The Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA) recognized a longtime Regina physician, and former SMA president, with its inaugural SMA Service Award.

Dr. Guruswamy Sridhar was announced as the recipient of the award during a ceremony on Friday, Nov. 3, held in conjunction with the 2023 Fall Representative Assembly in Saskatoon. The award recognizes a physician’s contributions to the SMA on committees, the board or in other activities that support the SMA and its mission.

“It is an honour to be nominated and selected for the award,” said Dr. Sridhar. “The award is not for me, but for my colleagues who supported me over the years, with particular support of colleagues on the SMA board and SMA administrative staff, particularly Ed Hobday for his wisdom and humour, and the CEOs over the years.”

Dr. Sridhar served on the SMA Board of Directors from 2004 to 2011, including a term as president in 2010-11. He was chair of the Medical Compensation Review Committee, which delivered the previous five-year agreement with the government. He served on numerous SMA committees, including the Bylaws and Rules Review Committee, Legislation and Policy Committee and several committees related to electronic medical records and information technology. He also served as president of the Regina Regional Medical Association,

He was the SMA’s representative on the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) Board of Directors (2014-20), several CMA boards, and MD Financial Holdings. He is one of 33 Very Involved Physicians (VIP) of the CMA and currently serves as Chair for CMA Impact, a subsidiary of the CMA.

Dr. Sridhar established the Sleep Disorders Program in Regina, which serves southern Saskatchewan, and is a consultant in respiratory medicine for the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).

“He dedicated many hours above and beyond what was required in his role as chair of MCRC to establish and foster good relationships with the Ministry of Health in order to secure for the physicians of this province a fair contract during difficult financial circumstances,” his nominators wrote. “His keen wit and insights have improved the circumstances for physicians of this province. He has not asked for accolades or awards. He has remained humble in his service and his duties.”

His nominators noted Dr. Sridhar has served as a guidepost for physicians following him in leadership positions. “We recognize the importance of supporting each other as leaders. He has taught us that relationships with our affiliated organizations including the Saskatchewan Health Authority, the Ministry of Health, and other professional groups are vital to advance the profession in these challenging times.”

Dr. Sridhar believes he was nominated because of the relationships he has built and trust he has gained from his physician colleagues.

“My hope is the future generation of the profession would actively consider participation in advocacy that is not blind but balanced toward developing a sustainable health care system that will serve the Saskatchewan population for many decades to come,” he said. “As a first step I would encourage physicians to put their name in to the various positions available in the SMA and the SHA. This will give them a perspective of leadership and experience as a leader. As windows of opportunity appear, one step leads to many options. The time spent in these positions widens knowledge and perspective. These learnings are useful in all aspects of life. The experience exposes one to adversities and challenges and the strategies to overcome them.”