OMA Awards and Recognition Program

One award may be presented annually.

Eligibility

Any member of the association with their primary residence in Ontario.

Criteria

The Presidential award is awarded in recognition of exceptional and long-standing humanitarian service to the greater community (in Ontario or elsewhere) that brings honour to the medical profession. The award recipient, by their actions, expresses the highest qualities of  service by a physician that we all admire. The nominee leads by example, embodying the core values of the OMA.

Nomination details

Nominations may be made by any member of the association and the broader public.

Award presentation

Knowing not every person wants to be recognized in the same way, the OMA will work with the award recipient and nominator to determine the best approach to present the award, ensuring it is meaningful and personalized.

Along with the award, each recipient receives a certificate and a lapel pin.

Background

In October 2006, OMA President Dr. Bach noted that an award did not exist to recognize someone who repeatedly does something exceptional for the wider community (charitable medical work, community service, etc.). As a result, he asked the board to consider the creation of a new award. Dr. Fabian Pablo Gorodzinsky was the first recipient.

Past recipients

Up to 10 awards may be presented annually.

Eligibility

Any member of the association working on behalf of the OMA in an elected or appointed capacity.

Criteria

The OMA Distinguished Service award is awarded for exceptional service at the Ontario Medical Association. This includes membership in committees, task forces, working groups, constituency group executives, OMA Board, OMA’s subsidiary boards and the General  Assembly.

Through their roles at the OMA, the nominee demonstrates their commitment and service to the membership, profession, community and patients, and the broader health-care sector. Nominees likely have served in a variety of capacities at the OMA.

The nominee leads by example, embodying the core values of the OMA.

Nomination details

Nominations may be made by any member of the association.

Award presentation

Knowing not every person wants to be recognized in the same way, the OMA will work with the award recipient and nominator to determine the best approach to present the award, ensuring it is meaningful and personalized.

Along with the award, each recipient receives a certificate.

Background

In 2024, the OMA brought together several important awards designed to recognize members’ significant contribution to the OMA and the broader community. With OMA leaders working more closely together, the new award highlights how important all the work OMA leaders collectively undertake to serve the membership. 

• Distinguished Service award — Established in 2001, this award is presented to an active member of the association for exceptional service provided over an extended period in more than one capacity. Dr. Wayne Parsons was the first recipient.
• Glenn Sawyer award — The award was established in 1972 in honour of Dr. Glenn Sawyer who retired the following year. Dr. Sawyer was the OMA general secretary from 1952 to 1973 and was the longest-serving person in that position (equivalent to CEO). He was also the OMR editor and contributed heavily to associations and foundations. He died in 2011 at 103. The first recipient was Dr. John Howie of Windsor.
• TC Routley shield — Donated in 1947 by Dr. T. Clarence Routley, the first full-time secretary of the OMA from 1918 to 1938. During his first years, he assisted in the formation and organization of OMA districts as well as the amalgamation of location branch societies with the OMA. The first award was presented to Lincoln County Academy of Medicine in 1948. 
• Section Service award — The board approved the creation of this award in 2007. The Awards Committee proposed the creation of the Section Service award to parallel the Glenn Sawyer Service award. While the Glenn Sawyer award recognizes significant service at the community (geographic) level, the Section Service award will recognize significant service to the OMA, medical profession or public for work done within or by a section (area of practice). 

2023 recipients

• Glenn Sawyer award - Dr. Sarah Funnell, general & family practice, and Dr. Omar Islam, neuroradiology
• Section Service award - Dr. Alykhan Abdulla, general & family practice; Dr. David Attwood, psychiatry; Dr. Richard Norman, geriatric medicine; and Dr. Jane Purvis, rheumatology

Two awards may be presented annually, one to a physician and one to a non-physician.

Eligibility

A physician or non-physician with their primary residence in Ontario.

Criteria

The Community Service award is awarded in recognition of significant contributions to thehealth and welfare of the people of Ontario, as defined by involvement in community health and public welfare, including length of involvement, roles fulfilled in local organizations, and personal achievements. The nominee leads by example, embodying the core values of the OMA.

Nomination details 

Nominations may be made by any member of the association and the broader public.

Award presentation

Knowing not every person wants to be recognized in the same way, the OMA will work with the award recipient and nominator to determine the best approach to present the award, ensuring it is meaningful and personalized. 

Along with the award, each recipient receives a certificate.

