Dr. Dennis A. Kendel receives the 2010 CSPE Excellence in
Medical Leadership Award
 The CSPE Award recognizes physicians who make an outstanding contribution to the development and mentorship of medical leaders in the field of health services leadership and management. The 2010 recipient of the CSPE award is Dr. Dennis Kendel, Registrar and CEO of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan since 1986.
Dennis is outstanding not just in the direct effect of his significant contributions, but also in the manner of doing so. Many physician and health care leaders have benefited from his wisdom and describe him as mentor and a significant influence on their career paths. His warm welcome, patient approach, intrinsic drive towards innovation and excellence have transformed many a potentially difficult situation into a joint venture where everyone focuses on the common objective and enjoys the process of overcoming the inevitable obstacles on the path to success.
Born in Russell, Manitoba, Dennis Kendel earned his M.D. degree from the University of Saskatchewan and was awarded a fellowship of the College of Family Physicians of Canada in 1993. He has tirelessly served patients and the medical profession first as a practicing physician and then in his many roles within medical and health organizations: as President of the Saskatchewan Medical Association (1979-80), President of the Medical Council of Canada, President of the Federation of medical regulatory authorities in Canada, board chair of Saskatchewan Blue Cross, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Health Services Utilization Committee and presently is on the Board of Directors of the Health Quality Council focusing on improved patient care quality and safety by reducing medical errors and introducing improved practices.
Dennis is recognized provincially and nationally in the area of professional assessment and regulation and has raised the standard of medical care in Canada. He was an important champion in developing a national policy where all Canadian physicians were required to complete a minimum of two years of accredited postgraduate medical education and Medical Council Canada qualifying examination before being eligible for medical licensure in Canada. He was awarded the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 2004 for his extensive contributions.
One of the founders of the CSPE, Dennis has served for many years on the board including several as Vice-President. The CSPE continues to expand and flourish as a direct result of Dr. Kendel's determined input in its first formative decade.
Outside the medical community, Dennis is a leader in the Faith Lutheran Church in Saskatoon and has served as the campaign chair for the Salvation Army fundraising for several years.
In support of Dr. Kendel's nomination, Dr. Grant Stoneham, President, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan wrote:
Dr. Dennis Kendel has provided many years of strong leadership, dedication and mentorship in his role as the Registrar and CEO of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan.
Dennis has a wealth of knowledge and experience which he applies thoughtfully in a collaborative fashion to the benefit of the physicians and patients of Saskatchewan. His depth of experience nationally often provides a unique perspective which he brings to College Council deliberations, and which has been invaluable to our organization. Dennis has represented Saskatchewan, the College of Physicians of Surgeons of Saskatchewan, and himself, in an exemplary fashion.
In support of Dr. Kendel's nomination, Bonnie Brossart, Chief Executive Officer of Saskatchewan Health Quality Council wrote:
Dr. Dennis Kendel has been a tireless champion in enhancing the role of physician leaders and working collaboratively to improve the quality of care for the citizens of Saskatchewan.
Dennis provides strong, thoughtful leadership to the Health Quality Council (HQC); his experiences as a physician and administrator, and his knowledge of health care and health care organizations at provincial, national, and international levels have been invaluable in steering our organization. In particular, Dennis has advanced the quality improvement agenda among physicians across Saskatchewan. |
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