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Outstanding New Professional Award (ONP)

The New Professional Award recognizes a family physician, in his or her first five years of practice, who has not only successfully established his/her career, but has demonstrated balance through commitment to family, patients, colleagues and community. Examples may include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Served as a volunteer in the community
    Demonstrated proficiency and competency in providing care to patients
  • Opened a new practice – solo or group
  • Contributed to a new practice or locum, by sharing on-call duties, working with colleagues, and other health professionals in a team environment
  • Participated as a valued member of a professional committee
  • Provided leadership through involvement in teaching and/ or research
  • Improved problem-solving skills in the clinic and/ or hospital setting
Recipients are nominated by their peers or members of the public, or are self-nominated.
Thank you for your submissions. Our call for 2024 ACFP Award nominations is now closed.

Award Criteria

  • Nominee is an Active Member, as defined by the CFPC Membership Policy (Non-Member Mainpro+® Participants are not eligible)
  • Nominee is an ACFP member in good standing
  • Nominee is in his or hers first five years of practice
  • Nominee is NOT a current member of the ACFP Board or the Awards and Recognition Committee

Need Support?

Email the ACFP at ACFPAwards@acfp.ca.

→ Dr. Mehwish Hanif

2023 ACFP Award Recipients

The ACFP is proud to celebrate all physicians, residents, students, and clinics who demonstrate excellence in family practice. 

 To learn more about this year’s amazing list of recipients as well as previous ACFP Award winners, visit our Award Recipients page through the button below.

Award Recipients

Dr. Vishal Bhella

2023 Recognition of Excellence Award

Dr. Vishal Bhella is the Clinical Associate Professor and Site Medical Lead for the South Health Campus Family Medicine Teaching Centre with the University of Calgary, Department of Family Medicine. He was also the past president of the Alberta College of Family Physicians and the past Chair of the College of Family Physicians of Canada’s (CFPC’s) elected leaders’ group.  In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Bhella is Involved in education, scholarship and clinical teaching. 

The one thing I love about family medicine is: The ability to get to know patients and families over time and being able to work with excellent teams in both clinical and leadership activities. 

Family medicine mentor: Dr. Allyn Walsh and Dr. Eric Wong 

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is: How much paperwork there is

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Volunteer with the ACFP

Nominate a Colleague

My name is Smitha Yaltho and I feel privileged to work as a family physician. Why? I believe that being a family physician has been the best job any physician can hope to have. I have personally grown in my own abilities and skill-sets with diverse opportunities in ambulatory practice, acute care and work in Facility Living.  Working in primary care has been exciting and has also afforded me tremendous opportunities for growth while still remaining stimulating in its complexity.  I believe that Family physicians are trusted partners in patient care –  every step of the way. 

Why are you volunteering to serve on this committee?
I currently have an interest in Physician Leadership and  trauma informed care.  I have served as a director with the Board of Directors with the Edmonton North PCN, Edmonton’s largest PCN. Thereafter, I have worked as the Director of Medical Services with CapitalCare (also based in Edmonton) for almost 6 years. It is my express wish that my contribution on the ACFP board of directors will highlight the excellence of family medicine that exists right here and now within the Alberta health care system. 

What about the ACFP’s work do you find most valuable?
Ability to highlight and further support the excellence of primary care right here in Alberta.