Dr. Lynn Ashdown has forged a unique path in the medical field, started at the University of Ottawa and fueled by her passion for patient advocacy and family medicine. When close to finishing her residency, her path took a turn following significant injuries, transforming her into a full-time patient and developing expertise in patient experience.
She harnesses her perspective as both a health care provider and recipient to drive systemic change. She recently completed her master’s in medical education, focusing her dissertation on the value of patient partnership and patient expertise inclusion in medical education.
Dr. Ashdown regularly shares insights through presentations, podcasts, and research, notably collaborating with esteemed institutions such as the CFPC, the Coalition for Physician Learning and Practice Improvement, and the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada as a patient partner-lead advisor.
Dr. Ashdown champions curriculum reform that emphasizes patient partnerships in medical education and advocates for enhanced disability training in the medical field. As someone living with multiple disabilities, her advocacy extends to both patients and fellow physicians. She proudly sits on the board of the Canadian Association of Physicians with Disabilities and co-authored Canada’s first position statement on the importance of disability inclusion in medical education. Presently, her involvement with the Equity in Health Systems Lab sees her playing a pivotal role in the Team Primary Care Project.
What anchors Dr. Ashdown’s dedication to family medicine is the profound relationships it fosters. As a medically complex patient herself, she understands the invaluable partnership of a family doctor in navigating health care. Her journey epitomizes the belief that every patient’s voice is crucial in shaping quality health care.
Honorary Membership Award
Honorary Membership may be conferred upon individuals who are not family physicians in Canada. This honour recognizes physicians or members of the public who have made an outstanding contribution to the CFPC, the discipline of family medicine, the medical profession, or the health and well-being of the population in Canada and around the world.