician and a preceptor; her work with the UBC Department of Family Medicine; and her work with the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the BC College of Family Physicians (serving on their boards, working groups, task forces and committees).

“Dr. Newton stays true to principles and, through example, inspires all those she works with to meet the high expectations she sets. I am so grateful to have worked alongside her and to have received her inspiration, guidance and mentorship.”

“Ashley has been a member of Team Canada Medical Football for two years now and will be the only GP in BC that will be playing for both the Masters Team (Canada’s first) and the main competition as well in Mexico this year during the World Medical Football Championships and Medical Conference. This will be Canada’s 4th year in the International competition which has teams of physicians from 24 countries around the world vying for the championship.”

“Dr. Oberleitner is one of a kind. He is on call for ER, Anesthesia, Surgery and Obstetrics and does so without a minute of complaining. Always available and willing to help out. Committed and passionate.”

“She has demonstrated excellent leadership at Burnaby Hospital as Hospitalist Department Head and now Site Medical Director. She is an excellent clinician, and shows a passion for Quality Improvement. What really stands out however is her deep respect for all her colleagues from other physicians to cleaning staff to nurses to everyone in between. Dr. Ostler is very willing to admit she doesn’t always know all the answers but she can always be counted on to help find a solution to any problem, no matter how big or small. Because of these leadership qualities she has contributed to the atmosphere of collegiality and collaboration at Burnaby Hospital.”

Dr. Thomas Parsons is recognized as a quiet oft under-recognized community hero, a consummate role model for family medicine and a teacher of his peers, residents and medical students.  “Dr. Parsons has that nuanced approach to family medicine that maximizes wellness in every single patient he meets. He really exudes compassion in a rare effective way. He stands out amongst his colleagues in his willingness to be vulnerable as a true life-long learner and teacher.”

He is the medical “director of the CSFS doctors, completes the call schedule, advocates for our funding, and spreads the good work about telehealth. He is deeply loved by his patients. AND he calls to check in on all the docs he works with especially the new to practice.”

“Dr. Persad is a kind and caring physician that touches lives every day. Dr. Persad is committed to her patients and excellent in emergency situations.”

He is as “wise as Wikipedia, friendly like an Emoji smiley face, trustworthy like a Toyota, grounded like a grandfather, motivated like Mother Theresa, as compassionate as Combivent, as good as gold, a leader like a lioness, and above all – a spectacular colleague!!!”

“I’d like to nominate Dr. Jennifer Tranmer and Dr. Alicia Power for being visionaries in family practice and maternity care. They started with a vision for what maternity care and family practice could be here in Victoria and they made their vision come to life with the creation of the Grow Health clinic. They’ve inspired 8 of us to join them over the years and continue to push us to be the best doctors we can be and to provide the best care possible to our patients. They are innovators and visionaries. Victoria is very lucky to have these two amazing physicians pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, even within the constraints of our current system.”

“Dr. Schokking is a Prince George FP and Chair of the Doctors of BC CPD Committee. He has organized presentations on Mainpro+, Certification of programs, peer coaching, e-coach, and is now leading the presentation of the CanMEDS roles. This year the conference was dedicated to the Health Advocate role.”

“For several decades Pam has made a meaningful difference to people living with chronic pain.  She has forever been advancing a better understanding of pain science through teaching about pain to UBC medical students and residents as well as lecturing in Canada and internationally.  She mentors both the new and old generations of physicians in improved or cutting-edge modalities to treating pain in complex and challenging clinical presentations.  Pam has modelled a balanced career which is being carried forward by her daughters and their embodiment of her values in providing healthcare for future generations.  I have benefited greatly from Pam’s tutelage and support.  A College Coin would be a wonderful acknowledgement of her contribution to family medicine in BC.”

“I wish to acknowledge Dr. Strydom’s indomitable and ongoing advocacy for the preservation of the broad scope of family medicine. I am in awe of, and grateful for, Dr. Strydom’s ability to synthesize disparate points of view and, at the most opportune time, deliver a statement which beautifully and succinctly summarizes the core of the issues, no matter how challenging. She is able to highlight commonalities in a way that can foster relationships and inclusive decision-making, moving difficult issues forward respectfully yet definitively.”

Dr. Sue has been an active family physician in BC, working in Richmond at the Asante Clinic, and serving as assistant manager for the Canadian men’s medical soccer team for the past two years:  “He has traveled both to Mexico and to Prague to support the over 30 physicians from across the country in their participation in the international tournament.  As a member of medical football team Canada, he serves as a role model illustrating the balance that can be achieved while working incredibly hard as a family physician and maintaining one’s own mental and physical well-being, while representing his country and serving his patients in the same breath.”

