Dr. Lee has been described as a hardworking physician, a dedicated researcher, team leader, humanitarian, coach, family man and overall extraordinary individual. His colleagues described him as a physician as close as anyone could get to the "epitome of medicine."

Dr. Lee joined the Algoma District Medical Group and the Internal Medicine Department at the Group Health Centre in 1993. He worked diligently to develop and implement the innovative Health Promotion Initiatives (HPI) Program and numerous research projects that have contributed to the Primary Care Excellence Model at the GHC.

He was responsible for spearheading many health care programs that benefited and elevated the standard of care for people in Sault Ste. Marie suffering from congestive heart failure, diabetes, osteoporosis, HIV/AIDS and many other conditions.

Today, the dedicated staff of the Centre's Research department continue Dr. Lee's evidence-based medicine legacy that includes the recently launched vascular intervention program (VIP), a vision of Dr. Lee who worked tirelessly to secure funding and coordinate the study and program, just prior to his death.

In 2002, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario named Dr. Lee as the "ideal physician" one of many national awards. Accolades in memory of Dr. Lee have been awarded posthumously. In 2004, he was awarded the Dr. William Hutchinson Award for exemplary contributions to health care in Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma District. The Canadian Diabetes Association awarded him the national Frederick G. Banting Award in recognition of his development of new and innovative services that resulted in improved diabetes care.

The Canadian Society of Internal Medicine (CSIM) awarded Dr. Lee posthumous recognition with a William Osler Award that recognizes individuals for excellence in achievement in the field of general internal medicine either in clinical practice, research, medical education or specialty development.  According to the CSIM, "Dr. Lee certainly exemplified the best in medicine in the tradition of Sir William Osler. He was an excellent clinician, a wonderful colleague, and a dynamic researcher." ..."an avid proponent of evidence-based medicine, he always evaluated the literature critically, with a view to distilling and applying the best available evidence. Where evidence was lacking, he proposed research studies to answer important clinical questions, and was the primary investigator in many trials."

David Murray, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Group Health Association (from 2000 to 2005) said, "Dr. Lee touched a lot of lives in a lot of different places...Although his career was short, there are lessons we have learned from him. Our job in life is to try and live those lessons now."

Visit the Dr. Hui Lee Trust Fund page.