Dr. Christopher Booth, medical oncologist, and Kristine Canty, nurse practitioner in the Kingston Bariatric Centre of Excellence, are the recipients of the 2021 Exceptional Healer Awards.
Their exemplary skill in infusing every patient interaction with caring, respect and collaboration has earned Nurse Practitioner Kristine Canty and Medical Oncologist Dr. Christopher Booth the 2021 Exceptional Healer Awards at Kingston Health Sciences Centre.
The Awards honour nurses, physicians and allied health professionals across our two hospital sites who are innovative in their approaches to patient care and who consistently demonstrate patient and family-centred care in their practice by being approachable, empathetic, collaborative and respectful.
Kristine Canty: "Inspires care from within"
A Nurse Practitioner in the Kingston Bariatric Centre of Excellence, Kristine Canty has earned deep respect for her compassion, collaboration and communication in helping patients traverse a life-changing experience with their health, body and sense of self. “She leads with acceptance and inspires care from within,” said her nominators. “She understands that each person is unique and also that each member of the health care team caring for patients has something to offer.”
“As a nurse, I always ensure that the patient/clinician experience is welcoming, open and non-judgmental,” says Canty. “I treat each patient with respect and dignity and I truly value every patient’s story and life experience. I think that sincerity, openness and a willingness to listen and share ideas complements the patient experience. I also work with amazing colleagues and our bariatric team has worked diligently to provide a safe, healthy, positive environment for patients.”
Dr. Christopher Booth: "Easy to trust from the beginning"
Dr. Booth was praised as a compassionate and trustworthy physician whose approach to health care is not just physical. “The part that really stood out for me,” said a patient, “was that he asked me each time how I was feeling emotionally. He was respectful of my unique situation and [even though he delivered difficult news to me] he asked me to take all the time I need and to ask lots of questions. He answered questions honestly and respectfully. He was easy to trust from the beginning.”
In accepting the award, Dr. Booth spoke of how much he learns from patients and families.
"For me, caring is about making decisions together with patients and always being attentive to them as people with hopes and dreams. That connection gives me joy as a doctor and improves the therapeutic alliance.”
This year, the selection committee for the Exceptional Healer Award received 12 nominations. The other 2021 nominees were:
- Jennifer Berry, Live Donor Transplant Coordinator
- Dr. Rozita Borici-Mazi
- Sarah Chisholm, Midwife
- Wendy Earle, Nurse Practitioner
- Dr. J. Kankesan
- Dr. Glykeria Martou
- Dr. Glen Mizubuti
- Dr. Elena Park
- Alanna Shwetz, Registered Nurse
- Beverley Tassone, Registered Nurse.
“We know that every interaction can make a huge difference for a patient and family,” says Patient Experience Advisor Sue Bedell, who chaired the award selection committee, “and it’s wonderful to see health care providers moving beyond the expected to the exceptional.
"This year, the common theme among patients was gratitude for the simple human kindness practiced by caregivers.”
“It’s exciting to see the values of patient and family-centred care embedded in our health care professionals,” says Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick, KHSC Chief of Staff and Vice-President of Medical Affairs. “And we’re grateful to have such excellent role models in our midst as we move about our daily practice in caring for patients and families.”
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Dr. Christopher Booth, medical oncologist, and Kristine Canty, nurse practitioner in the Kingston Bariatric Centre of Excellence, are the recipients of the 2021 Exceptional Healer Awards.
