TORONTO, Nov. 29 /CNW/ - The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) congratulates its past president, Dr. Anne Doig, on being awarded a prestigious 2010 Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100™ Award.

"I am truly honoured to receive this award and humbled to be counted among such a worthy group of recipients," said Dr. Doig. "I am also very proud to have represented the doctors of Canada, who work tirelessly to improve the health care system and the health of all Canadians."

During her tenure as CMA president, Dr. Doig played an instrumental role in developing and launching the association's vision of a transformed Canadian health care system. She also helped steer the discussion about health care toward the importance of meeting patients' needs.

One of her key achievements has been the development of a Charter for Patient-Centred Care, which has been supported enthusiastically by representatives of the patient advocacy community. Dr. Doig launched this initiative to engage patients in the development of CMA policies and strategies to reform the health care system.

"I am grateful for Dr. Doig's excellent work and leadership, which have rightfully earned her this award," said Dr. Jeff Turnbull, the current CMA president "She has carved out a huge path, particularly in refocusing a number of CMA's strategic priorities toward patient-centred care."

A family physician in Saskatchewan, Dr. Doig has also received numerous awards for her work over the years in educating physicians in training. Believing deeply in the importance of mentoring the next generation of doctors, she focuses on the basic tenets of professionalism, including the trust relationship and profound bond between patient and physician.

"As physicians, we strive to help patients live healthier lives by advocating for better public health measures and improvements in medical and health care services," she said. "My year as president has shown me that the principles underlying our roles as healers are alive and well in physicians' offices across the country."

The Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Awards recognize high-achieving female leaders in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Dr. Doig joins 522 women from across Canada who have received this recognition. This year's awards are being presented November 29 at a gala dinner in Toronto.

About the Canadian Medical Association
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is the national voice of Canadian physicians. Founded in 1867, CMA's mission is to serve and unite the physicians of Canada and be the national advocate, in partnership with the people of Canada, for the highest standards of health and health care. The CMA is a voluntary professional organization representing 74,000 of Canada's physicians and comprising 12 provincial and territorial divisions and 51 national medical organizations.

About the Women's Executive Network
The Women's Executive Network (WXN) is the country's leading organization dedicated to the advancement and recognition of executive-minded women in the workplace It is also a founding member of the Canadian Board Diversity Council, dedicated to increasing the diversity on corporate and federal public sector boards. More details are available at www.wxnetwork.com or www.top100women.ca.

For further information:
For more information or to request an interview, please contact:

Lucie Boileau
Canadian Medical Association
1 800 663-7336 or 613 731-8610 ext. 1266
lucie.boileau@cma.ca

Sarah Thompson Women's Executive Network (WXN)
1 416 361-1475 ext. 235
sthompson@wxnetwork.com