A true leader in his community, Dr Rodney Andrew is recognized for his insightful influence in advancing family medicine for the benefit of his patients and colleagues in British Columbia.
Dr Andrew received his medical degree from the University of London, in England, in 1962. He received Certification in Family Medicine from the College of Family Physicians of Canada in 1975 and became a Fellow of the College in 1997.
In the 1960s, Dr Andrew began his medical career as a captain in the British Royal Army Medical Corps. He later moved to Canada and began working at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia. He took on numerous leadership roles, including president of medical staff and site director for the St. Paul’s Family Practice Residency Program. He led the development of an innovative “horizontal” curriculum well before competency-based training was common.
In 1997, Dr Andrew began his tenure as Director, International Medical Graduate (IMG) Program, with the University of British Columbia. In this role, he championed the IMG residency training program at St. Paul’s Hospital, which in addition to ran alongside the Family Practice Residency Program. The IMG Program at St. Paul’s was the first program of its kind in North America. His work with IMGs has had a profound influence on provincial policy and on the health care system in British Columbia.
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.