When Dr. Heidi James was younger a physician she knew told her, “If you like people, be a family doctor”—and that’s exactly what she did. Today, Dr. James’s clinical practice consists primarily of outpatient and inpatient care; minor procedures and surgical assists; and house calls with the Moncton Hospital and Riverview Family Practice.
Dr. James is deeply engaged in continuing medical education podcasting, a tool she finds essential to creating a sense of community and helping doctors stay informed all over the world. Through Right on Prime she manages and edits monthly medical podcasts for generalist physicians and oversees the creation of audio and written materials for family medicine exam preparation at Crunch Time FM. She is also an assistant professor with the Department of Family Medicine at Dalhousie University, a clinical preceptor at Memorial University of Newfoundland, and an executive member of the Moncton Hospital’s family medicine teaching unit.
Dr. James is passionate about creating an environment where patients feel welcome and cared for and where colleagues and staff feel supported. She says the most joyful part of her job is working with trainees, as there is nothing more fulfilling than passing along her love of the field and the skills needed to practise family medicine.
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.