Having always loved a medical challenge, Dr. Jennifer Lush has embarked on a medical career with an optimistic outlook and rigour for exploring endless possibilities. Dr. Lush’s roles as a family physician have spanned emergency medicine, maternity care, palliative care, and more. In addition to practising in rural towns and cities along the West Coast, she has worked in Australia as a locum, in obstetrics, and in longitudinal community family practice.
Since 2016 Dr. Lush has lived and practised in Victoria, British Columbia. She is a member of the University of British Columbia’s clinical faculty for medical students and its family medicine residency program. Both positions have brought her valuable challenges, insights, and profound satisfaction.
Motivated by concerns about the unstable work environment, Dr. Lush engages in advocacy. She used mainstream and social media to emphasize the vital role of family physicians and the obstacles they encounter. Dr. Lush collaborated with political representatives, official doctor organizations, and the grassroots advocacy group BC Health Care Matters, reinforcing the message “Everyone Deserves a Family Doctor.”
Such efforts have established Dr. Jennifer Lush as a pillar in her community and a significant figure in health care.
Canada’s Family Physicians of the Year –
The Reg L. Perkin Award
Since 1972, the CFPC and the Foundation for Advancing Family Medicine have honoured family physician members who exemplify the guiding principles of family medicine. Initially, one award recipient was selected to receive the Family Physician of the Year (FPOY) Award each year. Since 2002, 10 family physicians have been recognized annually—one representing each CFPC Chapter.
Canada’s FPOYs are chosen by their peers, other health care colleagues, and community leaders for:
- Providing exceptional care to their patients
- Making meaningful contributions to the health and well-being of their communities
- Dedicating themselves as researchers and educators of future generations of family doctors
FPOY recipients must exemplify the four principles of family medicine:
- Be skilled clinicians
- Be community based
- Act as a resource to a practice population
- Recognize the central importance of the doctor-patient relationship
CFPC Chapters review nominations and select the FPOY for their respective provinces. The provincial FPOYs are honoured at their respective Annual Scientific Assemblies or Annual General Meetings. The national FPOYs are honoured at the annual CFPC Family Medicine Forum.