QUEBEC CITY — A Surrey physician was selected from B.C. as one of just 10 doctors in the nation to receive the 2014 Reg L. Perkin Award for family physician of the year.
Dr. Parmjit Sohal, a family physician in Surrey since 1997, was selected to represent the best from B.C.
The awards will be presented as part of the Canadian Family Physicians of Canada’s (CFPC) annual family medicine forum on Tuesday, Nov. 11 in Quebec City. The award recipients are nominated by their peers, colleagues, and the CFPC’s 10 provincial chapters for outstanding patient care, significant contributions to the health and well-being of their local community, and commitment to family medicine teaching and research.
“I am honoured that my passion for family medicine, teaching, clinical research, and community health has been recognized by this award," said Sohal, in a release. "It is a privilege to be a family physician who can provide comprehensive and compassionate care to the whole family. I am proud to be a family physician in Canada.â€
After earning a PhD from the University of Saskatchewan and a medical degree from the University of Alberta, Sohal completed his family medicine residency at UBC in 1997. That same year, he received certification in family medicine from the CFPC and became a Fellow in 2008. In addition, he obtained a certificate in Travel Health from the International Society of Travel Medicine.
With a passion for teaching, Sohal is a clinical associate professor in the department of family medicine at UBC, preceptor for undergraduate medical students and residents, and a teacher at Surrey Memorial Hospital.
Sohal has particular expertise in the prevention and management of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, with a focus on the South Asian community. His research in these areas has been widely published and abstract presentations have been made nationally and internationally.
The Canadian Diabetes Association acknowledged Sohal’s work by presenting him with the National Volunteer of the Year Award and Outstanding Health Professional Award.
For the past nine years years, Sohal has participated as a board member of the B.C. chapter of the CFPC, chaired its Annual Scientific Assembly, and served on several of its committees.
When not at work, Sohal likes to play sports and travel. His family includes his wife of 27 years, Neena, daughter Tanveer, who just obtained her masters degree in public health, and son, Tanraj, a Canadian national chess champion.
Winners of the 2014 Reg L. Perkin Award:
Dr. Parmjit Sohal, Surrey, British Columbia
Dr. Rita Dahlke, Calgary, Alberta
Dr. Nora McKee, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Dr. Sheldon Permack, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Dr. Ted Osmun, Mount Brydges, Ontario
Dre Manon Proulx, Rigaud, Quebec
Dr. Sharon Northorp, Moncton, New Brunswick
Dr. Michelle Dow, Meteghan Centre, Nova Scotia
Dr. Cyril Moyse, Summerside, Prince Edward Island
Dr. Jody Woolfrey, Botwood, Newfoundland & Labrador