An award presented by the Council and the College

In recognition of 40 years
of fully licensed practice of medicine
in the Province of Saskatchewan

Thank you for your hard work and dedication in providing healthcare services 
for the citizens of Saskatchewan for 40 years or more!


Senior Life Designation is awarded to physicians who have been licensed on a form of postgraduate licensure in Saskatchewan for a cumulative total of 40 years*,  

Senior Life designation is honorary only.  It conveys no right to practise medicine in Saskatchewan, to hold office or to vote.  A physician may concurrently hold  Senior Life Designation and another form of licensure. 

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2021 COHORT OF RECIPIENTS:

Click on the physician names below to know more about who they are, and what they have accomplished!


Dr. Edward Alport
Dr. Douglas Roy Chernoff
Dr. Kempe Singrigowda Gowda
Dr. James Harris
Dr. Jeffrey Hesselson
Dr. Peter Kapusta
Dr. Mahesh Khurana
Dr. Ebenezer Korley
Dr. Andrew Lacny

  Dr. Johnathan Lamb
Dr. Jill Matthews
Dr. Rajnikant Patel
Dr. Alphonsus Rajakumar
Dr. Darcy Ready
Dr. Alan Rosenberg
Dr. Gordon Surkan
Dr. Ramesh Tandon
Dr. Florence Wardell
Dr. Joel Yelland

   



Dr. Edward Alport

Dr. Alport is a specialist in General Pathology with primary interest in Surgical Pathology, Transfusion Medicine and Administrative Medicine.

Originally – and still now - from Regina, he obtained his medical degree (1976) in Alberta, then completed his Internship (1976-77) at Toronto Wester Hospital.  He attended the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine for Anatomic and Clinical Pathology (1976-1981), then completed a Masters in Pathology (1981) at the University Minnesota.  That same year, he passed the examinations to be recognized a Diplomate of the American Board of Pathology.

After considering good options in the United States and the Okanagan, Dr. Alport returned to Regina because of family and friends and accepted a position as Staff Pathologist (1981-1985) at the Plains Health Centre.  From 1986-1992, he was Director of Laboratories at the Pasqua Hospital, then moved on to become Medical Director, Laboratory Services at Regina Hospitals (1992 to 2020).  He also served as Saskatchewan Medical Director for Canadian Blood Services (1985-2018), and as Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (1999-2000) for the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region.    

His recruitment of a wonderful bunch of laboratory physicians is a source of pride for him. “I am fortunate to work with an extremely talented group of colleagues – all were at or near the top of their class. Collectively, they create a great work environment, work hard, share and show cases, teach and I believe truly enjoy work. I learn from them each and every day.”

Dr. Alport is proud of his contribution to the consolidation of the Regina Laboratory Service. This was a major undertaking as the Health Region transitioned from three hospitals with no Laboratory Information System (LIS) and a private laboratory service that did all outpatient work, to an integrated service. Over a few short years he and his colleagues built a team, worked with staff, private vendors, and unions to create a service that now provides laboratory services to over 6,000 patients per day (30,000 tests/day).

He also participated in the restructuring of the Canadian Blood Service. The blood service is one of the few medical services that is managed nationally rather than by provincial jurisdiction. Decisions are led by Head Office, but at a local level, Dr. Alport saw first-hand the consequences of HIV and HCV on the blood supply, lived through the Krever Inquiry, and saw the creation of “Canadian Blood Services”. This included many improvements to the safety of the service and restoration of Canadians’ confidence in the blood supply.

