Gerry Lougheed Jr.’s efforts on behalf of health-care causes in the region have garnered him the Centennial Award from the Ontario Medical Association.
The Centennial Award is presented to a non-physician, and honours outstanding achievements through lengthy service and/or distinguished acts in serving the health and welfare of the people of Ontario.
“My name might be on the plaque, but it’s the hundreds of people who have worked to build and expand these buildings and programs with their advocacy and fundraising,” Lougheed said, after receiving the award Dec. 22. “Those bricks and mortar let the care providers help those we love and live with. It is the heads, hearts and hands of all the health-care workers that should be honoured every day.”
Dr. Rayudu Koka, president of the Sudbury and District Medical Association, said he nominated Lougheed for the award because of his many contributions to local health capital projects and the establishment of bursaries, including the construction of the cancer centre, St. Joseph’s Villa, the hospice and assisted living building at Finlandia Village, among other accomplishments.
“My friend has helped get quality health care for the people of Sudbury and Northern Ontario,” said Koka, who presented Lougheed with the award. “He continues to make a difference to the care and cure in our community.”
The award is usually handed out at the OMA’s meeting in May, but the event was continually postponed due to the pandemic, and eventually cancelled.
Established in 1921, the OMA Awards, including the Centennial Award, recognize outstanding physicians, residents, medical students and community leaders.
