KHSC physician recognized for significant contributions in providing outstanding care

Dr. Jocelyn Garland, a physician at Kingston Health Sciences Centre and associate professor at Queen’s University was recently recognized for providing outstanding care to her patients and the community with a prestigious Specialist of the Year award from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

This recognition came to Dr. Garland as a result of a case that she initially helped with over the phone while on vacation. As a result of the information shared, Dr. Garland was able to diagnose the patient with a rare condition that causes acute kidney failure. She then collaborated with experts around the world and lobbied on behalf of her patient to obtain access to an expensive specialty drug. Against the odds, the patient has had an almost complete recovery.

The perseverance and patient advocacy shown by Dr. Garland isn’t surprising to her colleagues.

“I have observed Dr. Garland on many, many occasions go that extra-mile for patients – calling them back after hours at their convenience, meeting with them after clinic hours and responding to questions from colleagues on evenings, weekends, even during vacation,” says Susanne Jeffery, Supervisor - Nurse Practitioner for Renal Home Therapies, Transplantation and Kidney Care Clinics. “Her dedication to her patients cannot be questioned and I believe her daily practice exemplifies outstanding patient care.”

The Specialist of the Year award was given to five physicians from across Canada, all of whom are being commended for being a role model for excellence in patient care.

“At Kingston Health Sciences Centre we are always striving to improve the patient experience through a focus on compassion and excellence and it’s wonderful to have Dr. Garland recognized for her efforts on creating patient-centred care,” says Lori Van Manen, Director of Renal Services and Palliative Care. “She is a strong advocate for her patients which is a value we strongly support and it is wonderful to see her recognized with this well-deserved honour.”

When asked how it feels to receive this award Dr. Garland is quick to point out that it’s a team effort.

“This award is not just me, there are a number of people who work very hard for our patients in order to help them. This award speaks to our clinical excellence and the team that we have in place to provide that excellence in clinical care,” says Dr. Garland. “It is also important to point out that our hospital, Kingston Health Sciences Center, provided excellent support to clinical care across all spheres, from ensuring essential laboratory testing is carried out in a timely manner, to the approval of very expensive non-formulary drugs. This collaborative effort was key to the patient’s outcome.”