Early Career Paediatrician Award
Celebrates the leadership qualities of an early career paediatrician and recognizes their exceptional contribution and commitment to advocating for child and youth health at the regional level.
Current recipient(s): Dr. Melanie Bechard, Ontario
Dr. Melanie Bechard is being recognized for exceptional leadership and advocacy with a CPS Early Career Paediatrician Award. She is a paediatric emergency physician at CHEO, an assistant professor at the University of Ottawa, and has an MPH in Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins.
An eloquent and effective speaker, Dr. Bechard is passionate about using public policy in support of a healthier, fairer Canada for children and youth. She is a leading voice for universal Pharmacare, and chairs Canadian Doctors for Medicare, a non-profit organization that advocates with policy-makers and in the media for an evidence-based, publicly funded, equitable health system.
Dr. Bechard is also a dynamic researcher. Her work on cannabis-related ED visits has informed government and media dialogue on how best to protect children post-legalization. Her research into virtual paediatric emergency care during the pandemic provided real insight into the cost-saving potential of this novel mode of care delivery. Dr. Bechard’s most recently published study highlighted the differential rates of ED use based on neighborhood marginalization.
Dr. Bechard is also a leader in medical education. She served as president of Resident Doctors of Canada and, as scholarly director of the Ottawa paediatrics residency program, she supports residents in reaching their research goals and supervises trainee projects. She is an exemplary mentor and steadfast supporter of learners as well as a role model for aspiring physician leaders.
Current recipient(s): Dr. Rachel Dwilow, Manitoba
Dr. Rachel Dwilow—author, professor, and ID specialist—is being recognized with a CPS Early Career Paediatrician Award for her dedicated care of children with tuberculosis, and their families, in Manitoba and the North. After seeking additional training from world experts in South Africa, Dr. Dwilow returned to Manitoba with unique expertise and knowledge to become the medical lead for paediatric TB care in that province, and beyond.
Dr. Dwilow’s work focuses on two populations: Indigenous children in urban and northern remote communities, and young newcomers to Canada. Both groups experience numerous barriers to access care, but Dr. Dwilow's constant advocacy, and her involvement in helping families navigate the medical system, are awe-inspiring. She recently expanded support of children with TB in Nunavut by providing remote clinical services to the Kivalliq TB Program, conducting research to define local epidemiology and, to assist the Nunavut TB Program, travelling to Chuuk State in the Federated States of Micronesia to participate in mass community screening for TB.
A gifted and selfless professional, Dr. Dwilow has laboured long and hard, often in isolated settings, to integrate point-of-care testing for TB into outbreak response activities. To save families the trouble and expense of travelling, she optimizes virtual and remote care options, works closely with public health partners, and advocates passionately for system level change.
Dr. Dwilow is more than a local hero. Her powers for good extend province- and region-wide.
Nominations
The candidate must be a paediatrician and member of the Canadian Paediatric Society and have been in practice 10 years or less. Current voting members of the CPS Board of Directors and Membership Subcommittee members are not eligible to be nominated for the award.
The membership Subcommittee, in collaboration with the board member(s) for the region will judge candidates based on their leadership and commitment in the three following areas:
- Patient Care (e.g., initiatives to improve the care of children and youth in their region; family-centred care focus; recognition of underserved/at-risk population and action to improve accessibility; innovative knowledge-to-practice initiatives)
- Community Service (e.g. contribution to making their community more active, safe, and child and youth-friendly; advocacy at local/provincial/territorial and/or national level; volunteer or administrative leadership positions)
- Teaching and Education (positive role model or mentor for junior trainees; leadership in public education; commitment to improving professional development for colleagues; spirit of scholarship)
There will be a maximum of one award per region per year. The regions are:
- British Columbia and Yukon
- Alberta and Northwest Territories
- Saskatchewan
- Manitoba and Nunavut
- Ontario
- Quebec
- New Brunswick and PEI
- Nova Scotia
- Newfoundland and Labrador
Submissions
- Letter of nomination from a CPS member specifically emphasizing how the candidate meets the criteria.
- Letter of support from a seconder affirming how the candidate meets the criteria. This seconder may be an individual from another discipline or sector.
- Updated CV for the nominee
The award is presented at a local meeting in the recipient’s community and announced at the Annual General Meeting of the CPS members.
Past recipients
Dr. Mahli Brindamour, Sask.
Dr. Ripudaman Minhas, Ont.
Dr. Claire Seaton, B.C.
Dr. Andrea Andrade, Ont.
Dr. Tom McLaughlin, B.C.
Dr. Stacey Marjerrison, Ont.
Dr. Norman McLean, Man.
Last updated: May 24, 2024