CAMSS ADVOCACY AWARD history
In early 2010, then CAPA president Linda Slocombe suggested CAPA establish an award to present to a CAPA member who best exemplifies the spirit behind our mission statement: Advocating for physicians, caring for patients. She envisioned a plaque with the names of the award recipients presented to each doctors lounge in Calgary and to all six of our rural hospital sites.
The first recipient, Dr. Glenn Comm, was a natural choice due to his yeomans work advocating for CAPA physicians and especially his work to recognize the family doctor crisis.
The following year, former CRMSA (Calgary Regional Medical Staff Association) president, Dr. Rick Anderson received the award.
In 2012 Dr. Philip van der Merwe was honored due to his diligent work for family physicians.
In 2013 Dr. Martin Labrie was recognized for being someone who demonstrated courage under fire in pursuit of advocacy for patients and physicians.
In 2014 Dr. Lloyd Maybaum was recognized as being a tireless advocate for Alberta physicians.
In 2015 Dr. Julian Kyne was recognized as being a physician who embodies the meaning of advocacy.
In 2016 Dr. Bonnie Larson was recognized for bringing physicians of different specialties together to create ever-growing communities of practice - all to better serve highly vulnerable patients in Calgary.
In 2017 Dr. Arlie Fawcett was recognized as being an advocate for mental health patients, residents, and new physicians at local, regional and provincial levels.
In 2018 Dr. Jane Lemaire was recognized for her extensive work in the area of physician wellness and for being a great advocate, role model and mentor to other physicians.
In 2019 Dr. Fozia Alvi was recognized for her humanitarian work with the Rohingya refugee population. In addition to her humanitarian work, Dr. Alvi is a strong advocate for her patients.
In 2020 Public Health was recognized for their incredible work during the pandemic. Fourteen Medical Officers of Health received an award: Dr. Ifeoma Achebe, Dr. Jason Cabaj, Dr. Nicholas Etches, Dr. Brent Friesen, Dr. Karla Gustafson, Dr. Digby Horne, Dr. Jia Hu, Dr. Christine Kennedy, Dr. Judy MacDonald, Dr. Laura McDougall, Dr. Laura McLeod, Dr. Richard Musto, Dr. Richelle Schindler, Dr. David Strong.
In 2021 Dr. Mukarram Ali Zaidi was recognized for his tireless advocacy for his patients, colleagues and all Albertans through his various physician activities.
In 2022 Dr. Gemma Vomiero was recognized for her inspiring advocacy work for the Pediatric Hospital Medicine community and the impact of her tireless work over nearly two decades.
Promotion of the Advocacy Award begins each September and the award is presented in at the CAMSS AGM.