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Recognition of Excellence Award (ROE)

The Recognition of Excellence Awards recognize members who, in the past 12-24 months have made an outstanding contribution in one or more of the following areas: patient care, community service, hospital or health care institutions, College activities, teaching, research, and other elements of the academic discipline of family medicine. Examples of outstanding contributions may include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Significant humanitarian work on a global basis
  • Establishment of a training program
  • Delivery of an educational program unique to the needs of an at-risk population
  • Excellence in clinical practice to disadvantaged communities
  • Leadership in primary care renewal projects, hospitals or program
  • Development of an innovative research project that contributes to the improvement of day-to-day clinical practice

As part of the adjudication process, successful recipients will also be nominated for the Awards of Excellence, bestowed by the College of Family Physicians of Canada.

Recipients are nominated by their peers or members of the public.
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 has made an outstanding contribution in the last 12-24 months in one or more of the following areas: patient care, community service, hospital or health care institutions, College activities, teaching, research, and other elements of the academic discipline of family medicine
  • 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. Vishal Bhella
→ Dr. Lindsay Jantzie
→ Dr. Nadine Letwin
→ Dr. Brendan Vaughan

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

Dr. Lindsay Jantzie

2023 Recognition of Excellence Award

Dr. Lindsay Jantzie is a graduate of the University of Calgary (U of C) Family Medicine residency program who has been a full-scope family physician providing care for a panel of patients since day one, while also being fortunate to provide focused care in Women’s Health and Low Risk Obstetrics. She has been involved in medical education since the early days after graduation, and became the Postgraduate Director for the UofC FM residency programs since 2019. She is a proud wife and she spends all her free time at playgrounds with her two young kids.

The one thing I love about family medicine is: The long-term relationships with my patients, clinic staff, and FM colleagues.

Family medicine mentors: Dr. Judy-Diane Cooney, Dr. Laurie Pernisie, and Dr. Cindy Landy

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is: How much extra time is needed to advocate for patients to get the best possible course of care in many situations.

If I wasn’t a family physician, I’d be: A travel influencer on Instagram.

Dr. Nadine Letwin

2023 Recognition of Excellence Award

Dr. Nadine Letwin graduated from the University of Alberta in 2000 and practices as a Family Physician in Edmonton. Her current roles include Edmonton Zone PCN Physician Lead Executive, Chair of the Edmonton Zone PCN Physician Advisory Committee and one of five Provincial PCN Physician Leaders serving on the Provincial PCN Committee. Through her various leadership roles, Dr. Letwin is a fierce advocate for the Patient’s Medical Home and has made groundbreaking strides in advocating for the voice of primary care at zonal and provincial tables, in pursuit for a better system that truly recognizes Family Medicine as the foundation of the health care system. As an outdoor adventurer, you will often find her hiking and exploring Alberta and the world while capturing moments through her photography.  

The one thing I love about family medicine is: building trusted, therapeutic relationships and really getting to know your patients.  

Family medicine mentor: There are many Family Physician Leaders I have met in my leadership journey that I consider as mentors. There are too many mentors to pick just one!  

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is: the diversity of the role and enjoying the leadership side of medicine.  

If I wasn’t a family physician, I’d be: a Professional Photographer (currently pursuing this as a second career!) 

Dr. Brendan Vaughan

2023 Recognition of Excellence Award

Dr. Brendan Vaughan was born in Calgary but raised on Vancouver Island. He later on went to a medical school in Alberta, where he now lives with his wife and family and has a career in family medicine. Brendan keeps busy with the many distractions of the natural environment within the province.  

The one thing I love about family medicine is: Breadth and variety, applied to rich, long-term patient relationships 

Family medicine mentor: Dr. Rodney Crutcher 

One thing that surprised me about being a family physician is: My personal investment in the health outcomes of my patients. 

If I wasn’t a family physician, I’d be: Endlessly curious, probably still in school! 

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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.