“Taylor Swanson, for his kindness, humility and support, of both patients and colleagues. Taylor works hard to provide excellent care in the hospital, clinic, local high school and also mentors and acts as Faculty for our local residency program. He is also a caring father, partner and active community member, and always has an ear to support others when needed.”

“She has been the Kamloops residency program faculty development rep for years. She is passionate about CPD and has served as the Chair of the Doctor’s of BC CPD Nucleus Committee, and on several CPD conference planning committees…  She also has served since the beginning on the TCMP editorial board. She has been trying to retire for a few years but wears so many hats, giving them all away has been difficult and she has not been able to retire.”

Dr. Marria Townsend “made time to lend a friendly ear to discuss a case or decompress after a challenging event. In her professional role, she has been a leader, advocate and educator to increase emotionally and physically safe medical care for transgender people across our province.”

“She is a dedicated family doctor who is inspired to elevate family practice, set examples to learners (both residents and medical students) of how to provide excellent, comprehensive family focused care. She is the first to help out colleagues if they are in a bind. She is politically active in attempts to let our society know we, the family physicians, our patients and most importantly those people who do not have family doctors are important and need support! She balances personal and professional life with grace and is a role model for those of us who are privileged enough to know her.”

“I’d like to nominate Dr. Jennifer Tranmer and Dr. Alicia Power for being visionaries in family practice and maternity care. They started with a vision for what maternity care and family practice could be here in Victoria and they made their vision come to life with the creation of the Grow Health clinic. They’ve inspired 8 of us to join them over the years and continue to push us to be the best doctors we can be and to provide the best care possible to our patients. They are innovators and visionaries. Victoria is very lucky to have these two amazing physicians pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, even within the constraints of our current system.”

Dr. Linda Uyeda’s nominee notes that Dr. Uyeda deserves to be celebrated and reinforced as a hero for our community for the advocacy work that she does to “move the needle in our primary care system.” Her work includes visits to elementary and high-schools (often on volunteer basis) to educate students about trauma-informed leadership, the neuropsychiatry of anxiety, mindfulness, and parenting. “I feel Dr Uyeda She has the causal and system perspective down for where the greatest leverage for the development of the our ideal of ‘self-healing communities’.  She spends much of her time working with youth in the justice system.  She has survived traumatic assaults from unstable patients and yet, persevered with compassion and intelligence.  She continues to educate us, her peers about adverse childhood experiences.”

“She is one of the hardest working physicians I had ever met. Between working a busy full time practice, plus walk in clinics on almost every weekend and most evenings, she is 110% committed to the practice of medicine. She has also demonstrated such generosity in helping me transition to practicing in BC from Saskatchewan, when I never had met her prior to moving here. She is also always committed to medical education, and helps with teaching medical students, is always attending multiple conferences and CME courses, and always puts her patients and their care first. As I run a solo practice, she has offered to help cover me when needed, and I can always count on her for advice. I’m truly grateful to have such a wonderful and hardworking colleague, who continually goes above and beyond for her patients and for helping out the community. She is deserving of this recognition.”

“Dianne has worked tirelessly over many years (often the last to leave our clinic in the evening) to serve our student population at the SFU Health and Counselling Services…  including many of the marginalized patients (trans patients, refugees, etc.)… Through her own practise of relentless reading and specialist consultation, she has developed an expertise in these areas.”

“She is an excellent physician, with all round skills of communication, innovation and dedication. She has worked as a hospitalist and palliative care physician and developed protocols for delirium for patients being seen in acute settings. She is involved in teaching and research in her practice area, directed towards improving the lives of older frail patients, and physician wellness as exemplified by the MD’s4 Wellness project in Fraser Northwest.”

“She is a full-service family doctor who has a special focus on gender affirming care. She provides transgender care (in fee for service) as well as primary care to 100’s of East Van people. She teaches other family docs how to provide gender affirming care, and trans care. I could go on and on about her, happy to do so!”

“I wish to acknowledge Dr. Zeinneddin’s advocacy for women’s health and her tireless efforts to highlight the challenges that everyday comprehensive family physicians face in their quest to provide high quality patient-centred care in an increasingly challenging healthcare environment. I am grateful for Dr. Zeineddin’s understanding of the value of the family physician-patient relationship and for her embracing every opportunity to raise the profile of the profession.”