Background

In 2024, the OMA brought together several important awards designed to recognize significant contributions and service to the broader community.

• The Centennial award was established to commemorate the OMA centennial in 1980 and to be given to persons outside the medical profession who have contributed to the health and welfare of the people of Ontario. Howard P. Lowe was the first recipient.
• The Community Service award, first discussed in 1988, was initially called the President's Award. This award would be OMA-sponsored and presented to non-physicians for local community service. The first recipient was Lorraine Robertson of Cornwall.
• The Glenn Sawyer award was established in 1972 in honour of Dr. Glenn Sawyer who retired the following year. Dr. Sawyer was the OMA General Secretary from 1952-1973 and was the longest-serving person in that position (equivalent to CEO). He was also the OMR editor and contributed heavily to associations and foundations. He died in 2011 at the age of 103. The first recipient was Dr. John Howie of Windsor.

2023 recipients

• Centennial award - Dr. Lisa Porter, PhD, professor
• Community service award - Drilon Doko, financial analyst
• Glenn Sawyer award - Dr. Sarah Funnell, general & family practice, and Dr. Omar Islam, neuroradiology

One award may be presented annually.

Eligibility

A physician or non-physician.

Criteria

The OMA Mentorship award is awarded in recognition of outstanding contributions that have significantly benefited the medical students or residents of the province of Ontario. The nominee leads by example, embodying the core values of the OMA.

Read more about the Mentorship award.

Nomination details

Nominations may be made by any member of the association and/or deans of the medical schools in the province.

Award presentation

Knowing not every person wants to be recognized in the same way, the OMA will work with the award recipient and nominator to determine the best approach to present the award, ensuring it is meaningful and personalized.

Along with the award, each recipient receives a certificate.

Background

In 2004, following a significant financial contribution made by an Ontario citizen to the medical students at the University of Western Ontario, the board recommended the creation of a new award for outstanding contribution to medical students and their issues in the province of Ontario.

Initially the award was titled the Advocate for Students Award and that the award be awarded to a physician or non-physician in recognition of contributions which have significantly benefited the medical students of the province of Ontario, whether this be monetary or in other forms of advocacy. Allen O'Detter of Unionville was the first recipient.

The name of the award was changed to OMA Mentor for Students and Residents in 2019, and further simplified in 2024.

Previous recipients

• Dr. Michael Fralick (2022)
• Dr. Kelly Howse (2021)
• Dr. Alykhan Abdulla (2020)

One award may be presented annually.

Eligibility

Any member of the association with their primary residence in Ontario.

Criteria

The Innovator award recognizes contributions to a variety of areas working to make the lives of Ontario’s doctors better including improvements and advancements related to clinical practice, health-system policy and system thinking, education, advocacy, leadership, partnership and governance. 

Nominations will be assessed on whether the innovations are truly exceptional and transformative and have a direct and positive impact on the lives of physicians, patients and their families and the broader health-care system. The nominee leads by example, embodying the core values of the OMA.

Nomination details

Nominations may be made by any member of the association and the broader public.

Award presentation 

Knowing not every person wants to be recognized in the same way, the OMA will work with the award recipient and nominator to determine the best approach to present the award, ensuring it is meaningful and personalized. 

Along with the award, each recipient receives a certificate. 

One award may be presented annually.

Eligibility

Teams of three or more OMA members who have worked on a project and/or event are eligible. Non-physicians who are members of the larger team are also eligible to receive this award.

There is no set or standardized definition of a team for the purpose of this award. All teams look and operate differently, including but not limited to functional, cross-functional, interdisciplinary, multi-disciplinary, and interprofessional teams. 

Criteria

The Team award recognizes the collective efforts of an outstanding group of members that planned and completed an extraordinary event or project that was important to the OMA’s mission, vision, and strategic plan. Nominations should demonstrate significant contributions to the medical profession in Ontario. A member may receive the Team award more than once. A successful nomination also includes:

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team
• Recognized as outstanding advocates for Ontario’s physicians
• The team leads by example, embodying the core values of the OMA

Nomination details

Nominations may be made by any member of the association and the broader public. 

Award presentation 

Knowing not every person wants to be recognized in the same way, the OMA will work with the award recipient and nominator to determine the best approach to present the award, ensuring it is meaningful and personalized. 

Along with the award, each recipient receives a pin and a certificate. 

One award per medical school may be presented annually.

