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Award Recipients

Honouring and Celebrating Our Outstanding Members​

The ACFP is proud to celebrate the physicians, students, residents, and clinics who demonstrate what “Excellence in Family Practice” truly means.

Congratulations to our 2024 ACFP Award Recipients!

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Dr. Robert Greidanus
2024 Family Physician of the Year
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Dr. Oluseyi Akinola
2024 Recognition of Excellence
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Dr. Guy Blais
2024 Recognition of Excellence
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Dr. Michelle Dion
2024 Recognition of Excellence
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Dr. Noelle O’Riordan
2024 Recognition of Excellence
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Dr. Janet Reynolds
2024 Recognition of Excellence
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Dr. Stephanie Sobotie
2024 Recognition of Excellence
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Dr. Tharine van Deventer
2024 Recognition of Excellence
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Dr. TaeEun (Mari Josephine) Ahn
2024 Outstanding New Professional
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Dr. Clare Song
2024 Family Medicine Resident Leadership
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Dr. Eric Paxman
2024 Family Medicine Resident Leadership
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Leanne Ejack
2024 Student Leadership - Rising Star
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Thomas Kazakoff
2024 Student Leadership - Rising Star
Family Physician of the Year

Dr. Robert Greidanus, Peace River

Recognition of Excellence

Dr. Oluseyi Akinola, Calgary
Dr. Guy Blais, Edmonton
Dr. Michelle Dion, Edmonton
Dr. Noelle O’Riordan, Calgary
Dr. Janet Reynolds, Calgary
Dr. Stephanie Sobotie, Calgary
Dr. Tharine van Deventer, Bonnyville

Outstanding New Professional Award

Dr. TaeEun (Mari Josephine) Ahn, Calgary

Family Medicine Resident Leadership Award

University of Alberta — Dr. Clare Song
University of Calgary — Dr. Eric Paxman

Student Leadership — Rising Star Award

University of Alberta — Leanne Ejack
University of Calgary — Thomas Kazakoff

Patient's Medical Home — Outstanding Family Practice Award

Riverbend Medical Clinic, Calgary

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Riverbend Medical Centre is a family practice where compassionate care meets comprehensive health services. Their team of dedicated doctors and health care professionals provide personalized treatment for all ages with a focus on building long-term relationships. Riverbend Medical Centre strives to create a welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable and valued. Riverbend Medical Centre utilizes a team-based approach to offer walk-ins to virtual care components six days a week to best serve its diverse community.

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Award Recipients at the Family Medicine Summit

Some of our 2023 ACFP Award honourees participated in person at the recently concluded 2024 Family Medicine Summit at Banff, Alberta. 

They came together for a photo opportunity at the annual conference. Click the button below to see more photos.

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2023

Dr. Robert Ian Greidanus

2024 Family Physician Of The Year Award
I grew up in Edmonton and completed my pre-med studies at King’s College before attending medical school at the University of Alberta and Family Medicine Residency in Newfoundland and Labrador. With additional training in obstetrics and surgery, I work as a GP Surgeon in Peace River, Alberta, where I’ve practised full-scope Family Medicine since 1996. I also have a passion for tropical medicine, having spent six years in Kenya and Namibia on medical missions and community development projects. Family is central to my life; I’ve been married for nearly 33 years and have 7 children. I enjoy outdoor activities like tennis, hockey, hunting, hiking, and boating, as well as travelling and exploring different cultures.
 

The one thing I love about family medicine is: I love the variety of medical issues I deal with and the challenge that presents. I love the special relationships and connections and trust you make with patients and their families from the cradle to the grave. I appreciate the ability to practice full-scope medicine, including clinic work, ER, obstetrics, surgery, and endoscopy, which is both challenging and rewarding.

Family medicine mentor: During a medical mission as a student in the Dominican Republic, I was inspired to pursue Family Medicine by humble and skilled mentors. Later, as a resident in Goose Bay, Labrador, my preceptors encouraged me to pursue rural medicine. In Peace River, I was fortunate to have senior colleagues who served as excellent role models and mentors as I began my rural practice.

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is: Patients really care for, respect and trust you when you are their family doctor in a small town. They allow you into their lives and appreciate you, which is a great privilege.

If I wasn’t a family physician, I’d be: A professional hockey or tennis player, but I’ve always wanted to be a rural generalist and have no regrets in the career path I’ve chosen.