“Every day, the Lab is directly or indirectly involved in the care of many interesting, heartwarming, and sometimes tragic, patient stories. But it is the personal stories involving physician colleagues or staff that are often the most memorable. My stories always start the same way – I was sitting in my CBS office minding my own business, discussing routine issues with the lab manager when suddenly she broke into tears as she held up a manila envelope. It was shortly after 9/11 and her dismay was more than justified - it contained “white powder”. She indicated she likely knew where it came from, but we discussed options and I wisely decided this was not a medical issue. I bypassed local admin and called the Head of HR in Ottawa. She in turn, wisely, said this wasn’t an HR issue, referred me to legal who in turn said this was not a legal issue but a crime that should be reported to police. They also said it was a local issue and that I should deal with it. I called the police service and talked to the Constable at the desk who was clearly more used to taking MVA reports - he said he would pass the message along. Next thing I knew, the Chief of the Police Service, Fire Department, the Bomb Squad and SWAT team were on site, our office was cordoned off as a crime scene, the building was in lock down, and no one could come or go or even leave their workstation. The full story is too long to recap so the only outcome I will leave you with is that I was neither the target nor perpetrator of what turned out to be a very ill-advised prank. For once, I had a legitimate excuse for being late for a hospital meeting!”

Dr. Alport and his brother John (Family Practice) are third generation Regina physicians. His daughter, Brie (4th generation physician) is a practicing Radiologist in Saskatoon. Dr. Alport is married to Karen, his wife of 38 years and they now have three children (two married, 1 engaged), two grandchildren and over time have had three golden retrievers. They are fortunate that all have chosen to stay in Saskatchewan and are doing well.  Katepwa Lake has been the focus of our both their leisure time and hobbies. His wife and two daughters were lifeguards and love water sports, his son loves to wakeboard and his passion was windsurfing. They all golf and have been actively involved in the development of the golf course and community. Both he and his son have served on the local district council.

“As I start looking at retirement, I know it will focus on family, grandchildren, and finding some time for golf and travel.”

Back to top

 

Dr. Douglas Roy Chernoff

Dr. Chernoff obtained his Medical Degree (1980) at the University of Saskatchewan.  From there, he completed his internship (1981) at St. Paul’s Hospital, and was certified with the Canadian College of Family Physicians (1999).  His specialties include Family Medicine, care of the elderly in nursing homes, and Occupational Medicine.

Originally from Kamsack, Dr. Chernoff’s heart was loyal to Saskatchewan.  He first set up practice in Saskatoon in 1981, joining Drs. Guzik and Kusch in the Canada Building.  In 1985, the practice moved to Pacific Avenue, where it operated for many years.  Finally in 2008, Dr. Chernoff moved to Willowgrove Medical group to start up that clinic with Dr. R. Parker.  He is proud of having offered a comprehensive family practice throughout his career, looking after multiple families from birth to death in the same family medicine practice in 3 different locations from 1981 to present.

There are too many stories to tell of looking after people of all ages, social strata, healthy and disabled, acutely and critically ill.  Many patients keep telling me that I cannot retire until they die!” he exclaims.

Dr. Chernoff’s contribution was not limited to Family Practice.  He also served as Head of the Saskatchewan Health Region Family Medicine Department (non-academic) for 20 rewarding years (2000-2020).  Dr. Chernoff was also medical officer for the Workers’ Compensation Board for a number of years and was elected to serve a term with the Council of the CPSS (2000-2003).

Some tidbits from his personal life are:

  • He has been a member of St. Martin’s United Church since 1964.
  • He married Shannon Beckett in 1983 and has 3 children: one son is an MD in Australia, one son is a geologic engineer in BC, and his daughter is a chiropractor in Saskatoon. He and his wife also have two grandchildren in Australia!
  • He participated in multiple SMA curling and golfing tournaments.
  • He still enjoys golfing, walking and doing weights at the gym.
  • He is the proud owner of a cottage in Phoenix, Arizona (since 2010).
  • He finally bought his first sports car (2019) – a Lexus LC 500.
  • He still cheers for the Riders – “?Why??” he often wonders.

