The BC College of Family Physicians has honoured a Burnaby doctor for being an “exceptional family physician.”
Dr. Birinder Narang received the First Five Years of Practice Award, which recognizes an exceptional family physician in the early stage of their career.
“Narang has made a big impact in his first few years of practice, emerging as a trusted source of public health advice and information throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” the college said in a news release. Narang is a family physician working in Burnaby and East Vancouver. He practises in a range of settings, delivering longitudinal care at a community health centre, residential care centres, and in hospitals. Narang is part of the South Asian COVID Task Force steering committee.
Many are familiar with Narang through his social media platforms, where he delivers COVID-19 information and advice every day, as well as serving as a spokesperson for local, provincial and national media. He is outspoken about vaccine safety, helping combat vaccine hesitancy and promoting the family physician role in tackling the pandemic.
“Narang has shared his experiences of racism with the public and media, raising awareness of the ongoing realities of race-based intolerance and advocating for the importance of vigilance and active anti-racism in Canada,” said the college. “These exceptional efforts have been made alongside his role as a Clinical instructor in the UBC Department of Family Medicine, in which he educates future generations of family physicians.”
Narang’s nominator says: “He is what family medicine and being Canadian is all about and that’s why he is so deserving of this award. If he has done this much in 5 years, I can’t wait to see what the next 25 years will bring.”
