Fifteen faculty members received 2016 Doctors of BC awards.
Every year, Doctors of BC acknowledges the outstanding contributions of physicians around the province through a number of awards. Achievements are recognized in areas such as community contribution, improving the welfare of British Columbians, health promotion, and grassroots advocacy.
[Photo credits: Doctors of BC, Karen Tregellis Photography]
David Hardwick, Professor Emeritus and Special Advisor to the Dean, Space Planning and Utilization, received the Dr. Don Rix Award, which recognizes lifetime achievements and exemplary physician leadership. Dr. Hardwick has dedicated his more than 60-year career to advancing and expanding research and clinical work in the field of pediatric pathology, and to protecting the values of academic freedom. Over his extensive and remarkable career he developed relationships that advanced the academic and scientific missions of UBC, especially as they relate to its teaching hospitals and research facilities, and was instrumental in establishing the medical student association. He remains an energetic presence at UBC and an influential leader in the affairs of pathology organization and inter-institutional relationships.
Dr. David Hardwick
Paul Dubord, Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, is the recipient of the Doctors of BC Silver Medal of Service Award. The Doctors of BC Silver Medal of Service is awarded to physicians or non-physicians who have made outstanding contributions to medicine and/or improving the welfare of British Columbians. Dr. Dubord has dedicated much of his professional career to helping people regain their sight. He has played a significant role in delivering ophthalmic services and mentorship around the world.
Dr. Paul Dubord receives the Doctors of BC Silver Medal of Service
David Fairholm, Clinical Professor, Division of Neurosurgery, is the recipient of the Doctors of BC Silver Medal of Service. Dr. David Fairholm has been engaged in undergraduate and postgraduate surgical education with UBC and has served as a member on key curriculum and strategic committees responsible for reforming the Faculty of Medicine’s undergraduate curriculum.
David Fairholm receives the Doctors of BC Silver Medal of Service
Katherine Paton, Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, is the Gold Medal Winner of the Dr. David M. Bachop Gold and Silver Medals for Distinguished Medical Service. The Dr David M Bachop Award is given to a BC doctor who has made an extraordinary contribution in the field of organized medicine and/or community service. Dr. Katherine Paton lives by the mantra ‘stand up and contribute’ — something she has been doing admirably for her patients and the profession for 30 years. She has participated in national and international organizations in her field of ocular oncology, helped establish the Proton Therapy Program for Ocular Tumors here in BC, and has trained and mentored countless medical students, residents, and fellows.
Derek Poteryko, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, is the recipient of the Council on Health Promotion Awards of Excellence – Individual Category. This award recognizes the special efforts of individuals, non-profit and for-profit organizations. Dr. Derek Poteryko is instrumental in promoting valuable health promotion initiatives to residents in Nanaimo, BC, with a specific focus on Doctors of BC’s annual Walk with your Doc event. Not only does this annual event attract more than 400 people, but twice monthly, offers walks for patients complete with a health discussion, helping to create a culture of innovation by using lifestyle interventions to treat chronic disease.
Dr. Derek Poteryko receives the Council on Health Promotion Awards of Excellence – Individual Category
Arun Agha, a second-year MD student, VFMP, received the Changemaker Student Award. The Changemaker Award recognizes medical residents and students who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and dedication to the cause of advancing the policies, views, and goals of Doctors of BC, or of a medical resident/student organization in BC, through grassroots advocacy efforts. He has been involved with the BC Cancer Agency’s Summer Student Research Project investigating exercise promotion to address chronic illness, and has helped develop sport-based group therapy for people with major depressive disorder and cancer.
Arun Agha, 2nd year MD student, VFMP receives the
Changemaker Student Award.
Brandon Sheffield, a senior resident in anatomic pathology, received the Changemaker Resident Award. He has helped champion a new curriculum at UBC to educate pathologists, as well as oncology-related specialists, in genomic medicine.
Dr Brandon Sheffield receives the Changemaker Resident Award.
Seven faculty members were also the recipients of the Doctors of BC CMA Honourary Membership Award. This award is an honour bestowed on those who, at the age of 65, having been active members of the Association for at least 10 years, have been nominated by their provincial/territorial medical association and have had their nominations approved unanimously by the Board of Directors of the CMA. The nominees are held in high regard by their colleagues; they are humanitarians who have put into practice the aims and ideals of the medical profession.
The recipients include:
- Jean Carruthers, Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
- John Fleetham, Professor, Department of Medicine
- Kenneth Fung, Associate Professor, School of Population and Public Health
- Ralph Rothstein, Professor, Department of Pediatrics
- Anthony Salvian, Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery
- Beverly Spring, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Family Practice
- Paul Thiessen, Professor, Department of Pediatrics
- Kenneth Turnbull, Clinical Professor Emeritus, Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology & Therapeutics