Three Faculty of Medicine graduates were recently awarded the 2016 UBC Alumni Achievement Awards. The three recipients are Jessica Otte, Donald and Elizabeth MacRitchie and James Frankish. The award winners will receive their awards at a celebration being held on November 1, 2016, at UBC’s Robert H Lee Alumni Centre.
Jessica Otte
Jessica Otte (MD’09) is the recipient of the Young Alumnus award. Dr. Otte is a young physician and patient advocate who champions a “less is more” approach to prescribing treatment, and seeks to effect systemic change in health care provision using a patient-centred, evidence-based approach.
Elizabeth and Donald MacRitchie
Elizabeth (BSR’70) and Donald (MD’70) MacRitchie are the recipients of the Volunteer Leadership Award. They are active members of the Price George community who advocate for improved health care in BC – particularly in remote northern communities – and provide invaluable support for students in the Faculty of Medicine’s Northern Medical Program.
They have both played an active role in the expansion of the medical and physical therapy programs in northern B.C. They are among a number of couples who met as young students at UBC. Their three children are also UBC alumni, and Donald sits on the Medical Alumni Association (MAA) Board of Directors.
James Frankish receives the Faculty Community Service Award. This award recognizes a UBC faculty member who has rendered significant community service in areas other than teaching and research. Dr. Frankish is involved in promoting the health of people, particularly vulnerable populations, in British Columbia, and has been a leader in developing the field of health promotion in Canada. A well-respected public health teacher and mentor, he is also an active and prolific researcher who dedicates his spare time to improving his community.