2015 Health and Advocacy Awards

Vancouver, BC – Four special awards were handed out at the Doctors of BC’s annual awards ceremony Saturday, June 6.  The Association’s 16th annual Awards of Excellence in Health Promotion and Prevention and the 2nd annual Changemaker Awards for political or medical advocacy recognize the work of individuals and groups who strive to build a healthier, safer British Columbia, and advocate for the people who live in it. 

Health Promotion Awards of Excellence

The Okanagan’s Across the Lake Swim Society won the non-profit Award of Excellence for its work providing 1,500 grade 3 students from Lake Country to Peachland free swimming lessons each year. Such an important life skill is invaluable to children, not only for preventing the rate of accidental drownings in BC’s Interior, but also for learning a rewarding sport that can keep kids active and fulfilled up into their adult life. Since 2012, the Society has contributed over $45,000 to this program that has allowed 4,000 children access to basic swimming lessons, and in the future plans to expand the program to additional grades. 

The Vancouver Island Women’s Clinic won the corporate Award of Excellence for providing ten years reproductive health care services to Vancouver Island women who would otherwise need to visit the emergency room in either Nanaimo or Victoria. Before the clinic opened, outpatient operating rooms were overwhelmed with the increased number of abortion patients. Now, thanks to visionary leadership of the site’s directors, women are able to have onsite ultrasounds, blood tests, and are provided with contraception to reduce the rate of abortions. As a result of the high standard of care, wait times are minimal and specialist referrals are low, reducing the overall public health costs. Patients report high satisfaction with their surgical experience at the clinic and recommend the clinic to their friends. 

Changemaker Awards

Elisa Kharazi is a fourth year medical student at the University of British Columbia with an interest in Family Medicine studies that has displayed exemplary leadership as an advocate for her peers at the BC Legislature and contributing to dialogue surrounding the future of health human resources and residency training.  During her terms as president of the Medical Undergraduate Society and vice chair of the Political Advocacy Committee, Eliza organized the first Medical Student Lobby Day, and led an effective letter writing campaign by 500 students to BC MLAs that clarified their role and interest in medical training in BC. Eliza also supports the College of Family Physicians of Canada by working as a liaison in her community and promoting the role of family practitioner to other students and the public. 

Doctors of BC congratulates all winners for their dedication and limitless energy to improve our health care system. For a complete list of all award recipients, please visit doctorsofbc.ca/awards. 

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For more information:
Sharon Shore, 
Senior Manager of Communications and Media Relations
604-638-2832 (O) 604-306-1866 (P)