     

Back to top



 

Dr. Kempe S. Gowda

Dr. Gowda graduated from Mysore Medical College, University of Mysore, Karnataka, India in 1974.  He began his career as a lecturer in Pathology at the Mysore Medical College, where he taught for 4 years. After completing the Scottish Conjoint Board exam in Medicine (1980), he served as Registrar in the Infectious Disease and Geriatric Divisions at Ayreshire Central Hospital in Irvine, Scotland. 

He moved to Kincaid, Saskatchewan, Canada, in 1982 to work as a family physician. From here, he joined the Internal Medicine Residency (1984), then completed training in Internal Medicine and Respirology (1989). He started practicing Internal Medicine and Respirology, and worked in tuberculosis medicine clinics and in Critical Care Medicine in Saskatoon.

Dr. Gowda is currently a member of the Department of Medicine, where he is Professor of Medicine and Head of the Division of General Internal Medicine.   He is a Fellow of Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and a Fellow of American College of Physicians. He served on various administrative committees under the Department of Medicine in Saskatoon.  Over the years, he has been presented with a number of awards for teaching undergraduate students and Fellows from the Department of Medicine and Medical School and has been involved in a number of Continuing Medical Education initiatives. His personal interests include participating in community activities and playing tennis.


Back to top
 

 

Dr. James Harris

After completing a Bachelor of Arts in History (1973) followed by a Medical Degree (1980) at the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Harris moved to the United States to complete a rotating internship at Hurley Medical Center in Flint, Michigan (1980-1981).

After a two-year period at the clinic in Kindersley, Dr. Harris moved back to his place of origin, Prince Albert, in 1983 where he practiced first at Humphries Clinic, then for many years, until 2020, at Crescent Heights Family Medical Center. Since then, he has been practicing at West Hill Clinic.

Dr. Harris was elected by physician colleagues as the first president of the Unified Medical Group (a pilot project currently running and sponsored by the Saskatchewan Medical Association, the Ministry of Health and the Health Quality Council). The project is aimed at finding innovative ways to deliver health care.

He is proud of having served two terms on the Board of the Saskatchewan Medical Association, and later representing the SMA in negotiations with the Ministry and a term as a member of the JMPRC. Today, Dr. Harris is one of four medical advisors to the Prince Albert Grand Council in a project to develop an aboriginal-based medical clinic in Prince Albert, which will use the Patient Medical Home model.

Reflecting on his career, Dr. Harris recounts; “There have been many memorable incidents throughout my career, but what I have appreciated the most are the relationships I developed with the people I worked with, both physicians and non-physicians alike. In late 2020, I developed COVID-19 and was on a ventilator for a month and in hospital a further month. I will never forget the support my family and I received from those people as I miraculously made my way to a full recovery.”

Dr. Harris has been married to his wife, Amy, since 1988.“I was proud to support my wife in her 33-year career as a restauranteur at “Amy’s on Second.”  They have 3 children of whom they are equally proud, including their eldest daughter, who is a family physician in Saskatoon.  

Since 2009, he has written and published 3 books which combine his interest in history and his passion for golf.

Back to top



 
 

Dr. Jeffrey Hesselson

To view the physician profile for Dr. Hesselson, click here.

Back to top




 
 

Dr. Peter Kapusta

A 1979 graduate of the University of Saskatchewan for his medical degree, Dr. Kapusta completed his certification in GP Anesthesia in 1981. Now a family practician and GP anesthetist, the Toronto native took a position as a Family Physician at the Meadow Lake Associate Clinic in Meadow Lake, SK, and practiced there until 2009. From 1998 to 2004, he served as Physician Surveyor for the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation located in Ottawa.  He occupied the positions of Chief of Staff with the Prairie North Regional Health Authority (2000-2009); Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine, University of Saskatchewan (2010-2014), and Hospitalist at St. Paul’s Hospital (2014-2020).  Since 2020, he has been working as a Palliative Care Physician with the Saskatchewan Health Authority in Saskatoon.

