Nova Scotia is home to more than 2,500 talented physicians who’ve dedicated their lives to improving the lives of their patients. On May 31, we honoured six of these physicians for their extraordinary contributions to the medical profession. The awards were given at the 2014 Doctors Nova Scotia Achievement Awards ceremony at the association’s annual conference.

Dr. Wayne Brown – Senior Membership Award
Dr. Wayne Brown of Mosquodoboit Harbour, NS, received the Senior Membership Award for his exemplary service to the residents of the Eastern Shore thanks to his comprehensive general practice. He’s a resource to the community through his involvement with the Canadian Cancer Society, the Kidney Foundation of Canada, his local church, and service on the board of directors of Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital.

Dr. John Chiasson – Physician Health Promotion Award
Dr. John Chiasson of Antigonish, NS, received the Physician Health Promotion Award for his advocacy for healthy living and community involvement. He has been the driving force behind repurposing Keppoch, a defunct Antigonish County ski hill, into an all-season outdoor adventure park for his local community. He leads weekly hikes through the park and encourages his patients to stay active.

Dr. Jim Fitzgerald – CMA Senior Membership Award
Dr. Jim Fitzgerald of Bedford, NS, received the Senior Membership Award by the CMA for his leadership in creating and staffing the Cobequid Emergency Centre. He recognized the need for local urgent care in the growing population, and secured the support of other general practitioners in the effort to make the health centre a reality. His commitment in the evolution of the centre has been unfaltering, along with his leadership and enthusiasm for excellence in patient care.

Dr. Brian Ferguson – Rural Physician of the Year Award
Dr. Brian Ferguson of Amherst, NS, received the Rural Physician of the Year Award for his work establishing a level II emergency department at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, securing its regional status, obtaining government financial support, and his commitment to the patients of Cumberland County. Dr. Ferguson is interested in furthering the education and training of allied health personnel in Nova Scotia and is always available to take an extra shift at the emergency department.

Dr. Camille Hancock Friesen – Dr. William Grigor Award
Dr. Camille Hancock Friesen of Halifax received the Dr. William Grigor Award for her work as a paediatric cardiac surgeon and her commitment to quality of care. She has ensured the measurement of outcomes in cardiac surgeries at the IWK Health Care Centre through a rigorous quality improvement and monitoring program. Because of her leadership efforts, the program is regarded as a highly successful and critical piece of care.

Dr. Kenneth Wilson – Distinguished Service Award
Dr. Kenneth Wilson of Halifax received the Distinguished Service Award for his long-term work with Operation Smile internationally, and his work with a traveling clinic in Sydney, NS. Dr. Wilson has volunteered with Operation Smile on more than 40 international missions as a surgeon and team leader since 1995. His work with children in need of cleft lip and palate repair took him to Kenya, Ecuador, Vietnam, Madagascar, China, and beyond.

 We thank these six physicians – and all physicians in Nova Scotia – for their dedication to improving patient care in Nova Scotia.