The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) today recognized the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) for its history of collaboration on CAF health care with the presentation of the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service. The medallion was presented by General Tom Lawson, Chief of the Defence Staff, and was accepted by Dr. Louis Hugo Francescutti, CMA President.
“The Canadian Medical Association's central national role in promoting the highest standards of health care has always included strong support to the armed forces. It was critical to the establishment of Canada’s first permanent military medical service in 1899, the country’s medical readiness in the First World War and subsequent conflicts, and most recently with recruitment, training, and treatment in support of humanitarian and combat operations in Haiti, Afghanistan, and other regions of the world. Its ongoing close relationship with the Royal Canadian Medical Service is critical to national interests and is reflected by the countless serving and former military physicians who have proudly served as Canadian Medical Association members, delegates, officers, and presidents since Confederation.”
Brigadier-General Jean-Robert Bernier,
Surgeon General
Photo: General Tom Lawson (left), Chief of the Defence Staff, accompanied by Chief Warrant Officer Kevin West (right), Canadian Forces Chief Warrant Officer, presents Dr Louis Francescutti, Honorary Colonel for Royal Canadian Medical Services and President of the Canadian Medical Association (CMA), with the Canadian Forces Medallion for Distinguished Service, during the 147th CMA Annual Meeting held at the Ottawa Convention Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, on August 19, 2014.
- 30 -
Capt Rick Donnelly
Canadian Forces Health Services Public Affairs
CFHS Headquarters
(613) 945-6564
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: (613) 996-2353
Toll-Free: 1 866 377-0811
