Dr. Ed Hardy, a respected Vernon oncologist, has been awarded the 2024 Distinguished Service Award by the Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists (CAMO). The prestigious honor was presented to Dr. Hardy during CAMO’s Annual Scientific Meeting held this October at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa, Ontario.
The 2024 conference was especially significant as it marked CAMO’s first-ever stand-alone meeting, focusing on key themes such as responsible decision-making in medical oncology and workforce well-being & burnout. Dr. Sharlene Gill, President of CAMO, highlighted the importance of these discussions for advancing oncology care in Canada.
The Distinguished Service Award recognized Dr. Hardy’s exceptional contributions to CAMO’s mission and core values as well as demonstrated leadership in one or more of the following areas: clinical service, clinical administration, education, research, advocacy and / or mentorship that has benefited CAMO members and the oncology community at the local, national, and / or international level.
“There are so many Oncologists across Canada who contribute so much that it was a huge honour to receive the Distinguished Service Award from CAMO,” commented Dr. Hardy. “None of us function in a vacuum, and I am extremely fortunate to have an amazing team at my side; in many ways I feel this award is for all of us working in Community Oncology.”
Dr. Hardy’s journey in medicine began in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where he completed his medical school, internship, and Internal Medicine Residency training. He further specialized in Hematology/Oncology at the University of Utah. Since 1999, he has served as a Community Oncologist at the McMurtry-Baerg Cancer Centre in Vernon, BC.
In addition to a busy clinical practice, Dr. Hardy has been actively involved in various leadership roles, including chairing VJH’s Medical Advisory Committee, serving on the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation board, and contributing to the Interior Health Medical Oncology Leadership Council, the CAMO Fellowship committee, and the Royal College Medical Oncology Examination Board. Dr. Hardy’s dedication to quality improvement, physician engagement, staff burnout prevention, and teaching has significantly benefited the oncology community locally and nationally. His passion for his family and commitment to the future of Community Oncology further exemplifies his leadership and service in the field.