Congratulations to Dr. Sandy Buchman on his appointment to the Order of Canada

2024-12-19

The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) is delighted to congratulate Dr. Sandy Buchman, a former CFPC president, on his recent appointment to the Order of Canada.

The Order of Canada, one of Canada’s highest civilian honours, is a prestigious award that honours people who make a difference and improve the lives of those in this country. This achievement is a testament to Dr. Buchman's exceptional leadership in family medicine and palliative care.

Dr. Buchman's passion and commitment to the betterment of people in Canada serve as a source of inspiration to us. We commend him on his appointment to the Order of Canada, a deserving recognition of his outstanding contributions.

He has shared his knowledge and expertise with colleagues through his research, publications, and presentations. He helped guide the field as President of the CFPC and of the Canadian Medical Association. He has been recognized with several awards, including the C. Robert Kemp Palliative Care Grant, the CFPC Award of Excellence, and the W. Victor Johnston Award.

Dr. Buchman started as a family physician and a chance encounter treating a patient who had AIDS opened his eyes to the social determinants of health and made him realize the responsibility physicians have in helping marginalized populations.

Passing of the medical assistance in dying legislation in Canada in 2016 resulted in another turn in his career path. After much reflection, Dr. Buchman concluded that MAID is an extension of his palliative and end-of-life care, all of which are about alleviating patients’ suffering. As a co-founder of MAiDHouse he has helped provide a place for those eligible for MAID who could not die at home, and training and information for both health care professionals and the general public.

With over 40 years in practice, almost half of which was in family medicine, Dr. Sandy Buchman has had a significant impact in the lives of his patients and of those in their families and friends.