Eligibility

Medical students studying in Ontario. Nominee must be an OMA member.

Criteria

The Medical Student Achievement award is awarded for significant contributions at the political and/or community level that helps advance the life and/or education of all medical students.

The nominee leads by example, embodying the core values of the OMA

Nomination details

Nominations may be made by any member of the association.

Award presentation

Knowing not every person wants to be recognized in the same way, the OMA will work with the award recipient and nominator to determine the best approach to present the award, ensuring it is meaningful and personalized. 

Along with the award, each recipient receives a certificate. 

Background

The Medical Student Achievement Award was introduced in 1996. 

2023 recipients

• Michael Xiang Rong Wu, McMaster University
• Jamie Thompson, NOSM University
• Connie Li, University of Toronto
• Zachary Chuang, Western University

One award per medical school may be presented annually.

Eligibility

Residents training in Ontario. Nominee must be an OMA member.

Criteria

The Resident Achievement award is awarded for outstanding contributions to the advancement of postgraduate training.

The nominee leads by example, embodying the core values of the OMA.

Nomination details

Nominations may be made by members of the association, university professors, teaching faculties, the OMA Section of Residents and Professional Association of Residents of Ontario (PARO).

Award presentation

Knowing not every person wants to be recognized in the same way, the OMA will work with the award recipient and nominator to determine the best approach to present the award, ensuring it is meaningful and personalized.  

Along with the award, each recipient receives a certificate. 

Background

The Resident Achievement Award was introduced in 1996. Initially, only PARO provided the nominations and only one award was given annually. As of 2007, the award may be presented annually to one resident from each of the provincial medical schools.

Previous recipients (2022)

• Dr. Ainsley Kempenaar, University of Toronto
• Dr. Danielle Kelton, Western University
• Dr. Dhuha Al-Sajee, McMaster University
• Dr. Elyssia Adamo, University of Ottawa
• Dr. Jennifer McCall, Queen’s University
• Dr. Kyla Vanderzwet, NOSM

Two awards may be presented annually. One recipient is a member with less than 10 years in practice, and one is a member with 10 to 20 years in practice.

Eligibility

Early to mid-career members of the OMA 

Criteria

The Emerging Leader award is presented to an early career physician who has demonstrated leadership abilities toward shaping the future of medicine. Award recipients act as a positive role model for peers and colleagues with a demonstrated commitment towards a variety of areas including:

• Social responsibility
• Political advocacy
• Partnership/relationship building
• Innovation
• Health policy and health-system thinking

The nominee leads by example, embodying the core values of the OMA

Nomination details

Nominations may be made by members of the association and the broader public. 

Award presentation 

Knowing not every person wants to be recognized in the same way, the OMA will work with the award recipient and nominator to determine the best approach to present the award, ensuring it is meaningful and personalized.  

Along with the award, each recipient receives a certificate.

Background 

The Emerging Leader Award was introduced in 1996 to address a gap in recognizing meaningful and positive contributions of physicians in new and early leadership roles.  

Previous recipients 

• Dr. Darija Vujosevic, St. Catharines, and Dr. Veronica Legnini, Kingston (2023)
• Dr. Silvy Mathew, Toronto (2022)
• Dr. Sinzi Avramescu, Toronto (2021)

There are up to 25 honorary members at one time.

Eligibility

Ordinarily, the recipient will be a non-physician.

Criteria

Honorary membership is awarded for outstanding service to the OMA, the medical profession, medical science or common good at the provincial level. The nominee leads by example, embodying the core values of the OMA.

Nomination details

As OMA Honorary memberships are infrequently awarded, there is not an annual call for nominations. Nominations may be made by members of the association and can be considered any time during the year. 

Award presentation 

Knowing not every person wants to be recognized in the same way, the OMA will work with the award recipient and nominator to determine the best approach to present the award ensuring it is meaningful and personalized.  
Along with the award, each recipient receives a certificate. Honorary members are exempt from payment of the OMA annual membership dues. 

Background

The 1881 OMA bylaws and constitution included honorary members as a membership category. Previous iterations of the bylaws stated that not more than two honorary members shall be elected in any one year and the number of honorary members shall at no time exceed 25. Honorary members are entitled to all the privileges of the Association, with the exception of the power to vote.

Currently, the OMA has 14 honorary members. 

Previous recipient (2022)

Madonna Ferrone, Windsor