Dr. Oluseyi Akinola

2024 Recognition of Excellence Award
Dr. Akinola, a graduate of the University of Calgary’s Family Medicine Residency and holding a Master’s in Public Health from the University of North Carolina, is deeply involved in medical education. She practices at Sunridge Family Medicine Teaching Clinic and Mosaic Refugee Clinic in Calgary. An executive board member of the Black Physicians of Canada and an advocate for IMGs in Canada, she is passionate about mentorship for marginalized groups. A public speaker, author, and blogger, she has received several awards, including the 2019 Chirag Shah International Resident Award, the 2023 International Women’s Day Award and the Outstanding Achievement Award by the Minister of Trade, Immigration and Multiculturism.
 

The one thing I love about family medicine is: The deep, long-standing relationships created, which are crucial to the delivery of comprehensive care.

Family medicine mentor: I have come across many mentors but would like to acknowledge Dr. David Keegan and Dr. Yvonne Kangong. 

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is: The depth of advocacy involved in ensuring our patient’s need are met.

If I wasn’t a family physician, I’d be: A Talk Show host.

Dr. Guy Blais

2024 Recognition of Excellence Award

Dr. Blais was born, raised and trained in Edmonton. He completed his MD from the University of Alberta and completed his Family Medicine Residencey at the Edmonton General Hospital. Dr. Blais has practiced Family Medicine in Edmonton for over 40 years, providing comprehensive care to many patients, including 3 four generation families. He has taught medical students and Family Medicine Residents at the U of A since 1983 and has been a clinical professor in the department of Family Medicine since 2010. Dr. Blais is also an author, husband to Elaine and dog owner.

The one thing I love about family medicine is: Family Medicine lets me combine my passions for practicing and teaching. I find fulfillment in caring for patients, making a difference in their mental and physical health, and building trusting, long-term relationships with them and their families. Teaching medical students and residents is equally rewarding, knowing those I’ve trained are contributing to the health of Canadians with knowledge they gained from me.

Family medicine mentor: Dr. Joe O’Brien and Dr. M.J. Miller taught me compassion and how to put patients at ease, while Dr. Doug Armstrong deepened my knowledge of Family Medicine. Dr. Gordon Chaytors showed me how to feel comfortable as a resident and later welcome colleagues without any teacher-student barriers. Dr. Heaton and Higgins introduced me to the evolving field of Family Medicine.

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is: When I began practicing family medicine, it was new and often looked down upon by specialists as “touchy-feely” medicine for those unable to specialize. I never anticipated a shortage in family medicine or that specialists would come to recognize its critical importance to the medical system.

If I wasn’t a family physician, I’d be: A teacher. I’ve always been passionate about teaching and view it as a positive obligation, much like the Hippocratic Oath suggests. I bring this same enthusiasm to teaching family medicine and would have applied it to teaching high school math as well.

Dr. Michelle Dion

2024 Recognition of Excellence Award

In addition to her work as a family physician in Edmonton, Dr. Michelle Dion is the driving force behind Éduc-Franco Santé, an organization whose mission is to educate vulnerable groups and francophones in minority communities on various health-related topics. With the help of students from the University of Alberta, she has hosted several radio health podcasts and created multiple videos during the covid pandemic that have been broadcast across Canada and are available on Éduc-franco-santé’s YouTube channel. She continues to be active by leading numerous workshops for various associations and community groups across Canada.  

The one thing I love about family medicine is: We have the power to create positive change by using our voice to influence healthcare policy and advocate for better health. We can change lives by helping patients adopt healthier habits and inspire future doctors to become advocates for the less fortunate. Through our actions, we can encourage the next generation to improve the health of our communities.

Family medicine mentor: I’m fortunate to have many mentors who help me grow as a doctor every day. I work with an extraordinary team whose empathy, patience, and leadership inspire me. My dear students, through their enthusiasm and dedication, continually refresh and motivate me to be a positive role model. The trust and support of the community drive me to keep moving forward.

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is: Being a family doctor means wearing many hats. We can be a trusted family member, advocate, life support, confidant, motivator, and educator for our patients. Versatile in our roles, we can choose to do a bit of everything or focus on a specific area of expertise, with countless opportunities to work and thrive in various settings.

If I wasn’t a family physician, I’d be: Working with Médecins Sans Frontières, coordinating emergency care in disaster zones or helping the population where it’s most needed. 

Dr. Noelle O'Riordan

2024 Recognition of Excellence Award

Dr. Noelle O’Riordan earned her medical degree from University College Cork, Ireland, and completed her family medicine training in the South East Training Scheme. Proudly Irish, Dr. “O” moved to Coronation, Alberta, in 2014, where she worked as a rural family physician in Coronation and Castor for six years, providing emergency care, general practice, long-term care, and mentoring medical students. In 2021, she relocated to Calgary, where she continues practicing family medicine. In her free time, she enjoys watching her children’s sports and recently began running half marathons.

