Do you know someone who has helped to raise the standards of health care delivery or medical practice in Canada? Nominate them for a Canadian Medical Association special award.
Ten awards are given annually, recognizing the dedication, successes and talents of Canadian men and women who have made significant contributions in a number of areas:
The CMA Committee on Archives and Awards meets in January to review nominations and make recommendations to the Board of Directors.
CMA Honorary Membership Award
The CMA Honorary membership is granted to those members who have distinguished themselves by their accomplishments in medicine, science, the humanities or who have rendered significant services to the association. They may be appointed as honourary members with the unanimous approval of the CMA Board.
Dr. Richard Bergstrom
Anesthesia (Adult Cardiac), Edmonton
Reflections on Service
I served first as president of the section for Alberta. I was heavily involved with the Relative Value Guide, in which capacity Dr. Bean and I continuously advocated for section members, stressing the value they bring to health care for Albertans. I then continued to serve in the Representative Forum, acting as both an ear and a voice for the section and also for regional physicians when I was President of the Regional Medical Staff Association. From there I continued to work with the AMA staff as chair of the Physician Advocacy Group, providing advice from senior physicians to the Board. We brought together the voices of a diverse group of experienced physicians who reflected the tireless efforts of front-line workers to provide compassionate care.
It has been an honour and a privilege to work alongside the incredible AMA staff, who have taught me about advocacy, responding to government and providing a voice for physicians. I encourage physicians to become involved with the AMA and CMA to learn about the work that has been done for physician advocacy and to share in a vision of how to move forward in both providing care for patients and obtaining appropriate compensation for the hard work and continuous improvement provided by the physician community.
Personal Interests
In my free time I love to learn outside of medicine. I read about history and leadership as they teach me to listen more, reflect more and serve with greater effect. I also get immense pleasure from feeding people. Having a dinner party that lasts for hours with great food, superb wine and excellent conversation leaves me satisfied. It is incredibly rewarding to give and see the fruits of your labour both at work and at home. Personal and professional growth are not separate trees; they share the same roots and bear similar fruit.
To change people’s lives is an unbelievable privilege and honour and is so incredibly rewarding.
Dr. Kenneth Corbet
Occupational Medicine, Calgary
Reflections on Service
What an honour to be recognized by the AMA! Occupational medicine is a diverse specialty; a mix of individual clinical medicine and public health in the workplace. My first AMA committee in 1989 developed a guideline for the Early Return to Work after Illness or Injury, which garnered national input and eventually evolved into a CMA policy statement.
My more recent involvement with the AMA has been as president and member-at-large with the Section of Occupational Medicine. Given our section members’ different patterns and locations of practice, the challenge is to find common issues that we can address through education, committee participation or advocacy. The section attends the Representative Forums and, in the fall of 2019, organized a CME day in Edmonton. Related AMA activities include the Workers’ Compensation Board committee and the guideline for billing of uninsured services.
In medical training, the focus of learning for physicians is mostly clinical—the diagnosis and treatment of individuals. But as we begin our practices, we learn the importance of thinking about groups of people, thinking internationally and globally, managing risk factors and reaching vulnerable populations. The CMA and AMA provide a vehicle for interdisciplinary discussion of these topics, support of working groups and committees and, perhaps, consensus on the best way forward.
A societal and licensing college expectation of physicians is continuing professional development. Our clinical societies can provide many learning opportunities, but the CMA complements these with resources on nonclinical competencies, running a medical practice and physician leadership.
Clinical discussion and consensus, business support and continuing professional development— these are three good reasons for physicians to stay involved with our provincial and national medical associations.
Personal Interests
As my professional work lessens, I look forward to a more active lifestyle involving travel within Canada and abroad, carpentry, photography and more time with family and friends.
Dr. William Marsden Award in Medical Ethics and Professionalism
Dr. Scott McLeod
Dr. Scott McLeod has received the Dr. William Marsden Award in medical ethics and professionalism in recognition of his exemplary leadership, commitment and dedication to advancing and promoting excellence in medical ethics and professionalism in Canada. Candidates must demonstrate, in one of the following areas: commitment to furthering the cause of medical ethics in Canada; leadership in enhancing ethical and professional behaviour amongst Canadian physicians; and excellence in research and/or teaching initiatives in medical ethics.
Owen Adams Award of Honor
Ms. Brenda Reynolds
Ms. Brenda Reynolds has received the Owen Adams Award of Honour which is the highest CMA award available to a non-physician. The award is granted in recognition of contributions to the advancement of medical research, medical education, health care organization or health education of the public; contributions to the awareness of the value that lived experience (patient/caregiver insight) brings to health care in Canada; service to the people of Canada in raising the standards of health care delivery in Canada; service to the profession in the field of medical organization and activities and initiatives that have contributed to improvements in the health and wellness of Canadians.
F.N.G. Starr Award
Dr. Esther Tailfeathers
Dr. Esther Tailfeathers has received the F.N.G. Starr Award in recognition of her outstanding and inspiring lifetime achievement. This is the highest CMA award available to one of its members. Medalists have achieved distinction in one of the following ways: making an outstanding contribution to science, the fine arts or nonmedical literature; serving humanity under conditions calling for courage or the endurance of hardship in the promotion of health or the saving of life; advancing the humanitarian or cultural life of his or her community; or improving medical service in Canada.
CMA Award for Young Leaders (Early Career)
Dr. Franco Rizzuti
Dr. Franco Rizzuti has received the CMA Award for Young Leaders (Early Career) in recognition of his exemplary dedication, commitment and leadership in one of the following areas: political, clinical, educational or research and community service. He has also exemplified creativity, initiative and shown commitment to “making a difference”, been active and effective at the local, provincial/territorial and/or national level and acted as a positive and effective role model for his peers and colleagues.