Teaching has been an ongoing passion of his, and the recognition that he has contributed to the education of many bright minds is very rewarding to him.  For this, he is proud of having received the PAIRS Excellence in Teaching Award 2009 and the Dept. of Family Medicine Community Teacher of the Year Award 2016.

On receiving the Saskatchewan Physician of the Year Award 2012, he advances “It’s nice to know that I have at least been doing some things right.”

From 2015-2019, Dr. Kapusta made annual trips to Nepal to help the medical school in Kathmandu develop rural training sites and provide clinical teaching to medical students and mentoring to local preceptors. “This was a challenging and extremely gratifying experience for me,” he describes.

“The time I remember most fondly was the farewell that I was given when I left Meadow Lake. The conclusion of my practice there was a major step in my career and one that I admittedly approached with not an insignificant amount of trepidation. What I remember most was the outpouring of thanks and the encouragement by the community. I was both deeply touched and very humbled by the entire experience. As physicians, I think we often don’t realize the significant impact that we can have on peoples’ lives. It has been such a privilege both professionally and personally to be able to enhance the well-being of others,” he remembers fondly.

Dr. Kapusta is now in “semi-retired” mode as far as medical practice but has taken on the mantle of full-time grandpa to his four grandchildren. His children pursued medical careers; his son is a family physician in Swift Current and his daughter trained as an occupational therapist. His main hobby is woodworking and he especially enjoys making gifts for his grandkids. He and his wife spend their time hiking, snowshoeing, cycling, sailing, and flying.


Back to top


 
 

Dr. Mahesh Khurana

To view the physician profile for Dr. Khurana, click here.

Back to top




 
 

Dr. Ebenezer Korley

To view the physician profile for Dr. Korley, click here.

Back to top


 
 

Dr. Andrew Lacny

Born and raised in Moose Jaw, Dr. Lacny completed 5 years of medical school at the University of Saskatchewan and a 1-year internship at Hurley Medical Centre, a Michigan State University affiliate, in Flint, Michigan.  He returned from training in Michigan, became a general practitioner, and moved to Ile-a-la-Crosse, where he practiced for his very first year, with 2 classmates. The trio of brand-new doctors covered a northwest cluster of communities including Ile-a-la-Crosse, Buffalo Narrows, Patuanak, Beauval, Turner Lake and St Georges Hill. It was quite a start to his career as a GP.

On returning to Saskatoon a year later, and after completing a 6-month GP Anesthesia program, he was offered a position in the Anesthesia residency program.  While waiting to start the residency program he found a temporary position at the new Medicenter on 8th Street.

Reflecting on his career since then, he shared the following:

“Moonlighting” at the Medicenter, a novel concept of 7-day a week and after-hours urgent care, led to second thoughts and a career pivot back to generalist medicine. I assumed an ownership role, with 2 other classmates, of the newly branded Mediclinic in 1982. Over the next 8 years, until 1990, I worked at the Mediclinic as well as the Emergency Department of the Royal University Hospital.  I continued to work at the Mediclinic for the next 31 years as it evolved into an Urgent Care and Family Medicine facility providing over 70,000 patient visits per year. I still work there today!

In the end, I suppose I am most proud of having been a good generalist. Being a good GP made me a good family doctor.

I have experienced a lifetime of special and thoughtful moments over the past 40 years in medicine - some happy, some sad, often rewarding, sometimes humbling – all cherished. They taught me much about life and myself. And always remind me why I became a physician. I hold them privately in my memories. I’m not a great storyteller.

My life outside work is something I have also held very privately. Without my white coat and stethoscope, I enjoyed flying below the radar as much as possible. I am blessed with a long marriage to my life partner and 3 children - 1 an engineer, and 2 who became physicians. I am extremely proud of them.

I am honored to be acknowledged with the designation of Senior Life Member by the College. At the same time, it gave me cause to stop and reflect – surprised at how fast 40 years have passed, and how privileged I have been to have attended and cared for so many patients over the years.  After some time for thought and further reflection, I have decided it's now time to wind down my career in family practice.  I look forward to life continuing to roll along pleasantly. 

