Dr Robert Algie
Fort Frances, ON

2015_fpoy_robert-algieA pillar in his community, an innovator in rural family medicine, and an integral partner in establishing a family health team in Fort Frances, Ontario, Dr Robert Algie is recognized for his dedication to and advocacy for rural health care.

After graduating from Queen’s University in 1980, Dr Algie completed a rotating internship with the Ottawa Civic Hospital in 1981. In 1989, he received Certification in Family Medicine from the College of Family Physicians of Canada, and he became a Fellow in 1998.

For the last 35 years, Dr Algie has practised comprehensive rural family medicine with Nelson Medicine Professional Corporation. There, he advocates for the adoption of electronic medical records and established the local family health team, of which he is the lead physician. Since 1997, Dr Algie has served as Chief of Staff with Riverside Health Centre. He also works closely with the aboriginal community in providing primary care and consulting with nurse practitioners at the Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre.

As a preceptor with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM), Dr Algie’s dedication and passion for rural family medicine has emanated through his mentorship of family medicine residents, undergraduate and medical students.

Dr Algie has served on several committees and boards. Currently, he is Executive Member-at-Large of the Ontario Medical Association (Rural Section) and a board member of NOSM. He served on the Executive Committee of the Ontario College of Family Physicians for four years before serving as president in 2009.

You can catch Dr Algie in the audience of various community events or piping with the Rainy Lake Highlanders. He enjoys skiing, spending summers on his sailboat, and traveling with his wife, Janet. Together, they have two children, James and Heather, and a golden retriever named, Murphy.

 

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.