(Drs. Denise McLeod and Paul Murray promote award at UHNBC.  Photo 250 News)

Prince George, B.C. – Residents of northern B.C. are being encouraged to take part in program that recognizes excellence among family doctors in BC.

The B.C. College of Family Physicians gives out numerous awards based on peer nominations but this one is different.  The My Family Doctor Award will be based solely on patient input.  Two northern members of the BCCFP were on hand at University of Northern BC Hospital today to urge people who believe their doctor goes that extra mile to provide excellent health care to nominate that doctor for this award.  The province-wide process runs until March 31st, and nominations can be submitted online at www.bcfamilyphysicians.com.

Dr. Denise McLeod, northern B.C. representative on the BCCFP board, says “the new award will each year recognize one family doctor in B.C. who has been nominated by a patient for special recognition.  The award celebrates the doctor-patient relationship and we expect to hear many heartwarming stories throughout the nomination process.  There are doctors who have braved very cold temperatures and snow storms during the winter to provide their patients with quality healthcare.  We recognize the family practitioner as the central and primary care giver in communities large and small.  We want people to know they can recognize that special relationship by nominating their family doctor for this new award.”

Dr. Paul Murray, who has been practicing family medicine in Prince George for 35 years, says “it takes a team of trained healthcare professionals to deliver top-quality care, but it is often the family doctor who is the first person a patient visits when they have a health issue.  Family doctors develop special relationships with patients that are built on trust, excellent advice and good service.”  Dr. Murray says this award is all about that special relationships between patient and physician.

The first annual award will be handed out in June, with the winning physician and patient who submitted their name receiving an all expenses paid trip to the festivities in Vancouver.