It was with great pleasure that the CSPE presented its 2007 Excellence in Medical Leadership Award to Dr. Charmaine Roye at this year's annual conference in Ottawa.

The highest honour that the CSPE can bestow on one of its members, this award is given to those who have made an outstanding contribution to the development and mentorship of medical leaders in the field of health services leadership and management.

Dr. Charmaine Roye has been a long-time member of the Federation of Medical Women of Canada (FMWC) and has served on its Board of Directors since 1992. She became president of the FMWC in 1998 and, over the last 10 years, has actively mentored many of the current board members. As past president, Dr. Roye took on the job of representing the FMWC on the Canadian Medical Association's Committee of Affiliates. In 2004, she was chosen chair of the Committee of National Medical Organizations and represents that group at CMA board meetings. Over the past 15 years, Dr. Roye has also served in executive positions at the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, the Ontario Medical Association and the Brantford Hospital. Internationally, she was vice-president for the North American region of the Medical Women's International Association from 2001 to 2004.

Most important, Charmaine Roye brings enthusiasm and joy to her leadership work. Many medical leaders spend much of their time focused on problems and often appear overwhelmed and stressed. Dr. Roye is able to chair meetings of diverse groups of people and help them achieve consensus. She is always calm and states her opinions in a respectful and thoughtful manner.

Dr. Roye focuses on finding solutions to dilemmas in the medical system and brings her wealth of expertise to every problem. Her warm smile and laughter are welcome on the FMWC's Board of Directors and the federation feels very lucky to have benefited from her guidance and mentorship. Charmaine Roye is a physician who has truly made an outstanding contribution to the development and mentoring of medical leaders in the field of health services management.