Hudson Bay family physician Dr. Pieter Maree was “completely surprised” when informed he is the recipient of the Saskatchewan Medical Association’s (SMA) 2022 Physician of the Year Award.

“My colleagues kept their nomination a well-guarded secret,” he said. “From my perspective, I simply count myself very fortunate to be working with such wonderful people, both at the clinic and at the hospital, on a daily basis.”

The 2022 Physician of the Year Award was presented Friday during a ceremony held as part of the SMA’s 2022 Fall Representative Assembly, which runs Oct. 28-29 in Regina. The SMA also recognized outstanding achievement in leading Saskatchewan’s medical community by presenting three awards on Friday. The recipients are (click here for more):

2022 SMA Physician Leader of the Year: Dr. Justina Koshinsky
2022 SMA Resident Leader of the Year: Dr. Ingrid Tam
2022 SMA Student Leader of the Year: Elecktra Laxdal

“Developing physician leaders is a key strategic priority for the SMA,” noted SMA president Dr. John Gjevre. “The SMA is pleased to honour this year’s recipients, who are an inspiration to their colleagues and Saskatchewan’s entire medical community through their leadership and their work on behalf of physicians, residents and students.”

‘Success is a team sport’: Dr. Pieter Maree

“Success is a team sport,” Dr. Maree continued. “It requires hard work, a little bit of luck, and people around you who are dedicated and supportive. I am fortunate to not only be working with wonderful people, but also to be living in a community full of wonderful people. As such, the award should really go to the whole medical team in Hudson Bay, as well as the town itself.

Dr. Maree was born and raised in South Africa and came to Canada in 2003 to practise rural medicine. He is a family physician with the Hudson Bay Primary Health Care Clinic.

“He is a knowledgeable physician, reliable colleague and kind human being and has been a valuable member of the community for more than 20 years,” one of his nominators wrote. “I have witnessed him come to the hospital to do elective procedures for patients and do house calls for palliative patients during his time off work. I have seen him go to extraordinary lengths to help vulnerable families in difficult situations.”

Another nominator noted Dr. Maree is endlessly accommodating to others. “I only wish that other communities could benefit from a colleague like him with his strengths, knowledge, support, and friendships.”

Another wrote that Dr. Maree is a tremendous asset to health care workers in Hudson Bay, and to the broader community.

“He is a strong leader in our clinic and hospital and goes above and beyond to aid others in their health knowledge and care, to assist colleagues, and to support and encourage all health practitioners and staff at the clinic and the hospital. He is always happy, accommodating, and supportive.”

Dr. Gjevre noted a common theme among the comments by nominators. “Dr. Maree embodies the best in family medicine,” Dr. Gjevre said. “He does all he can for his patients and co-workers. He navigates his patients through the complexities of the health system. He has been known to ride with EMS to assist victims at trauma scenes. He is dedicated to his profession and to the well-being of his colleagues. He makes a difference to the community of Hudson Bay through his inspiring leadership.”

When not working or on call, Dr. Maree spends his free time on his sheep farm. He works with local farmers to assist them and in turn to learn traditional farming techniques. He is described as a community builder who also encourages children and youth in organizations such as 4-H.