Family Physician of the Year

Each year, we recognize a family physician who consistently makes a significant contribution to his or her medical practice and community. The Family Physician of the Year Award was initiated in 2007 to recognize the impact of small-practice and rural physicians. We highlight family physicians who provide extraordinary medical care, set an exceptional example in the practice of family medicine, teach medical students and residents, and advocate for the health of their community.  

2023 Recipient

Dr. Michelle Dow (MD ’87)

Dr. Michelle Dow is a dedicated medical practitioner to her patients and her community. She has been a leader in establishing a collaborative community health centre to provide care for the residents of Clare and surrounding areas. Over the years, she has also provided ongoing mentorship to the new physicians recruited at the Clare Health Center.

Dr. Dow has provided leadership at her clinic as medical director as well as to the broader medical community with her DoctorsNS positions (president 2016-2017; MAMG 2018-2022).  She is a preceptor to new physicians with the longitudinal integrated residency program from South West Nova. This has provided recruitment opportunities for new physicians to join the Clare team and provide ongoing care within the community. She is currently in a TIPTOP transition with a former resident who will eventually take over her practice.