Dr. Gutkin graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1969. He achieved his Certification in the College of Family Physicians of Canada from the CFPC in 1974, and the Emergency Medicine and Fellowship designations in 1982 and 1984, respectively. Prior to his CFPC career, Dr. Gutkin was Director of the University of Toronto Residency in Emergency Medicine program (1981–1991) and Chief of Medical Staff at the Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga (1990–1995). During this period he also served a term as President of the Ontario College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Gutkin’s leadership was instrumental to the significant growth of the CFPC, including increased membership; the establishment of Family Medicine Forum; the declaration of family medicine as a specialty in Canada; and the creation of the Sections of Medical Students and Family Physicians with Special Interests or Focused Practices, the Triple C Curriculum, the enhanced certification examination, and the Patient’s Medical Home model of care. Upon his retirement in 2012 Dr. Gutkin was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his outstanding contributions to family medicine in Canada. He is currently serving as an advisor to the Michaëlle Jean Foundation. Dr. Gutkin lives in Mississauga with his wife, Mary.
Calvin L. Gutkin Family Medicine Ambassador Award
This award is named in honour of Dr. Calvin Gutkin, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the CFPC from 1996 to 2012. The award recognizes a dynamic leader in Canadian family medicine distinguished for their vision, innovation, and relationship building with organizations that support and positively influence the ever-changing role of the family physician. The first award aptly went to the man for whom it was named.