Awards for Physicians

Dr David Bachop practiced general medicine in Vancouver from 1956 until his death in February 1988. Dr Bachop's Doctors of BC activities included the Presidency in 1972–1973, Board member from 1965–1974, and delegate to the CMA Board in 1973–1975. His dedication to patients and the principles of clinical medicine won him the respect of his patients and colleagues.

In 1988, the Dr David Bachop Awards Fund was established to honor David's memory and to uphold the principles by which he lived his life.

Nomination criteria

The Dr David M Bachop Gold Medal is given to a BC doctor who has made an extraordinary contribution in the field of organized medicine and/or community service. Achievement should be so outstanding that it serves as an inspiration and a challenge to the medical profession in BC. One award is presented each year, although Doctors of BC is not obligated to present the award annually.

All nominations must include:

• One nomination letter clearly describing why the nominee is deserving of this award
• One letter of support detailing the nominee's contributions and/or achievements
• The nominee's current curriculum vitae

Submit a nomination

The deadline for nominations is May 31, 2025.

See previous recipients of the Bachop Gold Medal.

Established in memory of the late Dr Donald Rix for his many achievements and for his exemplary physician leadership throughout his life and career, this award recognizes lifetime achievement so outstanding that it serves as an inspiration and a challenge to the medical profession in British Columbia.

Nomination criteria

Nominees have achieved distinction in one or more of the following ways:

• Supported lifelong learning opportunities
• Promoted excellence in medical education
• Built consensus among physicians and groups of physicians
• Provided leadership for new initiatives both in business and clinical practice
• Provided leadership and service to the general community or province either by direct support or through philanthropy
• Provided service to the medical profession through participation in Doctors of BC
• Provided leadership to the broader medical community
• Participated in legislative and other political activities in support of health care.

Doctors of BC members can nominate a member in good standing for the award; however, nominees cannot currently sit as a Doctors of BC Representative Assembly delegate, a member of the Doctors of BC Board of Directors, a member of the Awards Panel, or as an active employee of Doctors of BC. One award is presented annually.

All nominations must include:

• One nomination letter clearly describing why the nominee is deserving of this award
• One letter of support detailing the nominee's contributions and/or achievements
• The nominee's current curriculum vitae

Submit a nomination

The deadline for nominations is May 31, 2025.

See previous recipients of the Don Rix Award.

The Doctors of BC Silver Medal of Service is awarded to physicians who have made outstanding contributions to medicine and/or to improving the welfare of British Columbians. Nominees must have 25 years of membership in good standing with Doctors of BC, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). 

Up to three nominees can be selected each year, although Doctors of BC is not obligated to present the award annually.

Nomination criteria

• Long and distinguished service to Doctors of BC, or
• Outstanding contributions to medicine and/or medical/political involvement in British Columbia or Canada, or
• Outstanding contributions to medicine and/or to the welfare of the people of British Columbia or Canada.

All nominations must include:

• One nomination letter clearly describing why the nominee is deserving of this award
• One letter of support detailing the nominee's contributions and/or achievements
• The nominee's current curriculum vitae

Submit a nomination

Submit your nomination. 

The deadline for nominations is May 31, 2025.

See previous recipients of the Doctors of BC Silver Medal.

The Dr Cam Coady Foundation was established to commemorate Dr Coady’s great love of medicine and to ensure that his goals and objectives to achieve excellence in health care continue to be fostered.

Nomination criteria

The Dr Cam Coady Award of Excellence is awarded annually in recognition of a physician who is distinguished in a field of the medical profession, be it clinical medicine, education, research, or organizational medicine. One award is presented annually.

All nominations must include:

• A nomination letter detailing the nominee's contributions and/or achievements
• The nominee's current curriculum vitae

Submit a nomination

Please submit all nominations to:

Attn: Dr Douglas Morrison, Chair of the Dr Cam Coady Foundation
Unit 140-7455 132nd Street
Surrey, BC
V3W 1J8

BC doctors who have been a member in good standing of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) for at least 10 years by the age of 65 are eligible for the Honorary Membership award.

Nomination criteria

Nominees must be nominated by their provincial/territorial medical associations and have had their nominations approved unanimously by the Board of Directors of the CMA.

They are held in high regard by their colleagues and are humanitarians who have put into practice the aims and ideals of the profession. They are people who exemplify the words of the CMA Coat of Arms: "Integritate et misericordia” – integrity and compassion.

All nominations must include:

• A nomination letter detailing the nominee's contributions and/or achievements
• The nominee's current curriculum vitae

Submit a nomination

The deadline for nominations is February 21, 2025.

Submit your nomination. 

See previous recipients of the CMA Honorary Membership Award.