Two Edmontonians to receive medical awards

Two Edmontonians will receive awards at the opening of the Canadian Medical Association’s annual general meeting and council in Winnipeg Tuesday.

Dr. Cara Bablitz, who graduated with a University of Alberta medical degree in 2011, will receive an award for young leaders (early career) for her work in palliative career and Indigenous health. Michael Gormley, executive director of the Alberta Medical Association, will receive the Owen Adams Award of Honour, the highest award that can be given by the CMA to someone who is not a member of the medical profession in recognition of their contributions and service to health care in Canada.

“I was honoured even just to be nominated,” Bablitz said on Sunday. Some of her work includes founding the Palliative Care Outreach and Advocacy Team, which has delivered care to more than 100 patients who otherwise could not afford it, as well as chairing an Alberta Medical Association working group that crafted a policy paper on Indigenous health.

Bablitz said her Metis background drew her to providing health care for marginalized communities.

“I grew up being exposed to Metis culture and learning as I grew up some of the barriers that Indigenous people face,” she said. She credits her family, her parents and her partner, Nathan Mol, for the success she has enjoyed but is also quick to acknowledge her mentors in the field.

Gormley was frank when he described his work as executive director of the AMA for the last 15 years. “There isn’t anything I do on my own,” he said Friday. “Absolutely nothing, actually.”

Gormley was thankful for the hard work of the AMA staff and physician leadership he works with. Gormley and Bablitz will be two of the 12 people honoured this year.