Western family medicine faculty recognized as part of CFPC 's Top 20 Pioneers of Family Medicine Research in Canada

The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) is pleased to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of its Section of Researchers. To acknowledge this important milestone, and recognize those health professionals who have dedicated their work to family medicine research, the College will honour the Top 20 Pioneers of Family Medicine Research in Canada for their respective contributions to advancing health care in Canada and around the world.

“While there are many worthy candidates for this honour, 20 researchers have been selected who meet the criteria of what it means to be a pioneer within their respective fields of work,” says CFPC President, Garey Mazowita, MD, CCFP, FCFP. “These pioneers  have demonstrated the value of research that is informed by doctor-patient relationships, continuity of care, community and population connections, and commitment to teaching - the very attributes that family doctors bring to Canadians on a daily basis."

“We are proud to celebrate the Top 20 Pioneers – and all family medicine researchers – for their important work,” says CFPC Executive Director and CEO, Francine Lemire, MD CM, CCFP, FCFP, CAE. “I commend the Section of Researchers for their dedicated work to advocate for family medicine research since 1995. Collectively, they have created a community of practice in family medicine that has inspired health professionals to work together, learn from one another, and make positive advancements to the discipline of family medicine and family practice.”

The Department of Family Medicine at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry is proud to be so well represented.

Dr Carol Herbert, Western University, London, Ontario, is being recognized for being among the first female family physician researchers to promote family medicine research as Dean of a Canadian medical school (Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at Western University).

Also recognized is the Thames Valley Family Practice Research Unit (TVFPRU), Western University, London, Ontario. Collectively nominated for their early embrace of interdisciplinary research:

Dr Martin Bass (posthumous recognition) – Contribution as a family physician with quantitative research expertise
Dr Judith Brown – Contribution as social worker with qualitative research expertise
Dr Ian McWhinney (posthumous recognition) – Contribution as a family physician philosopher with an outstanding ability to describe the practice of family medicine; fondly remembered as the ‘Father of Family Medicine in Canada’
Dr Carol McWilliam – Contribution as an EdD Doctorally Prepared Nurse and expertise as a qualitative researcher
Dr Moira Stewart – Contribution as an epidemiologist with quantitative research expertise