OTTAWA, Aug. 5, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) today named Dr. Ted Boadway of Richmond Hill, Ont., this year's recipient of its Physician Misericordia Award.
A champion of physician health and well-being, Dr. Boadway saw the need and advocated for support services such as the peer-supported OMA Helpline service. He mentored early leaders and initiated the Ontario Medical Association Physician Health Program, which became a model for other medical associations.
"Dr. Boadway's achievements were felt by Ontarians and by Canadians across the country which makes him highly deserving of this award", said Dr. Louis Francescutti, CMA President. "He has demonstrated an outstanding lifetime commitment to building and nurturing the vibrancy of the medical profession in his community."
"Because of alcoholism and drug addiction, I had seen too many physicians whose lives were ruined and families destroyed, and seen communities which lost their valuable services. When the opportunity to try to develop a supportive and restorative program showed itself I was all in," said Dr. Boadway.
"I had always thought that the development of the physician health program was one of the most useful things I participated in during my career. But to learn that the CMA found it of premium value left me at first quietly amazed and then extremely happy that it had been so useful to others."
During 23 years as head of the health policy department for the Ontario Medical Association, Dr. Boadway was dedicated to improving the health and safety of Ontario citizens. However, his efforts have been felt across the country.
He spoke out on issues ranging from smoking cessation to environmental health and influenced the health legislation from governments led by seven premiers. One of his greatest achievements was the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, the culmination of years of advocacy and education about the impact of cigarettes and second-hand smoke.
Dr. Boadway, who began his career as a family physician, retired in 2006 to become a consultant. He specializes in health planning and delivery, environmental issues, and organ donation.
The award recognizes outstanding contributions by a CMA member toward enhancing the overall health and well-being of physician colleagues at both the personal and professional levels, in particular during times of conflict and crisis. Dr. Boadway will receive the Physician Misericordia Award on Aug. 20 at a ceremony taking place at the Westin Ottawa as part of the CMA's 147th annual meeting.
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is the national voice of Canadian physicians. Founded in 1867, the CMA is a voluntary professional organization representing more than 80,000 of Canada's physicians and comprising 12 provincial and territorial medical associations and 60 national medical organizations. 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.
SOURCE Canadian Medical Association
For further information: Dominique Jolicoeur, Communications Officer, Tel.: 613-731-8610 or 800-663-7336 ext. 2038, Cell: 613-809-5669, dominique.jolicoeur@cma.ca