REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwire - May 4, 2012) - Dr. Peter Kapusta, assistant professor at the University of Saskatchewan's College of Medicine, has been named the Saskatchewan Medical Association (SMA)'s Physician of the Year for 2012, receiving the award at the SMA Representative Assembly dinner held May 4 in Regina.

"Dr. Kapusta has made outstanding contributions to the medical profession in our province for more than 30 years, including a substantial commitment to Saskatchewan's medical students and residents," says Dr. Janet Shannon, SMA president. "He is well-regarded for his compassion and professionalism, regularly going the extra mile to provide outstanding service and care to his patients and community."

Dr. Kapusta obtained his medical degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1979 and completed his medical residency in Meadow Lake. He has been a key figure in rural medicine, remaining in Meadow Lake and eventually serving as Chief of Staff for the Northwest Health Facility/Meadow Lake Hospital from 1995 until 2009. Being a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Kapusta remained active with the College of Medicine, mentoring countless medical students during his time in Meadow Lake and actively recruiting physicians to the rural community. His commitment to medical education persisted when he became an assistant clinical professor at the University of Saskatchewan in 1991. In 2009, he became assistant professor and rural/regional program director for the Department of Family Medicine; he still holds these positions today, in addition to being an active staff member of the Saskatoon Health Region.

In addition to his community involvement, Dr. Kapusta has been a leader in the provincial and national medical arenas, serving as Chairperson of the Provincial Telehealth Advisory Committee from 2005 to 2009, Vice President of the Saskatchewan Society of Physician Executives from 2000 to 2004 and President of the Saskatchewan College of Family Physicians from 1998 to 1999. He also was a Health Systems Surveyor from 1998 to 2004 with the Canadian Council on Health Services Accreditation, or Accreditation Canada, which specializes in the development of national health care standards.

The Saskatchewan Medical Association first presented the SMA Physician of the Year Award in 2002 to pay tribute to the outstanding community contributions made by Saskatchewan physicians.