Dr. Chip Bantock is passionate about improving and advancing family medicine and providing the best patient care. During more than 20 years of full-service family practice in Kamloops, he has been involved in activities supporting family medicine – improving patient care and access to care. Throughout his career, he has been proactive in supporting colleagues both professionally and personally.

Dr. Bantock is a long-term member of the Thompson Region Family Obstetrics group, an innovative partnership approach for patients with the community of family physicians and Interior Health to support maternity care in the region.

He is a founding Director and Past Chair of the Thompson Region Division of Family Practice, involved since its inception in multiple leadership roles and participating in the development and trialing of innovative programs to support family physicians in their quest to improve patient care. Dr. Bantock’s leadership  continues to be instrumental in bringing the physician community and patient voice to primary health care transformation in the region.

Dr. Sandy Barlow has served on the BCCFP Board since 2012 providing “incredible service.” During time, she has shown tremendous resolve and integrity, guiding the organization to focus on the needs of members. She is a solid advocate for the family physician working in the trenches, a voice for those who cannot be at the table.

“In her quiet and respectful way, Dr. Barlow has ensured the BCCFP Board has not lost sight of the members we serve and has kept us accountable.”

Dr. Dean Brown has been a longstanding, tireless leader on the North Shore who believes passionately in the importance of primary care, as well as a family physician in a full-service practice for more than 25 years. He was the inaugural chair of the North Shore Division of Family Practice and remains an active member of the Division Board of Directors. As Chief of the Lions Gate Hospital Department of Family Practice and the Family Medicine Residency Site Director (Coastal) for the UBC Family Medicine Program, Dr. Brown is a role model for our future family physicians.

Dr. Chow has been instrumental in advocating for, designing, and continuing to maintain the residency program at Abbotsford Regional Hospital. Prior to its inception, more than 50 per cent of the family doctors in the community were within five years of retirement.  Thanks to the residency program and the work of the Division of Family Medicine, more than 50 per cent are under 40, with some of the residents choosing to practice in Abbotsford and taking leadership roles at the hospital and the Division of Family Practice.

Dr. Anneline Du Preez epitomizes the rural family doctor, practicing true cradle-to-grave medicine and care to a growing roster of complex-care and frail elderly patients. While serving as a full-time family physician in Kimberley, she is also an Emergency Room physician at the busy East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook, and the chief physician at a long-term care facility.

An advocate for evidence-based care and best practices, Dr. Du Preez is also active in the management of the medical clinic in which she practices, as well as in the local Division and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC Peer Review Program.

She was one of a visionary team of family physicians that worked tirelessly create a Patient’s Medical Home in their clinic. As a result, this has become the model of Patient Care Homes that the province is aspiring towards.

Dr. Janet Fisher is recognized for her “tremendous capacity to identify a need within her physician community and dedicate tremendous time and energy to it, while continuing to provide exemplary patient care.” Her accomplishments range from designing a continuing professional development program to steering the implementation of a community EMR and helping to create a new family medicine residency site.

Dr. Kenneth Fung is recognized for his exemplary engagements in academia, professional as well as community services. In academics, he is a UBC Clinical Professor, a Fellow of Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, and a Fellow of Royal Society of Medicine, London, United Kingdom. Professionally, he has served as board member of the BCCFP, the Society of Clinical Faculties, and he is a CMA Honorary Member. Dr. Fung’s community service includes roles on the UBC Board and the Board of Vancouver Coastal Health, and he has been an advisor to many BC Premiers.

“Dr. Gorman has had a long and distinguished career as a family physician, practicing in Prince George, before relocating to Kamloops a decade ago. He stands out as a leader, a model family physician, and a mentor to both medical trainees and practicing family physicians. Dr. Gorman teaches medical students as part of his full-service family practice, volunteering to supervise and/or assess international medical graduates, nurse practitioner trainees and other learners. He is currently Site Faculty for Assessment and Evaluation for the UBC Family Practice Residency Program, Kamloops Site.”

Dr. Selena Lawrie is highly involved in the community of family physicians in Kamloops, thinking outside the box to improve patient care and access to care in the region. She was a founding Director for the Division of Family Practice (Thompson Region) and physician lead on primary care transformation initiatives. Currently Site Director, Dr. Lawrie was instrumental in the development of the Family Practice Residency Program in Kamloops.

