A former local doctor was one of 62 physicians to receive a leadership award for dedication and commitment to improving primary health care.Vanita Lokanathan, who practised in Masset until last May, as well as previously in Queen Charlotte, was selected by the General Practice Services Committee, a joint committee of the Ministry of Health Services and the BC Medical Association.Health Services Minister George Abbott said the award recognizes "physicians who have dedicated countless hours to supporting patient care and to acting as coaches and mentors to their fellow physicians."Dr. Lokanathan will be back on the islands this May for a short period, says Northern Haida Gwaii Hospital administrator Kim Mushynsky.