If I had to do it all again, I don’t think I would have changed very much."


Back to top


 
 

Dr. Jonathan Lamb

To view the physician profile for Dr. Lamb, click here.

Back to top




 
 

Dr. Jill Matthews

To view the physician profile for Dr. Matthews, click here.

Back to top


 
 

Dr. Rajnikant Patel

To view the physician profile for Dr. Patel, click here.

Back to top


 
 

Dr. Alphonsus Ruben J. Rajakumar

Dr. Rajakumar began his medical career in Sri Lanka in 1971 after obtaining his M.B.B.S at the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya.  He practiced Internal Medicine and as a family physician in several Sri Lankan hospitals before moving to the United Kingdom in the late ‘70s to further his career and training.  In 1981, he obtained Licentiate for both the Royal College of Physicians and Member to the Royal College of Surgeons in London, UK, and also became a licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada).  From 1981 to 1987, he was in family practice in rural Saskatchewan, including in Esterhazy, Île-à-la-Crosse, and Watrous.

He obtained his fellowship certification in Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Cardiology, and became a member of various American and Canadian societies for Cardiology, Echocardiography and more.

After a residency from 1987-1990 in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Cardiology at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon, Dr. Rajakumar stayed on as a cardiologist and professor of Medicine at the College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, where he was also a Founding Director of the Canadian Heart Failure Clinic. 

He was the recipient of 2 young investigator awards from the World Congress of International College of Angiology, in New York (1994), and Helsinki, Finland (1995). These early awards served to inspire him to pursue his passion for clinical research.

In 1992, he pioneered the use of Stress Echocardiography in Canada at the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon for non-invasive assessment of coronary artery disease.  This technique is now increasingly used for earlier diagnosis without radiation exposure and at less cost to the health care system.

He is proud of having contributed as a team member to the Human Myocardial Angiogenesis Gene Therapy (VEGF) phase 2 clinical trial at St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto. “This collaborative endeavor introduced me to cell, molecular and regenerative medicine. This field of medicine is increasingly prevalent in early diagnosis, precision and personalized medicine. The underlying concept is “Predict, Prevent and Personalize””, he stated.

Since 2008, Dr. Rajakumar has served as Founder, CEO & Cardiologist at the Saskatchewan Heart Centre in Saskatoon.  One of the enduring objectives of his Heart Centre is to improve the health outcomes for seniors in the province.

During my career my patients and their families have often moved me.  Their expressions of appreciation through letters, phone calls or emails, when they or a family member has been helped as a result of my care, have truly humbled me and inspired me to keep doing the work I enjoy.  Here is an example of one such comment from a family member:

“We know we could have lost him much earlier but instead we got 26 good years with Dad because of your diligent care. Never doubt your hard work is making a difference! .... Words can say so little when someone has done so much, but I thank you with all my heart.”"

Dr. Rajakumar’s family is very much involved in the medical profession. His wife, Gwen, is a family physician, and two of his three sons are also in the profession.

He also has several of his own personal projects which he has brought to fruition: “Aside from my medical practice, though related to it, is my passion for promoting healthy communities through healthy diet. To this end, I purchased the 140-acre parcel of farmland adjacent to Haight Road in Saskatoon (to my family’s horror as I do not have a farming background) and have been practicing sustainable farming, growing a market garden to produce fresh vegetables, fruits and field crops for urban food safety, security and affordability.  I have to admit that being a farmer and a physician is quite challenging. However, I find the work very rewarding and fulfilling. I also find it very educational, as I am constantly learning about new techniques to ensure healthy crops, maintain soil biodiversity, reduce environmental footprint and provide opportunities for sustainable energy research (solar, wind, hydrogen, and biomass)."