The one thing I love about family medicine is: The variety and never knowing what is coming next! This scares me!

Family medicine mentor: Dr. Joe Meeaan- an amazing rural physician.

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is: How invested I became in patients’ lives, going to bat for them and how attached I get to them. 

If I wasn’t a family physician, I’d be: A French actress married to Kevin Costner or George Clooney- their loss!

Dr. Janet Reynolds

2024 Recognition of Excellence Award

I am a family physician at Crowfoot Village Family Practice, managing a panel of 1,800 patients and overseeing clinic operations as Medical Director with Shauna Thome. I also serve as Medical Director for the Calgary Foothills PCN, working with Executive Director Jake Jennings, and co-chair the Calgary Zone PCN Patient’s Medical Home task group. Since 2021, I have been the Primary Care co-lead for Choosing Wisely Canada. I am passionate about family medicine, primary healthcare, and healthcare stewardship.

The one thing I love about family medicine is: Everything except the paper work!  I absolutely love being part of a patient’s journey, understanding what matters most to them, and whole person care. I also love the opportunities being a family physician has offered me to contribute to health system improvements. 

Family medicine mentor: Dr. Rick Ward, whom I met in my early years of practice, has been a close friend and a major influence on my career, guiding my clinical evolution and introducing me to medical leadership roles. Dr. Peggy Aufricht demonstrated how persistent, methodical ideas can drive change, notably in shifting CVFP to a capitation ARP funding model. Dr. Cathy MacLean has been a remarkable mentor, bridging community and academic family medicine, and inspiring me with her passion for teaching and thoughtful approach.

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is: How long it has taken for the feeling that I knew a little about a lot, am an expert in nothing, to transform into the understanding and comfort that this is specialty of family medicine. 

If I wasn’t a family physician, I’d be: A personal shopper. 

Dr. Stephanie Sobotie

2024 Recognition of Excellence Award

Dr. Stephanie Efua Sobotie is a dedicated Family Physician with over fourteen years of medical experience. She received a Certificate of Added Competence in Obstetric Surgical Skills in 2019. She serves as a Clinical Lecturer at the University of Calgary and a family practice assessor for the CPSA. Notably, she pioneered a surgical obstetrical care program in rural Ghana and helped re-establish an obstetrical program in Saskatchewan. Her full-scope family practice in Bow Trail Calgary focuses on women’s health as well as mental health. As a wife and mother of three, she enjoys creating low-carb recipes and exploring medical research, driven by her passion for medicine and family.

The one thing I love about family medicine is: That I can impact every facet of my patient’s lives in a positive way. I also love the diversity of the work I do, from mental health counselling to delivering a baby via emergency c- section to advocating for a patient who has opted for palliative care.

Family medicine mentor: Dr. Mabel Ewurabena Aboah and Dr. Mohammed Zakariah 

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is: I did not anticipate the extent to which the profession can be emotionally consuming. Luckily having good support from my medical team, friends and family keep me grounded, and remind me to prioritize self-care.

If I wasn’t a family physician, I’d be: A chef.

Dr. Tharine Van Deventer

2024 Recognition of Excellence Award

I was born and raised in South Africa, earning my medical degree from Free State University in 2000. After completing my residency and community service in South Africa, I worked as an Emergency Room Physician in the UK starting in 2003. In 2005, I moved to Bonnyville, Alberta, where I practice as a full-scope Family Physician, providing care in various settings including family practice, walk-in clinics, obstetrics, and mental health care. I helped establish a collaborative obstetrical care model in 2008 and the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Care Clinic in 2014. My daughter, born in 2013, is now in Grade 5.

The one thing I love about family medicine is: The scope of practice that it offers, from preventative medicine to emergency room care, to delivering babies and everything in between. It is a privilege to be part of a patient’s life and be trusted with their care from birth to their last breath.

Family medicine mentor: During my Community Service in South Africa, I learned a great deal from an experienced Family Physician whose exceptional knowledge and patient care inspired me. In Canada, I am motivated by preceptors and leaders in the teaching community whose enthusiasm drives us to provide excellent, safe patient care and train the next generation of physicians.

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is: The amount of paperwork, along with my love of full scope of practice and prenatal care and deliveries. I was not very fond of obstetrics as a student, however since being a rural family physician in Bonnyville, I have come to love this part of my practice.

