| August 24, 2009 Northern BC Resident Receives Prestigious Provincial Recognition VALEMOUNT - Dr. Ray Markham, a physician from Valemount, was among thirteen British Columbians announced today as recipients of the Order of British Columbia. "Dr. Markham is one of our region's unsung heroes who is extremely committed to providing top quality medical care in rural British Columbia," says Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond. "He has clearly made a significant difference by both saving lives as well as improving the quality of medical service for Valemount and area residents. We owe a great debt of gratitude to Dr. Markham and I am thrilled that he has been chosen to receive one of our province's highest honours, the Order of British Columbia. It is so important that British Columbians who live in every part of the province are considered for this award and today we are very proud that someone from Northern BC was selected." According to the official biography of Dr. Ray Markham released today by Lieutenant-Governor Steven Point's office, the rural doctor is a unique physician and one that is well recognized as a valuable part of his adopted hometown of Valemount and in the surrounding small communities. Dr. Markham is a career rural doctor who steadfastly, unwaveringly and intentionally serves the rural community despite many challenges faced by rural medical care givers. He has found ways to make it work - he championed computerized medical records and opened the clinic in the evening for working people. He spearheaded a proposal for a local rehabilitation centre. Dr. Markham has performed surgery after the electricity went out, and during his lunch hour. He calls patients at home to make sure they're okay. He has helped them move furniture. He provides palliative care so people can die at home. He makes house calls. His patients commonly refer to his friendly hand-shake, and the fact they never feel rushed in his presence. Born and educated in Africa, he practiced in South Africa, Newfoundland and with the British Army in such places as Antarctica and Kenya. He earned the Sydney Herbert Medal and Prize for achievement in post-graduate medical officers training, and the Queen Mother Prize for GP vocational training. Recipients of the Order of British Columbia have been selected by an independent advisory committee from public nominations. The Advisory Council, chaired by British Columbia Chief Justice Lance Finch, also includes Bill Barisoff, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly; Dr. Allan Cahoon, president of Royal Roads University; Robert Hobson, president of the Union of B.C. Municipalities; Lorne Brownsey, deputy minister, Intergovernmental Relations Secretariat; and two previous recipients of the Order, Peter Legge of Coquitlam and Mohini Singh of Kelowna. The Order of B.C. investiture ceremony will be held for recipients and invited guests at Government House in Victoria on Sept. 16, 2009. Since the Order was first introduced in 1989, 287 people have received the award. -30- | |
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