Dr. Anthony (Tony) Fields, MacEwan University’s chancellor, has been awarded the F.N.G. Starr Award by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) in recognition of his visionary leadership in cancer care.

“Dr. Fields’ work as a leader and patient advocate has had an indelible effect on many lives,” said MacEwan University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Annette Trimbee. “As president of MacEwan, I’m thrilled to see his important work and outstanding contributions to Canadian health care be recognized in this way.”

The highest honour presented to CMA members, the F.N.G. Starr Award recognizes outstanding and inspiring lifetime achievement. In their announcement, the CMA noted that Dr. Fields has been called the “father” of cancer-related health technology assessment in Canada for his work on the pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review, which developed recommendations to cancer drug funding decisions. 

As a physician, educator, researcher and administrator, Dr. Fields has demonstrated his commitment to patient advocacy. His work to provide patients with cancer care as close to home as possible led to the development of the Community Cancer Network. This expanded patient access to chemotherapy treatments through a network of 11 community cancer centres across Alberta.

As a leader in his field, Dr. Fields brought professionals together to establish the Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists. He worked with the team of patients and advocates that developed the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada (now Colorectal Cancer Canada). He was also a member of the steering committee that developed Canada’s national cancer control strategy. 

During his career Dr. Fields held many leadership roles, including director of the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton, vice-president of medical affairs and community oncology of the former Alberta Cancer Board and vice-president, cancer care of Alberta Health Services. In 2021, he was selected as MacEwan University’s first chancellor.

Dr. Fields was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 2012 and was named one of Alberta’s 100 Physicians of the Century during Alberta's centennial year.