The Western Canada Addiction Forum (WCAF) celebrates those who are innovating in opioid use disorder care and is honored to offer the following three awards related to innovation and recognizing lifetime achievement, early career leadership, and effectuating change in the field.The awards will be chosen based on a demonstration of the following, as well as additional criteria specific to each award category:
• Impact on patient's and community's wellbeing
• Innovation
• Sustainability and potential to translate to other geographies
• Commitment to care over commerce
• A suggested focus on Opioid Use Disorder
Deadline to submit 2025 nominations has closed.
2025 Innovation in Opioid Use Disorder Care Awards
Direct a one-time donation to a community-based organization/charity of choice.
Where the beneficiary organization would meet basic criteria, such as be not for profit, be focused on Opioid Addiction support initiatives, and have a track record of sustainability.
We acknowledge and thank Indivior Canada for the sponsorship that has supported the Western Canada Addiction Forum to be able to provide the three awards related to Innovation in Opioid Use Disorder Care and recognizing excellence in our field.
Effectuating Change in the Field
Awarded a $10,000 one-time donation on behalf of the winner to their chosen community-based organization or charity.
Recognizing innovation which is at the core of Addiction Medicine and is captured in research and policy. Inspiring and supporting the growth of a more relevant, responsive and effective national development through innovation can create a world free of stigma.
WCAF would like to celebrate and recognize a Canadian individual or organization that is doing impactful work in Addiction Medicine with a focus on Opioid Use Disorder, that could be translated to other geographies.
Early Career Leadership
Awarded a $2,500 one-time donation on behalf of the winner to their chosen community-based organization or charity.
Honouring new practitioners in Addiction Medicine (with 5 or fewer years of post-training full-time practice) who have shown outstanding leadership, initiative, service and/or innovation in areas aligned with one of following key areas of Opioid Use Disorder; Medical Education and/or Continuing Professional Development (CPD), Health Policy / Health Systems, Professional Practice / Patient Care, or, Innovative ways to serve vulnerable populations.
Lifetime Achievement
Awarded a $2,500 one-time donation on behalf of the winner to their chosen community-based organization or charity.
Recognizing a pioneering leader in Addiction Medicine, particularly in the area of Opioid Use Disorder. The recipient will be someone at/or nearing the end of their career having made remarkable contribution and research to the field, demonstrating innovative approaches in serving vulnerable populations.
Format
- All nominations must be submitted electronically via the WCAF web page. - All nominations that do not fulfill the selection guidelines will not be considered. - Alternate arrangements for submitting a nomination or supplemental material may be made by contacting WCAF at info@wcaforum.com.
Early Career Leadership
- The awards will be available to individual Canadian HCPs (Physician, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse or Pharmacist) or a group, clinic, institution, or pharmacy. - Nominations are encouraged from all aspects of OUD care. - Anonymous and self nominations will not be accepted. - Nomination committee members cannot be nominated.
Lifetime Achievement
- Nominations and all supplemental information must be received by the posted deadline to be considered for the award in that year. - Nominations received after the deadline will be held for one year and considered for future awards. - All nominations that do not fulfill the selection guidelines will not be considered. - Nominations are confidential and candidates are not notified by the WCAF of their nomination unless they are selected as an award recipient.
Review Process / Awards Selection Committee
- All submissions will be screened for completeness and then shared with the Awards Selection Committee. - The Awards Selection Committee will oversee the selection process. - The Awards Selection Committee shall consist of up to ten (10) members and be comprised of addiction specialists from across Canada. - Committee members must disclose any perceived conflicts of interest. The committee member may be excused from the selection process of one or more categories. - Should a candidate be nominated in two or more categories, the Awards Selection Committee will determine the appropriate category and notify the nominator(s) as necessary. In addition, a nominee may be assigned to a different category than originally nominated to by the Selection Committee. - Nominees not selected will be held over for consideration for one additional year. Nominators will be given an opportunity to update their submissions. - Results of the selection process will be compiled and confirmed at the Awards Selection Committee meeting where shortlisted nominations are discussed. If less than two qualified candidates are identified through the nominating process the committee reserves the right to put one candidate forward. - The selection process is confidential. - Once the award winners have been selected, the award winners will be contacted via telephone or by email by WCAF. WCAF will follow-up to confirm next steps with award winners and notify nominators of successful nominations. - Should the candidate refuse the award, WCAF reserves the right to offer the award to another candidate. - Awards will be presented at the Western Canada Addiction Forum – May 30 - May 31, 2025.
Our 2025 Selection Committee
The 2025 Selection Committee would like to thank all who submit a nomination to recognize a leader in the field of addiction medicine and OUD care and we hope to see you at the Forum in Kelowna, May 30-31, 2025 to celebrate the award winners.
Sincerely,
Dr. Rob Tanguay, Chair, Alberta
Dr. Joel Bordman, Ontario
Dr. George Budd, British Columbia
Rob DeClark, British Columbia
Dr. Martha Ignaszewski, British Columbia
Dr. Morris Markentin, Saskatchewan
Dr. Annabel Mead, British Columbia
Dr. Larissa Kiesman, Saskatchewan
Need Assistance? Email info@wcaforum.com
2024 Effectuating Change in the Field Award
Dr. Pouya Azar
Dr. Pouya Azar has selected the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation to receive the $10,000 donation from WCAF.
His innovation in the field has arisen from solving real-world clinical problems. Pioneering techniques and protocols, Dr. Azar's work continues to effectuate change in the field of addiction medicine.
2024 Early Career Leadership Award
Dr. JoyAnne Krupa
Dr. JoyAnne Krupa has selected the Invermere Health Care Auxiliary Society to receive the $2,500 donation from WCAF.
Her ongoing engagement and collaboration with local First Nations to develop a culturally safe understanding of harm reduction in the broader context of intergenerational trauma educates healthcare workers and supports local champions in addictions care in each community.
2024 Lifetime Achievement Award in Addiction Medicine
Dr. Michael Krausz
Dr. Michael Krausz has selected the InnerChange Foundation to receive the $2,500 donation from WCAF.
A tenure extending back to the early 90's, his collection of work affects addiction medicine over the globe through his research exploring the relationship between early life trauma, substance use disorders, and other mental illnesses.
2023 Effectuating Change in the Field Award
Dr. Julie Samson and Dr. Louisa Marion-Bellemare
Drs. Samson and Marion-Bellemare have selected the Timmins and District Hospital Foundation Withdrawal Management Program to receive their $10,000 prize from WCAF.
These two doctors are an inspiration. Their passion, hard work and drive to create the change needed to support those experiencing opioid use disorder is truly inspirational and worthy of this year’s Effectuating Change award.
2023 Early Career Leadership Award
Dr. Martha Ignaszewski
Dr. Ignaszewski has selected Watari Counselling and Support Services in Vancouver, as the organization to receive her $2,500 prize donation from WCAF.
Her clinical expertise in concurrent disorders and OUD management, impressive interpersonal teaching and mentoring skills, and passion for her work in responding to the overdose crisis all contribute to her being the applauded recipient of this year’s award.
2023 Lifetime Achievement Award in Addiction Medicine
Dr. Nady el-Guebaly
Dr. el-Guebaly has selected The Impact Society, in Calgary, as the organization to receive his $2,500 prize donation from WCAF.
His clinical expertise and ability to connect with patients, making them feel seen, heard and valued combined with the extensive contributions to our field all contribute to why the WCAF chose Dr. el-Guebaly as the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
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