Every year, we acknowledge the outstanding contributions of physicians around our province through the Doctors of BC Awards. This year, the ceremony took place at our Annual General Meeting event in Vancouver June 2nd. Doctors of BC congratulates all the recipients who have made and continue to make a meaningful difference for our patients, for the profession and for health care system.
Dr Don Rix Award
The Dr Don Rix award recognizes lifetime achievements and exemplary physician leadership so outstanding that it serves as an inspiration and a challenge to the medical profession in British Columbia.
Dr Julio Montaner has dedicated his career to improving the care and treatment of people with HIV/AIDS to become one of the world’s top AIDS researchers. Dr Montaner’s single biggest contribution came when he pioneered the anti-retroviral therapy HAART – or triple drug therapy – which has become the international standard of care for patients living with HIV/AIDS. He also founded the United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS known as 90-90-90, which has become the world standard for prevention and treatment, and is credited with saving millions of lives around the world. In recognition of his contributions, Dr Montaner has been inducted into the Order of British Columbia, the Order of Canada, the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame and was recently awarded the Killam Prize which recognizes the careers of Canadian researchers and scientists who have had an impact on Canadians and the world.