She is presently leading the development and implementation of a not-for-profit, Supporting Team Excellence with Patients Society, to develop a community owned primary care clinic. Dr. Lawrie is a Director on the Interior Health Board and a steering committee member representative for the Ministry of Health Physician Health program.

Dr. Stan Lubin is recognized for his service and dedication to thousands of patients during his career as a family physician, as well as his work in teaching.  He is described as “the type of family physician we all strive to be, hardworking, empathetic and kind.” Dr. Lubin’s College Coin honour comes at the close of a long, distinguished career as much-respected family doctor, mentor, collaborator and scholar. During his career, his work was recognized with a honours that include a Family Physician of the Year award and UBC awards for teaching.

Dr. Anthon Meyer is nominated for his inspirational work in the community of Fort St. James.  Through his leadership and vision, and with the support of his colleagues and the Primary Care Society of Fort St. James, he initiated the change to develop a new care model in the community. He was able to transform the former reactive, acute exacerbation model to a care model that focusses on holistic care, including acute, chronic and proactive/ preventative care. This transformative model demonstrated improvement in the health of the community and its outreach areas, reducing the overall burden of care on the health system and making wellness the focus. He developed a model where data is used effectively to improve quality in a meaningful manner and elevate standards of best practice. This is helping to better understand the health care system, improving patient and provider experience and ultimately address health care costs.

Dr. Thomas Parsons is recognized as a quiet oft under-recognized community hero, a consummate role model for family medicine and a teacher of his peers, residents and medical students.  “Dr. Parsons has that nuanced approach to family medicine that maximizes wellness in every single patient he meets. He really exudes compassion in a rare effective way. He stands out amongst his colleagues in his willingness to be vulnerable as a true life-long learner and teacher.”

Dr. Launette Rieb is an exceptional addiction medicine role model, mentor, and teacher for family physicians in training and practice. A Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Family Practice at UBC, she has taught addiction medicine in the undergraduate and postgraduate medical programs here and at national and international conferences for 24 years. She is a cutting- edge researcher, award-winning teacher and founding director of a world-class addiction medicine fellowship.

Dr. Rimmer has been a tireless advocate for the medical community of the Cowichan Valley, and has been instrumental in achieving many initiatives that have enhanced the community and the maintenance of a GP-run hospital, despite many obstacles. He retains a great sense of humour and vitality through it all. He has also been a great mentor and teacher to both under- and post-graduate students, encouraging some of them to return to our community. He is an outstanding example of a family physician.

Dr. Laurren Rodgers is nominated for the “exceptional work she is doing day-to-day in the community of Fort St. James.” She has worked tirelessly with her colleagues over the past four years to create a true Patient Medical Home in the community. The result is a care model that improved access, improved care, created sustainability and improved provider experience.

Dr. Lisa Sawyer is recognized for her reassurance, support and grounding in working with her colleagues, as a trusted advisor, collaborator and friend. “As a colleague – she is there for you – in the way you need her to be – the reflective mirror for a difficult conversation, the shoulder to cry on, the levity and laughter, the team collaborator, the objective clinician, the friend.”

Dr. Paul Stent is “a remarkable man and a family physician who has delivered more than 28 years of service in the community of Fort St. James.”

Over the past six years, he has worked tirelessly with his team to create a true Patient Medical Home in the community. The result is a care model that improved access, improved care, created sustainability and improved provider experience.

Dr. Frederick W. (Fritz) Steyn is nominated for the “exceptional work he is doing day-to-day in the community of Fort St. James.” Over the past three years, he has worked tirelessly with his team to create a true Patient Medical Home in the community. The result is a care model that improved access, improved care, created sustainability and improved provider experience.

In addition to his busy family practice, Dr. Strydom’s contribution to family medicine in Terrace includes serving as Lead Physician on the Management team at the clinic. He works in the Women’s Wellness Clinic and as part of the Psychiatry rotation, as well as caring for inpatients and long-term care residents and supporting many charities and boards in the community.

Dr. Catherine Truong works as an ER Physician at Delta Hospital. In the early days of the “Overdose Crisis” she was on duty the night 11 victims from a single party arrived in the ER. Not only did all of these young patients survive, all were also connected to follow up support.

Dr. Marile Van Zyl is nominated for the “exceptional work she is doing day-to-day in the community of Fort St. James.” She has worked tirelessly with her team over the past five years to create a true Patient Medical Home in the community. The result is a care model that improved access, improved care, created sustainability and improved provider experience.

