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Outstanding Family Physicians Presented with Awards of Recognition
The Ontario College of Family Physicians Recognizes 13 Family Physicians Nominated by Their Peers
TORONTO, November 20, 2025 – At a virtual ceremony on November 19, 2025, the Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) honoured 13 family physicians and future family physicians from across the province. They were recognized for the remarkable ways they excel in patient care, leadership, advocacy, research and their commitment to education.
“Family physicians support patients through every stage of life and across every part of the health system,” said Dr. Jobin Varughese, President of the OCFP. “These awards recognize family physician leaders who not only provide exceptional, compassionate care for their patients, but who also mentor the next generation, lead change in their communities, and help build a stronger health system for all of us.”
Each year, family physicians from Ontario’s six health regions are nominated for Regional Family Physician of the Year awards by those who see first-hand the exceptional care they provide to patients, and their leadership. Nominations are reviewed and adjudicated by a committee made up of family physicians, who select award recipients and name one as Ontario’s Reg L. Perkin Family Physician of the Year.
The OCFP is proud to share that Dr. David Eisen, of Toronto, has been named the 2025 Reg L. Perkin Family Physician of the Year for Ontario. He is recognized by colleagues for his dedication to patients and his transformative leadership in healthcare advocacy, community service and medical education.
Regional Family Physician of the Year Award recipients are as follows:
Dr. Anna Chavlovski, Amherstview (East Region)
Patients recognize the meaningful connections Dr. Chavlovski builds with them, setting an example for the learners she mentors. She also supports her clinician colleagues through a network she developed focused on providing care for individuals who are disadvantaged by social health barriers.
Dr. Tom Chrichton, Sudbury (North East Region)
Dr. Chrichton led the establishment and growth of the City of Lakes Family Health team, built the foundation for the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and demonstrates an unwavering commitment to patients and the community.
Dr. Nicole Zavagnin, Thunder Bay (North West Region)
A clinical expert providing high-quality care, Dr. Zavagnin teaches medical learners to emphasize communication, education, and health promotion to strengthen trust with patients.
Dr. Basel Bari, Markham (Central Region)
Dr. Basel Bari is recognized for exceptional commitment to his patients in a diverse community challenged with high rates of cardiovascular disease through and for research that directly improves patient care.
Dr. Jonathan Thomas, Lion’s Head (West Region)
Dr. Thomas provides primary care, palliative care, inpatient care, long-term care, home visits, and emergency care in his small rural community while supporting medical learners and works tirelessly to ensure fewer patients travel to urban hospitals to receive care.
The OCFP also presents Awards of Excellence to those who have made outstanding contributions in patient care, community service, hospital or health care institutions, college activities, teaching, research, and other elements of the academia.
Family physicians Awards of Excellence recipients were presented to:
Dr. Jamaica Cass, Deseronto
Dr. Cass provides primary care and is a leader in medical education directly contributing to improving access to culturally safe and responsive care for Indigenous communities.
Dr. Joyce Cheung, Toronto
Specializing in palliative care in the Central West region, Dr. Cheung created and implemented a home-based primary care program for frail older adults to better care for those with high-risk, complex needs.
Dr. Kathryn Dorman, Toronto
An advocate and educator, Dr. Dorman works to improve the ability of learners and colleagues to provide holistic and compassionate care, prioritizing accessibility, empathy, and dignity for patients, especially those who experience marginalization.
Dr. Stephen Singh, Brantford
Working in community palliative care, Dr. Singh sees patients in their homes and long-term care, and shares responsibility for an inpatient palliative care unit and residential hospice while advocating for their needs provincially and nationally.
Dr. Jodie Stewart, Sault Ste. Marie
Dr. Stewart is a leader in her community, ensuring newborns have access to primary care, family physicians have opportunities to identify barriers and solutions to help with recruitment and regularly provides updates to the community on recruitment progress.
The ceremony also honoured future family physicians showing dedication and leadership early in their careers.
This year, Dr. Ishan Aditya (Toronto) has been named Family Medicine Resident of the Year – Ontario’s Rising Star, for his creative work in education, research, advocacy, and physician wellness initiatives.
Dr. Selina Chow (Toronto) is the Medical Student of the Year for her advocacy through community outreach, research, and medical education focusing on addressing health disparities for marginalized patients, leading research to inform health policy, and contributions to family medicine education.
“Family physicians are the foundation of our health care system. Their care transforms patients’ lives and strengthens entire communities,” said Deepy Sur, CEO of the OCFP. “We are proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of this year’s award recipients amongst over 18,000 dedicated family physicians across Ontario.”
For more information, visit the OCFP website.
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About the Ontario College of Family Physicians
The Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) represents more than 18,000 family physicians and medical students, including residents, retired family physicians, and more than 15,000 who are working in communities providing care to patients. Our members care for Ontarians across the health system from comprehensive community practices to hospitals, emergency departments and urgent care clinics, to palliative care and more. The OCFP supports its members by providing evidence-based education and professional development, promoting and recognizing leadership excellence in family medicine, and advocating for the vital role family physicians play in delivering the highest quality care to patients and families across Ontario.
Media Contact:
Jay Scull
Manager, Communications
media@ocfp.on.ca