Lunenburg, NS
The Dr. Charles & Mrs. Jean Gass Lifetime Achievement Award for 2026 is proudly presented to Dr. John Jenkins, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to family medicine in Nova Scotia.
For more than 30 years, Dr. Jenkins has been a cornerstone of family medicine in Lunenburg and the surrounding community. His career reflects an extraordinary commitment to comprehensive care, emergency medicine, inpatient care, and long-term care.
Dr. Jenkins has provided leadership at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital for many years, serving as Head of Emergency Services and Site Head. He has also been a dedicated physician at La Have Manor and a founding member of Lunenburg Family Health. Throughout his career, he has continued to respond to the needs of his community and beyond including providing primary care in New Germany and working in emergency medicine in Shelburne.
His commitment to teaching has also been an important part of his career. As an Associate Professor with Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Jenkins has trained many medical students and residents, sharing not only his medical knowledge but also the experience and values that have shaped his own career.
Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Jenkins has earned the deep respect and gratitude of the patients and colleagues he has served. For more than three decades, he has been a reliable and compassionate presence in his community, building lasting relationships with generations of patients. One longtime colleague described him as “the most reliable friend and colleague that one could ask for” and said that he embodies all the qualities that a family physician should have.
Dr. Jenkins’ career is a remarkable example of service, leadership, dedication, and community commitment. His willingness to care for patients, support his colleagues, teach future physicians, and serve his community in so many different roles has left a lasting impact on family medicine in Nova Scotia. This award celebrates a lifetime of exceptional service and the difference Dr. Jenkins has made to the community he calls home.
Description & Criteria
This award :
- will honour individuals who are/were our trailblazers and leaders in family medicine and who made a significant career contribution to family medicine during their active career years.
- will give public recognition to their work and to our discipline.
- will be presented at the Annual Awards Banquet.
Nomination & Selection Process
- Nominations for the Dr. Charles and Mrs. Jean Gass Lifetime Achievement Award are invited from CFPC members.
- Nominations may be made in writing to the NSCFP office.
- The Dr. Charles and Mrs. Jean Gass Lifetime Achievement Award will be considered when an exceptional nomination is made and will not necessarily be presented on an annual basis.
Eligibility
- Nominees must be 50 years of age or older.
- Posthumous nominations will be accepted.
The College of General Practice: In Dr. Charles L. Gass’ Words