YELLOWKNIFE (December 19, 2025) – As we reach the end of the calendar year, the Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority (NTHSSA) is proud to highlight some of the incredible health professionals providing care to residents in the NWT while also being recognized as leaders in health care across the country.

Dr. Sarah Cook, a Yellowknife-based family physician, is the new President of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC), serving for the 2025-2026 term. She is the first physician from the Northwest Territories appointed to the role. Originally from Nova Scotia, Dr. Cook moved to Yellowknife in 2008. In that time she has practiced as a family physician while also taking on leadership roles within the NTHSSA, including previously serving as Yellowknife Medical Director and as the NWT’s first Territorial Medical Director, as well as helping launch Choosing Wisely NWT.

Dr. Gail Robson, a family physician in Inuvik who also shares the role of Area Medical Director for the Beaufort Delta, received the Family Physicians of the Year Award from the College of Family Physicians in Canada and the Foundation for Advancing Family Medicine. The Reg L. Perkin Awards recognize outstanding family physicians who provide exceptional care to patients and contribute to the health and wellbeing of their communities. Earlier this year, Dr. Robson was also recognized with an Award for Leadership Excellence in Health Care by the Northwest Territories Medical Association, an award that celebrates individuals who demonstrate vision, dedication, and commitment to improving health services. Dr. Robson was specifically honoured for her exceptional leadership and lasting impact on health services in the Northwest Territories.

And recently, Dr. Courtney Howard, current president of the Northwest Territories Medical Association and a recurring locum physician in the Stanton Emergency Department, was affirmed as the president-elect for the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) for the 2026-2027 term. Dr. Howard is also the Chair of the Global Climate and Health Alliance and is the founder of POWER — Planetary-health Organizations for Wellbeing, Equity & Regeneration. The CMA president is elected by members from a different province or territory every year. As president, Dr. Howard will be the primary spokesperson for the CMA’s work.

While there are challenges to delivering health care in all jurisdictions across Canada, the NTHSSA is well-equipped to face our challenges and continue to deliver the best care possible with health care professionals of such calibre and commitment to quality care.

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“Physicians are essential front-line workers, as well as leaders not just within their teams, but in the communities they serve. Dr. Cook, Dr. Robson, and Dr. Howard exemplify what it means to ensure the best care possible to those who need it. While there are unique challenges facing health care delivery in the Northwest Territories, the NTHSSA is fortunate to have support from incredible professionals like these, who are dedicated to ensuring best care in our communities.”

• Dr. Keith Menard, Territorial Medical Director, NTHSSA

Related Links

• The College of Family Physicians of Canada welcomes its 2025/26 President—the first from the territories—and new Board of Directors
• Dr. Courtney Howard affirmed as CMA president-elect nominee

For media requests, please contact:

NTHSSA Communications
nthssacomms@gov.nt.ca