Honouring Excellence in Family Medicine

 

CCFP’s Inaugural 5-Star Doctor Awards and the Launch of the Annual Distinguished Lecture


In 2020, the Caribbean College of Family Physicians (CCFP) marked a historic milestone during its 8th Triennial Conference, held at the Alhambra Inn in Kingston, Jamaica. In a moment that reflected both celebration and vision, the CCFP Regional President proudly launched the inaugural CCFP 5-Star Doctor Awards, recognizing seven outstanding physicians whose careers exemplify the core values and excellence of family medicine.

The Five-Star Doctor concept reflects the multi-dimensional role of the family physician as defined by the World Health Organization and adapted for our regional context. It underscores the holistic nature of primary care and the vital leadership role played by family physicians within our Caribbean health systems. Each awardee met the rigorous standards across five key domains:

- A CARE PROVIDER – Delivering high-quality, continuous, and personalized care that respects the individual as part of a family and community.
- A DECISION MAKER – Employing evidence-based practices and sound judgment while balancing ethical considerations, patient autonomy, and cost-effective care.
- A COMMUNICATOR – Promoting health and wellness through education, advocacy, and meaningful patient engagement.
- A COMMUNITY LEADER – Building trust and leading community health initiatives that bridge individual and collective needs.
- A MANAGER – Collaborating across systems and sectors to maximize patient outcomes and effective resource use.

The inaugural awardees were:
- Dr. Michael Fitz-Henley
- Dr. Tomlin Paul
- Dr. Donald Gordon
- Dr. Aileen Standard-Goldson
- Dr. Joan Clarke
- Dr. Maxine Cargill
- Dr. Aldyth Buckland

These distinguished physicians have each made remarkable contributions to the development of family medicine in the region, exemplifying compassion, professionalism, and innovation.

The 2020 Conference also saw the launch of the CCFP Annual Distinguished Lecture Series, a platform designed to spotlight global thought leadership in primary care. This event serves as an opportunity to engage Caribbean physicians in timely, evidence-based discourse, fostering professional development while addressing pressing challenges in the discipline. Each year, the lecture welcomes a leading international expert to share insights and strategies for enhancing primary care delivery.

The CCFP remains committed to recognizing excellence, advancing education, and strengthening the role of family physicians throughout the Caribbean. The Five-Star Doctor Awards and the Distinguished Lecture Series serve as ongoing reminders of the College’s mission to support holistic, equitable, and patient-centred care.

As we look ahead, we celebrate these foundations with pride and anticipate an even brighter future for Caribbean family medicine.

— Caribbean College of Family Physicians (CCFP) Regional Executive

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