Peace River doctor named Family Physician of the Year
July 28, 2010
PEACE RIVER – A longtime Peace River doctor has been named 2010 Family Physician of the Year by the Alberta College of Family Physicians.
Dr. Karen Lundgard received the honour in recognition of her 30 years spent practising family medicine, emergency medicine, obstetrics and anesthesia in the northern Alberta town, located about 500 km northwest of Edmonton.
“I am very honoured to receive this award,” says Dr. Lundgard, who also serves as chief of medical staff at the Peace River Community Health Centre and assistant clinical professor with the
Department of Family Medicine at the University of Alberta.
“Rural practice has been my life and I love my job. I could not have succeeded without the support of family and friends, clinic and hospital staff, and the wonderful group of physicians who have been my partners and colleagues in Peace River.”
The college recognizes one family physician annually who has demonstrated excellence in family practice. Recipients of the award are chosen by their peers for providing exceptional care to their patients, making great contributions to the health and well-being of their community, and dedicating themselves to the education for future generations of family doctors.
Dr. Lundgard continues to spend between 60 and 80 hours weekly as a family physician for about 1,200 town and area residents.
She is a senior physician with the Peace River primary care network, where she plays a vital role in pre-natal programs. She is also an instructor for local advanced cardiac and pediatric life support courses, and a core team member for the Managing Obstetrical Risk Effectively program.
“Dr. Lundgard is truly an amazing family doctor and deserves this award from the College of Family Physicians,” says Dr. Cheri Nijssen-Jordan, vice-president of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta and senior medical lead with Alberta Health Services’ Transformation Improvement Programs. “She is a full-service family doctor who cares deeply about her patients, community, and strives to maximize her contribution to both.”
Dr. Lundgard grew up in northern Alberta and attended the University of Alberta, graduating from the Faculty of Medicine in 1977. After completing a family medicine residency at the Misericordia Hospital in Edmonton, Dr. Lundgard trained there in general practice anesthesia.
She began working in Peace River in January 1980.
“Dr. Lundgard is truly rooted in the community, not only professionally but personally,” says
Sandra Heritt, Director, Community & Rural Northwest, Alberta Health Services.
“She consistently ensures health care professionals work together to meet the needs of clients and their families, and she has been actively involved in councils, clubs and charities in our area for many years. We appreciate her professionalism, dedication and commitment to our community. We congratulate her on this honour and thank her for the dedication to family medicine and primary care in Alberta.”
The Alberta College of Family Physicians is a provincial, professional voluntary organization, representing more than 2,800 family physicians, family medicine residents and medical students in Alberta.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.7 million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
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