The CFPC announces its 2013–2014 President, Dr Kathy Lawrence

For Dr Kathy Lawrence, there was always only one career choice: family doctor. It was a perfect fit for her to pursue her passion of caring for patients while remaining involved in academia. The rewards of her 17-year career continue to provide Dr Lawrence with great satisfaction.

Growing up in Regina, Sask, Dr Lawrence began her academic career at the University of Regina, where she completed a Bachelor of Science with distinction in biology in 1992. In 1994, she completed her medical degree at the University of Saskatchewan, followed by her family medicine residency training in 1996. That same year, Dr Lawrence received Certification in Family Medicine from the CFPC, and she became a Fellow in 2007. Since 1996, Dr Lawrence has practised family medicine with the Family Medicine Unit at the Regina General Hospital, where she provides primary and in-hospital care. She has a particular interest in women’s reproductive health and has served as Obstetrical House Officer with the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region since 1998 and as Director of the Women’s Health Centre from 1999 to 2002. Through her work there, Dr Lawrence has helped enhance the delivery of primary care in the region, and she continues to support efforts to implement the Patient’s Medical Home model.

In 1996, Dr Lawrence joined the University of Saskatchewan’s Department of Academic Family Medicine. She was appointed Associate Professor in July 2013. She is Postgraduate Program Director, a member of the department’s Executive Committee, and Chair of the Conjoint Education Committee. She is also a member of the College of Medicine’s Postgraduate Standing Committee on Appeals and the Family Medicine–Emergency Medicine Education Committee.

Since beginning her family medicine career, Dr Lawrence has remained actively involved with the National College and its committees. She became a member of the CFPC’s National Executive Committee in 2010 and completed terms as Honorary Secretary-Treasurer and President Elect and Chair of the Board. Since 2000, Dr Lawrence has participated with the Certification Process Working Group. She enjoyed serving as a simulated office orals examiner for the CFPC’s Certification Examination in Family Medicine from 1998 to 2011. Currently, she serves as Chair of the Examinations in Family Medicine Committee and represents the College on the National Steering Committee on Resident Duty Hours.

Closer to home, Dr Lawrence is actively involved with the Saskatchewan College of Family Physicians. She was a board member of the Saskatchewan Chapter from 1998 to 2003, and served as its president from 2005 to 2007. Working with local physicians, academics, and the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Medicine, Dr Lawrence has participated in the development of 6 residency training sites throughout the province.

“I really enjoy working with family medicine residents and being a part of their career development,” says Dr Lawrence. “They keep me aware of their changing learning and practice requirements, and what they need from the College to support them as the next generation of family doctors in our country.

“Championing the needs of all College members through the advancement of the Patient’s Medical Home, Triple C curriculum, Mainpro, and SIFP [Section of Family Physicians with Special Interests or Focused Practices] will be my primary goal during my term as CFPC President. I look forward to this tremendous opportunity.”

Dr Lawrence’s work in family medicine education has been recognized with several awards. She received the Ernest G. McBrien Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Family Medicine in 1994 from the University of Saskatchewan. In 1996, she received the Ernest G. McBrien Award for Excellence in Postgraduate Family Medicine. One of her most notable awards is the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, which she received for her work in family medicine in the province of Saskatchewan.

When she is not at work, Dr Lawrence is busy keeping up with her very active 6-year-old daughter, Elizabeth (“Jess”). She also enjoys traveling to Europe with Jess, spending time with her parents, Rob and Betty, and taking walks with her golden retriever, Ferguson.