Ontario Physician Dr. Colin Saldanha to Receive CMA's Sir Charles Tupper Award for Political Action

OTTAWA, Aug. 1, 2013 /CNW/ - Dr. Colin Saldanha from Mississauga will be awarded the Canadian Medical Association's (CMA) 2013 Sir Charles Tupper Award for Political Action in recognition of his tireless efforts to educate government, policy-makers and the public on health issues and to advance healthy public policy

"The leadership of Dr. Saldanha in advocating to governments for much-needed improvements to our country's health care system is a model for others to emulate," said CMA president Dr. Anna Reid. "His extensive involvement in the social determinants of health and health-related inequities facing marginalized, vulnerable population groups makes him highly deserving of this award."

"It is an honour to be the recipient of the Sir Charles Tupper Award. I am humbled by this distinction and thank my peers for this recognition," said Dr. Saldanha. "Over the years, I have had the privilege of participating in public policy forums and discussions that have addressed quality of life issues. As physicians, we must continue to be champions of initiatives that address the social determinants of health and that can lead to meaningful changes in the lives of our patients and society."

Dr. Colin Saldanha understands that a practising physician who is politically involved can make things happen. Accordingly, he has associated himself with organizations that address issues of social justice, poverty reduction, policing, immigration and race relations, mentorship, public policy and health awareness. As an active member of the Canadian Medical Association's MD/MP Contact program, he has championed the causes of mental illness, the physician shortage, health care budgets, and the social determinants of health at all levels of government.

Dr. Saldanha is a foreign medical graduate of Goan origin who immigrated to Canada in 1981. His community involvement is driven by his desire to give back to his adoptive country. Supporters highlight his exceptional leadership as chair of the United Way board of directors and public policy committee. He sparked the development of a community action plan to address the challenges posed to individuals and families by mental health issues. He also has served as chair of the Peel Police Services board, the Canadian Association of Police Boards, the Peel Multicultural Council, the Mississauga Board of Trade, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce health policy committee, and the health advisory board of the South Asian Professional Network Association.

Dr. Saldanha's advocacy work, volunteerism and leadership have been recognized through numerous awards, including the Canada 125 Governor General's medal, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal and Rotary International's Paul Harris Award.

The Sir Charles Tupper Award recognizes physicians who demonstrate exemplary leadership, commitment and dedication to the cause of advancing the policies, views and goals of the CMA at the federal level. Dr. Saldanha will receive the CMA's 2013 Sir Charles Tupper Award for Political Action on Aug. 21, at a ceremony to be held at the Hyatt Regency Calgary Hotel as part of the association's 146th annual meeting.

SOURCE: Canadian Medical Association

Dominique Jolicoeur, Communications Officer
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