Dr. Pieter Van Zyl is nominated for the “exceptional work he is doing day-to-day in the community of Fort St. James.”  He has worked tirelessly with his team over the past five years to create a true Patient Medical Home in the community. The result is a care model that improved access, improved care, created sustainability and improved provider experience.

Beyond serving the local community in Summerland for close to 30 years, Dr. Venkataraman was instrumental in the creation and development of the local Division of Family Practice.  In addition to his office practice, he provides anesthesia services.  As a preceptor for family practice residents, he is a role model for comprehensive compassionate care of his patients as well as serving on faculty for the Okanagan South residency program.

Dr. Willms is described as “the epitome of what a great family physician should be.” He has devoted more than 40 years of his life to the provision of primary care. As well as practising full-service family medicine, he heads the Family Practice Department at Surrey Memorial Hospital and was instrumental in establishing the first residency program for family medicine in Surrey/Langley. In addition, Dr. Willms initiated a hospitalist program in Surrey and a quality program for the care of long-term care residents.

Dr. Witherspoon worked as a family physician at the REACH CHC for more than 40 years, and was a tireless advocate for and completely dedicated to her patients. She had a special interest in patients with FAS and attended many meetings at Sunny Hill to advocate for these patients. She was a caring and competent mentor for many St. Paul’s Hospital family practice residents, and a role model for many family physicians who worked at REACH. Dr. Witherspoon was also an advocate of community health centres and worked hard to ensure that the model of care at REACH continued despite many challenges during her 40+ years of service.

Dr. Thomas S.H. Wong is nominated for his long career as a “patient, kind and dedicated family doctor” who works well with colleagues, taking the time to understand each one’s opinions and concerns.

Dr. Fraser Black’s service to family medicine includes caring for underprivileged populations at the Cool Aid Clinic, including using an Integrative Medicine approach for patients living with persistent pain, and his role as physician at Victoria Hospice providing end-of-life care. As Assistant Dean at the UBC Island Medical Program, he is also a mentor and role model for medical students and residents.

Dr. Marjorie Docherty received the first College Coin award in recognition for her energy, passion and commitment to family medicine and family physicians across British Columbia during her four-year term on the BCCFP Board, particularly her leadership across the continuum in education and continuing professional development.

Dr. Hatlelid is a dedicated professional, working long hours in his practice for 30 years to care for many generations of families and provide mentorship to his colleagues. He has also served the elder population by working at the Vancouver General Hospital STAT centre for many years, as well as St. Jude’s Nursing Home. He provides house calls to his frail seniors and has delivered many babies during his career.

Although retired from her community family practice in Lantzville, Dr. Paddy Mark continues her long-running work in addictions and jail medicine. She has worked with the CPSBC on the methadone for addictions program and the development of the new centre for addictions. Dr. Mark continues to run a pain and addictions consultation service at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, and champions the Division’s ongoing work with substance use programs. She has also taught and mentored many residents and students over the decades.

Dr. Randal Mason is a recent graduate with an impressive list of accomplishments. During his residency in the aboriginal program, he was pivotal/lead in the development and running of both the Snaw-naw-as First Nations clinic as well as the John Barsby Wellness Centre at the Barsby Community School (both new models of care), and most recently the Snuneymuxw First Nations Health Centre. During his first year of practice, he also provided locums in community family practice and worked in an addictions clinic.

Dr. Ryan McCallum is recognized for his exceptional level of engagement, both within his own community and in the profession of family medicine. He has served on a number of boards and representative assemblies. During his time on the BCCFP Board, Dr. McCallum contributed a valuable perspective to the Membership and Awards Committee, and was instrumental in the development of the College Coin.

Dr. Chris Morwood is passionate about child and youth health, and has worked on many initiatives over the past seven years. He has dedicated his time, energy, creativity and collaborative effort to create physical activity opportunities for all Powell River residents, with a focus on children and youth. He has used his gift for collaboration and complex problem-solving to lead many multi-sector projects. He is also active in the Division of Family Practice and serves as president of medical staff while managing a full-time family practice, ER work and inpatient care.

Dr. Morwood worked consistently and passionately as the local COVID steering committee lead in Powell River. His nominator says, “He is a role model of how to lead a community through a crisis.”

Dr. Jessica Otte is known as a pioneer in “less is more/choosing wisely.” She is also a passionate advocate for health care reform, as well as an outstanding clinician in her palliative care and elder care practice. In addition, Dr. Otte provides remote locums in Nunavut and the other territories.