A prominent family physician, Dr Margaret Churcher is recognized for her unwavering commitment to patient-centred care, as well as for her special interest in asthma, pulmonary care, cancer, and mental health management.
After receiving her medical degree from Queen’s University in 1979, Dr Churcher traveled to Dunedin, New Zealand, and worked as a first-year house surgeon. She subsequently returned to Alberta and completed a one-year internal medicine residency with the University of Alberta followed by an anesthesia residency with the University of Calgary (U of C). In 1995, she received Certification in Family Medicine from the College of Family Physicians of Canada and became a Fellow in 2006.
In 1993, Dr Churcher established a comprehensive family medicine clinic in Calgary. She also consults on referrals for asthmatics and pulmonary disease.
Dr Churcher has held many leadership roles with U of C’s Faculty of Medicine. Since 2011, she has served as Clinical Lecturer and was instrumental in the development and teaching of the Asthma for Family Physicians program.
Currently, Dr Churcher serves as a board member and director with Mosaic Primary Care Network and as vice-chair of the Provincial Advisory Council for Cancer with the Alberta Ministry of Health. For 10 years, she served as chair of the Planning Committee for the Annual Scientific Assembly of the Alberta College of Family Physicians, and she has participated on the Alberta Cervical Cancer Screening Advisory Committee since 2001.
Dr Churcher maintains a monthly blog alongside her daughter, Rachel, who holds a degree in kinesiology. The blog features topics for patients including disease prevention, diet, exercise, and a variety of other health care articles and information.
A true foodie and an aspiring sommelier, Dr Churcher enjoys traveling, gardening, yoga, and spending time with her husband, Nelson, and daughter, Rachel.
Canada’s Family Physicians of the Year – the Reg L. Perkin Awards
Since 1972, the CFPC and its Research & Education Foundation 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, ten 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.