Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre physician Dr. Jim Shaver has been named Regional Family Physician of the Year by the Ontario College of Family Physicians.

“Dr. Shaver, RVH chief of staff, is a highly respected, skilled physician providing exemplary care through his family practice since 1998,” says RVH Board Chair Rick Horst. “As an invaluable member of the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program, Dr. Shaver delivers care with compassion and thoughtfulness, treating each patient and their family members with the highest degree of dignity and respect.”

Dr. Shaver was involved in creating the Family Medicine Teaching Unit (FMTU). He recently assumed the role of Chief of Psychiatry and provides medical care for mental health patients on a daily basis. He is also Chief of Staff and Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee.

“I have witnessed first-hand Dr. Shaver’s tireless commitment to his patients, colleagues and the community, often doing a home call or making special effort to accommodate a patient’s needs,” says RVH CEO Janice Skot. “We are very fortunate to have a physician of Dr. Shaver’s compassion and commitment to patient-centred care in our midst. On behalf of our Board of Directors, staff, physicians and volunteers – and most importantly, the patients entrusted to our care – we congratulate Dr. Shaver on this prestigious award.”