If I wasn’t a family physician, I’d be: A journalist and actress, although medicine is my calling, and I cannot imagine doing anything else at this point.

Dr. TaeEun Ahn

2024 Outstanding New Professional

I’m a family physician with a background in neurobiology from the University of Western Ontario and medical training from the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary. I enjoy the variety in my work as a family doctor, from community health and hospital medicine to psychotherapy. My experience practicing in urban clinics, rural communities in Alberta, remote areas in the Northwest Territories, and teaching has kept my job exciting and fulfilling. In my downtime, I love exploring the beautiful Rockies, traveling, and spending time with loved ones.

The one thing I love about family medicine is: What I love most about family medicine is its versatility. It lets me engage in diverse aspects of medicine—community health, preventative care, hospital medicine, and psychotherapy—across various settings, from urban clinics to rural and remote locations. This diversity keeps my practice dynamic and fulfilling, allowing me to tailor my career to my interests while addressing the varied needs of my patients and community.

Family medicine mentor: Dr. Quail, Dr. Regehr, and Mr. Tong have had a profound impact on me with their wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support. My colleagues (RJ, CB, LN, NA, MJ, SB) and classmates (RC, AS, HY, AY, TN) have also been invaluable, both as voluntary and involuntary mentors, sharing insights and experiences that have enriched my practice. Above all, my parents, Umma and Appa, have been my greatest mentors, teaching me resilience and open-mindedness through their own life stories.

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is: I’m continually surprised by the depth and variety of family medicine, which covers all aspects of healthcare from cradle to grave. Whether it’s preventive care, chronic condition management, mental health support, or end-of-life guidance, family medicine allows me to make a meaningful impact at every stage of a patient’s life. This blend of diversity and continuity makes it uniquely special to me.

If I wasn’t a family physician, I’d be: I’d still want to be in a field where I can continue learning and positively impact lives, and I’m also drawn to communications and public engagement roles for their potential to creatively connect with others and inspire meaningful change.

Dr. Clare Song

2024 Family Medicine Resident Leadership Award

I completed residency at the University of Alberta and recently moved back to my hometown of Calgary. I have a keen interest in women’s health, medical education, and Indigenous health. When not in clinic, you can find me exploring new restaurants with friends, traveling, or cheering on the Flames!

The one thing I love about family medicine is: It has to be a tie between the diverse scope of practice and the patients I get to interact with.

Family medicine mentor: I’m grateful to Dr Doug Woudstra, who – throughout my residency – showed me what it meant to be an empathetic, dependable, and knowledgable clinician. I’m also grateful to Dr Martin
Tieu, who was always there to help me navigate the non-medical aspects of being a family physician. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is: The way you can continuously shape your career throughout the years to suit your interests.

If I wasn’t a family physician, I’d be: An ER nurse.

Dr. Eric Paxman

2024 Family Medicine Resident Leadership Award

Dr. Eric Paxman began his career as a volunteer firefighter for the County of Lethbridge in 2009, attending SAIT and Lakeland College at the time. He then completed a BSc in neuroscience and MSc in neuroscience and chemistry at the University of Lethbridge, focusing on concussion diagnostics and metabolic effects of stress. Eric continued working as a firefighter throughout his studies, working professionally for Cochrane Fire Services while completing my MD at the University of Alberta. Eric joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 2018 as a medical officer, and completed post grad training in Rural Medicine through the University of Calgary.

The one thing I love about family medicine is: The endless practice possibilities. I love being able to work on a surgical ward, in the OR, ED and then deliver a baby or round on inpatients. I love being able to work anywhere in the world.

Family medicine mentor: I’ve been very lucky to have excellent mentors in many fields, including family medicine, rural medicine, emergency, critical care and surgery.

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is: The truly vast range of possibilities in practice.

If I wasn’t a family physician, I’d be: A STARS paramedic.

Dr. Leanne Ejack

2024 Student Leadership- Rising Star Award

Dr. Leanne Ejack recently graduated from medical school at the University of Alberta and is now a rural family medicine resident in Lethbridge. She has a diverse background which makes her very suited to generalist medicine. Prior to medical school, she worked in agriculture research and has a deep interest in issues that affect rural communities. She was drawn to the depth and breadth of family medicine and applied to medical school specifically to become a rural family physician. Pursuing family medicine will allow her to live in a rural community and advocate for issues that affect rural populations while having a full-scope medical practice.

The one thing I love about family medicine is: being able to be flexible and adaptable. The scope of family physicians is so broad, and the types of environments that family physicians work in are so variable. Thus, more than many other medical specialties, family medicine allows you to adapt your practice to suit the unique needs of the patient population you are working with.

