Dr Parmjit Sohal
Surrey, BC

SohalFor his patients, students, and colleagues, Dr Parmjit Sohal has set the standard as a dedicated family doctor and a caring member of his community.

After earning a PhD from the University of Saskatchewan and a medical degree from the University of Alberta, Dr Sohal completed his family medicine residency at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 1997. That same year, he received certification in family medicine from the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC), and became a Fellow in 2008. In addition, he obtained a Certificate in Travel Health from the International Society of Travel Medicine.

Since 1997, Dr Sohal has been a family physician in Surrey, BC. With a passion for teaching, he is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at UBC, Preceptor for undergraduate medical students and residents, and a teacher at Surrey Memorial Hospital.

Dr Sohal has particular expertise in the prevention and management of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, with a focus on the South Asian community. His research in these areas has been widely published and abstract presentations have been made nationally and internationally. The Canadian Diabetes Association acknowledged Dr Sohal’s work by presenting him with the National Volunteer of the Year Award and Outstanding Health Professional Award.

For nine years, Dr Sohal participated as a board member of the British Columbia College of Family Physicians (BCCFP). He also chaired the BCCFP’s Annual Scientific Assembly, and served on several CFPC committees.

When not at work, Dr Sohal likes to play sports and travel the world. He enjoys spending time with his wife of 27 years, Neena; daughter, Tanveer, who just obtained her Masters in Public Health; and son, Tanraj, a national chess champion.

 

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.