He continues: "I am the Founder, President & CEO, Saskatchewan Heart Centre Foundation, a Federally approved Charity (Incorporated 2007). I am also the Founder, Global Partners for Development and Human Needs (although currently Inactive).  I recently ran in the federal election of 2021 as the Liberal Party of Canada candidate for the riding of Saskatoon West. It is my conviction that professionals have an important role to play in influencing public policy. Currently, I am promoting health care innovations to provincial, federal governments, academic institutions and Indigenous leaders to improve northern and rural health services in Saskatchewan and Ontario." 


Back to top


 
 

Dr. Darcy Ready


To view the physician profile for Dr. Ready, 
click here.

Back to top


 
 

Dr. Alan Rosenberg

Since 1981, Dr. Rosenberg has been a faculty member in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Saskatchewan, where his specialty is in Pediatric Rheumatology.  Originally from Saskatoon, he had completed a Bachelor of Science followed by a Medical Degree at the University of Saskatchewan. For postgraduate training, he attended the Universities of Toronto and Manitoba to complete a fellowship in Pediatrics, and then moved to the opposite end of the country to attend the University of British Columbia and complete a fellowship in Pediatric Rheumatology before heading back to his home province.

“Pediatric rheumatology was a nascent subspecialty when I entered medical school and there were no pediatric rheumatologists in Canada when I graduated. Saskatchewan was one of the first three pediatric rheumatology programs in Canada.”

Dr. Rosenberg is proud of his contributions to the Pediatric Rheumatic Disease Research and Innovation Laboratory.  The laboratory was established at the University of Saskatchewan in 1981 and has been conducting research continuously since that time.  It is now believed to be the oldest, continuously operating pediatric rheumatology research laboratory.

"I first met my wife, a medical school classmate, while dissecting a cadaver. It was very romantic!" he recalls cheerily.

"Our two children are living and thriving in California. My wife and I live in a rural setting in Casa Rio, Saskatchewan, and I enjoy assisting my wife, now retired from medicine and a magnificent gardener, in maintaining our property."


Back to top


 
 

Dr. Gordon Surkan

After obtaining his medical degree (1980) from the University of Saskatchewan and a Family Medicine internship at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon,  Dr. Surkan joined Associate Medical Clinic in his home town of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, a practice he still owns today.

An Associate Professor of Medicine, he is also still teaching with the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan.

Dr. Surkan has served on numerous hospital committees over his career.  In particular, he is proud of his contribution as President of the Holy Family Hospital and the Victoria Junior Hospital medical staff during the 1980’s, as he helped amalgamate the medical staffs of both hospitals.

He also served as president of the Prince Albert Medical Society (1985).

Some of my most fond memories include being in the coffee room with many of my colleagues and mentors and listening to them as they shared stories and theories while expounding upon their philosophies of medical practice and life in general,” he recalls.  “In particular, Dr. David Will, Dr. Danny McFadden, Dr. Wayne Chappell, Dr. Raymond Zaiden, Dr. Wolan and Dr. Ty (If you are swollen, see Wolan, if you can’t pee, see Ty), and of course the years I spent working with my father, Dr. Metro Surkan. Although the settings were often informal, the learning was always invaluable.”

The most important thing to Dr. Surkan outside of his work is his family. He is the proud father of two nurses and one engineer, and has two adorable grandchildren. He has recently married and had added a stepson and many other new family members to his life. He has also been a provincial soccer championship winning coach with the Prince Albert Celtic Soccer Club, a longtime member and Past President of the Prince Albert City Band, and Past President of the Prince Albert City Ski Club, where he was also instrumental in developing the 7.5KM lit cross country ski trails in the Little Red River Park. Travel, fitness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are some of the priorities in his life.

Back to top


 

Dr. Ramesh Tandon

Dr. Tandon obtained his MBBS (1966) from Sarojini Naidu Medical College (SNMC) in Agra, India, followed by a Master of Surgery.  He has also completed the London Regional Cancer Program (LRCP) and is a member of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Great Britain (MRCS) and a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada.

