Congratulations to Dr. Randall Berlin, who has received a 2019 Recognition of Excellence award from the Alberta College of Physicians.
The Recognition of Excellence Awards recognize members who, in the past 12-24 months have made an outstanding contribution to patient care, community service, and other elements of the academic discipline of family medicine.
Dr. Berlin began his medical career in Edmonton, where he completed medical school and a residency in family medicine. He then practiced in emergency medicine for 15 years in the United States and Calgary, before beginning a slow transition back into family medicine in 2003. After reading about The Alex Community Health Centre, Dr. Berlin knew this was the place for him to grow his medical practice with a social heart. He is now in his 16th year as an Alex physician.
The Alex’s approach to health care allows for much more than “one issue per visit.” Physicians are able to examine the root causes of issues amongst people with complex health challenges such as addiction, isolation, homelessness, and trauma. This model exists within a larger framework that simultaneously offers social and wellness programs to address all aspects of overall health.
“The general philosophy of The Alex has allowed me to practice in a way that I feel is most healing and therapeutic. I’m able to spend more time with my patients, which allows me to develop a deeper connection. Diagnostic tests and prescriptions are often necessary, but they are a small part of what really helps people become well.”
Dr. Randall Berlin
Dr. Berlin truly goes above and beyond his clinical duties at The Alex. Not only is he a full-time physician, he also participates in several wellness initiatives that promote wraparound supports to vulnerable folks in Calgary. For many years, Dr. Berlin hosted “Walk with the Doc”, a lunch-hour activity where patients and community members could join him on a stroll around the neighbourhood. He would then join his community for a healthy lunch at The Alex Community Food Centre. Dr. Berlin also supports a weekly Mens Group at our Youth Health Centre, mentoring healthy lifestyle choices and healthy relationships for young men in our community.
“Working at The Alex has helped me grow both professionally and personally. I am forever grateful to my colleagues for their mentorship and for my patients who have allowed me to experience the humanity in medicine.”
Dr. Berlin
Dr. Berlin is a universally respected and well-loved member of The Alex family. One of his colleagues and nominator for this prestigious award, said:
“I think Randall is one of the kindest, most caring physicians I’ve met. For him to go above and beyond the clinical setting, for him to study about lifestyle medicine and really role model health – he’s amazing.”
We are so proud to have Dr. Berlin on our team, and we’re thrilled to use this opportunity to celebrate his incredible contributions to the lives of so many Calgarians. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Randall Berlin for modeling the level of care our communities deserve!