Congratulations to the inaugural recipients of the Southern Medical Program (SMP) Excellence Awards. The new awards program recognizes SMP faculty, tutors, staff, and mentors who have made outstanding contributions to the medical education of our students. The nomination and selection process for the awards program is completely undertaken by SMP students. On behalf of the SMP and our students, we would like to express our sincere appreciation for their exceptional efforts. Below is the full list of this year’s award recipients:
Year 1 SMP Excellence Award & Year 2 SMP Excellence Award: Kelly Heyer, Lab Assistant
Kelly Heyer has been the Lab Assistant for the SMP for the past three years and this year’s recipient for both Year 1 and Year 2 awards. She is recognized for her exemplary teaching for gross anatomy and neuroanatomy labs as well as providing a safe and inclusive learning environment. Kelly is also acknowledged for her willingness to offer additional help to students outside the regularly scheduled labs. We would like to wish her all the best as she leaves the SMP to pursue her own career goals of becoming a physician.
Year 3 SMP Excellence Award – Kelowna: Dr. Marie Michaud, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine
Dr. Marie Michaud is a nephrologist and preceptor for the Internal Medicine rotation for the SMP’s third-year clerkship program at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH). She is recognized as an outstanding teacher and role model for students. Dr. Michaud is noted for taking the time out of her day to sit down and discuss approaches to common nephrology problems and her amazing rapport with patients and their families.
Year 3 SMP Excellence Award – Kamloops: Dr. Hilary Baikie, Clinical Instructor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dr. Hilary Baikie is an obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) and rotation lead for the SMP’s third-year clerkship program at Royal Inland Hospital. She is recognized for her gifted teaching and excellent role modelling for Kamloops students. Dr. Baikie consistently makes extra time in her schedule to help students prepare for exams including spending numerous hours reviewing concepts and differentials.
Year 3 SMP Excellence Award – Trail: Dr. Andrew Lawe, Clinical Instructor, Department of Surgery
Dr. Andrew Lawe is a general surgeon and preceptor for the Trail Integrated Community Clerkship (ICC) program based at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital. He is recognized as an excellent preceptor and ensures students are fully involved in the entire patient care process from pre-surgical assessments to surgery to rounding after surgery. Dr. Lawe also provides invaluable mentoring on topics such as work-life balance and best approaches to difficult aspects of medical practice.
Year 3 SMP Excellence Award – Vernon: Dr. Ron Long, Clinical Instructor, Department of Family Medicine
Dr. Ron Long is a family physician and primary Family Medicine preceptor for the Vernon ICC program based at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. He is acknowledged as outstanding teacher who gives valuable teaching points while simultaneously providing comfort to his patients. Dr. Long is also acknowledged as a fantastic mentor and someone who contributes much of his time to the success of the Vernon ICC program.
2016 SMP Graduating Class Award: Dr. Christopher Ng, Clinical Instructor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Dr. Christopher Ng is an obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN) and preceptor with the third-year clerkship program at KGH. He is recognized for his passion for teaching, enthusiastic attitude, and approach to involving students. Dr. Ng is also appreciated for his personal interest in students’ career development and has a habit of leaving students feeling motivated and excited about learning medicine.