After a Rotating Internship in India, he trained at Warwickshire Hospital in Coventry, England, where he completed vocation training in Family Practice and as a General Practitioner.

He moved to Canada to practice for 15 years as a Family Physician at Blaine Lake Medical Clinic in Saskatchewan.  He is proud of having done family practice in a rural area for many years, and of the appreciation manifested by the local community.

Since July 1981, he has practiced at Westend Medical Clinic in Saskatoon, and since 2008, has also added the Saskatoon Correctional Centre to his practice.  He still practices at both today.

According to Dr. Tandon, “Life has been good.  I have two children, both of whom are physicians.  One is in Edmonton, and the other is in Saskatoon.  I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren.”


Back to top


 

Dr. Florence Wardell


To view the physician profile for Dr. Wardell, 
click here.

Back to top


 

Dr. Joel Yelland

A young man hailing from Porcupine Plain, Saskatchewan, Dr. Yelland first attended the University in Regina in pre-medicine before moving to Saskatoon to complete a Medical Degree (1980) at the University of Saskatchewan, where he continued his training with residencies in Family Medicine and Anaesthesia. 

For the first 19 years, from 1983 to 2001, he practised Family Medicine in an extended hour/ walk in/minor emergency clinic setting where he was Partner and President, then in Family Practice (2001-2007), with Drs. Chernoff, Krusch and Parker. Subsequently, he focused on providing medical care for seniors, special needs patients.  He has also provided long term care since his early career until today.  

Dr. Yelland enjoyed the opportunity to participate in varied levels of medical leadership. These have included Medical Associations and Administrative roles.

While a resident member, he served as Vice President and President of PAIRS (Professional Organization of Interns and Residents of Saskatchewan), where he also assumed the role of Member of the Negotiations Committee for PAIRS.  In addition, he was the Saskatchewan representative to CAIR (Canadian Association of Interns and Residents.)

As a medical alumnus, he has had the honour of serving in roles which included President of The Saskatchewan College of Medicine Alumni Association and representative to University of Saskatchewan Alumni Association.

As a practising physician, he has served on the Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA) Representative Forum for over 30 years and was also elected as a member of the Board of Directors of the Saskatchewan Medical Association including term as president (2003-2004).

He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Saskatoon Regional Medical Association (including two terms as President) and served on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) (2005-2011), where he was a member of the Executive Committee (2006-2007), Vice Chair of the Board (2009-2011), and a member of the CMA Resolutions Committee (2011 to 2017).

But, of all his career achievements, he is most proud of having had the opportunity to advocate for:

1- Better Medical Care for Patients.

2- Better Support for the physicians that provide that care.

3- Better Support and Improvement in our Health Care Delivery System.

On this topic, he retains fondly a most germane memory to what is happening currently within Health Care Delivery:

“Dr. Briane Scharfstein was a great mentor to many of us. He provided wisdom, sage advise, honesty and open approach to resolving issues.  Part of our work at that time included building better functions as a team; building better skill sets and leadership; and building trust and opportunities for meaningful relationships.

We were dealing with a difficult issue. One comment Briane made and highlighted was “sometimes it only takes one voice.” The example that he cited was where a complete change in direction occurred after a different and initially dissenting opinion was expressed.

The end result was an improved approach and agreement.

One voice can make a difference.
The dialogue and discussion that arises from this can make a difference.

I learned it is important to speak out on difficult issues.

One voice can lead to changes in our collective voice.

As professional organizations we must seriously use today’s opportunity to advocate for better medical care for patients; better support for our physician colleagues that provide that care; and better support and improvement in our health care system.”

Outside of work, he and his wife, Carol look forward to their ongoing involvement with their families’ lives.  They have three children and two grand children.  They love to travel, do outdoor activities and meet with family and friends.

“Thank you for this honour of being awarded SENIOR LIFE DESIGNATION.”

Back to top

   
To view past recipients of the Senior Life Designation Award, click here .