Family medicine mentor: All the rural family doctors in Ponoka I worked with in my third year of medical school
while completing an integrated community clerkship (ICC) were hugely pivotal in shaping my medical education. Dr. Gregory Sawisky and Dr. Cayla Gilbert were important role models for me, along with other key mentors including Dr. Darren Nichols, Dr. Jack Keegan, Dr. Sue Westheuser, and Dr. Louise Dalphond. 

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is: How difficult it is to define what a family doctor does (especially a rural family doctor!). Each family medicine practice is as unique as the communities they serve.

If I wasn’t a family physician, I’d be: In my dreams, I would be a professional ultramarathon runner. More realistically, I would either be farming or continuing to work in agriculture research.

Dr. Thomas Kazakoff

2024 Rising Star- Student Leadership Award

I was raised in Lethbridge Alberta and completed my medical training at the University of Calgary. I am currently a Rural Family Medicine Resident with the University of Calgary Lethbridge Stream. I have a passion for providing comprehensive care as a rural generalist and greatly enjoy the variety of practice rural medicine affords. 

The one thing I love about family medicine is: My favorite thing about family medicine is getting to participate in a long term continuity of care with patients. No other field of medicine allows you to see whole families grow and change, welcome new life into the world, and provide comfort in the most troubling of times. Getting to know my patients and their families is truly a blessing and something I would not give up for the world

Family medicine mentor: Dr. Davis Yawney and Dr. Louise Dalphond are two of my strongest family medicine mentors. Dr. Yawney exemplifies the spirit of a rural generalist, providing comprehensive care and going above and beyond for his patients. Dr. Dalphond is a dedicated, hard-working physician who excels in clinical care. Both are ideal family physicians whom I aspire to emulate in my practice.

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is: I was most surprised by how many team members are essential for a thriving clinic, from nursing and administrative staff to facilities and allied health professionals. I am deeply grateful to all my wonderful colleagues who have supported me throughout my training.

If I wasn’t a family physician, I’d be: At the Cinema! My main hobby is the study of film. I love visiting the Movie Mill in Lethbridge and find a lot of meaning in watching films by myself or with friends and family.

The biggest challenge or success we have had in adopting Patient’s Medical Home (PMH) in our clinic: The biggest challenge relates to turn-style medicine, where patients visits are short and our ability to treat comprehensive issues requires a lot more visits over time. We try to counter this by adopting a team-based approach, focusing on the patient-doctor relationship and referrals in/outside of our clinic, so the family physician doesn’t have to manage too many things on their own. Relatedly, our clinic is part of a PCN but many of the services require that patients travel, and transportation/cost becomes an issue, just to get there – even if the service is covered. If more PCN services were available within the community we’re in, or even better, in house, engagement and outcomes would likely also be better, with respect to the PMH model of care. Our biggest success relates to the synergy we have, where front, middle, and back end (e.g., MOA, manager, physician, owner) are regularly meeting, discussing strategies and systematic processes that can be implemented to maximize positive experiences for patients, as well as job satisfaction and well-being of clinic staff. This promotes return-to-care and follow up, which facilitates better engagement and health outcomes.

What advice would you give to other clinics? Building strong bonds between patients and health care staff is crucial for the overall effectiveness of a clinic. When a good relationship is established, it creates a foundation of trust, communication and mutual respect that significantly enhances the patient experience and improves outcomes. A well-bonded team of health care professionals fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment. When staff members work harmoniously, it reflects in their interactions with patients. Consistent and cohesive care, driven by shared understanding of each patient’s needs and preferences, ensures that treatments are more effective and patient-centered. This teamwork also boosts staff morale and job satisfaction, reducing burnout and turnover rates. Using the Job Demands Resources Theory and the Self-Determination Theory, our Medical Director seeks to better understand, assess, implement and optimize workflows and processes while keeping the human drivers of engagement, performance and wellness front and centre.

One thing that you will be surprised to learn about our clinic: Dr. Neufeld, our Medical Director, typically sees more than 150 patients per week and yet makes time for teaching medical students and residents, and conducts patient-oriented research. Over the past 2 years, we’ve had successfully had over 15 learners come through and work with him and our staff, and we have published over six peer-reviewed journal articles pertaining to aspects of patient motivation, health, and well-being. An integral part of what allows Dr. Neufeld to engage in these ‘extras’ has been the staff involvement. 

Riverbend Clinic

2024 Patient's Medical Home- Outstanding Family Practice Award

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