Dr Paul Humphries is honoured by his peers for his unwavering passion for patient care, dedication to his community, and commitment to medical education.
Dr Humphries received his medical degree in 1977 from McMaster University and his Certification in Family Medicine from the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) in 1979. He became a Fellow of the College in 1995.
Dr Humphries has practised comprehensive family medicine for more than 30 years, with clinical interests in general practice, anesthesia, obstetrics, and palliative care.
In 1998, Dr Humphries joined the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Alberta, where he is currently Director of Postgraduate Medical Education and Co-director of the Education Support Program. Responsible for developing and managing residency teaching programs in both Ontario and Alberta, he was the founding director of the Northwestern Ontario Family Medicine Residency Program and a founding partner of the Competency-Based Achievement System (CBAS), a leading competency-based evaluation system.
In addition to his academic work, Dr Humphries is active in national, provincial, and university committees and boards related to primary care and the provision of health human resources to under-serviced areas. He has served as president of the Alberta College of Family Physicians, vice-chair of the Canadian Resident Matching Service Board, and a member of the CFPC’s Accreditation Committee.
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.