Four outstanding members of the Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) community have been recognized for their commitment to excellent care through the annual Medical Staff Association (MSA) Awards.
With over 20 nominations submitted across four categories, this year’s awards celebrated the remarkable contributions of doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and staff who have demonstrated leadership and who have gone above and beyond to provide or support a high level of care over an extended period of time.
“The awards are a really special opportunity to lift each other up, recognize and celebrate the incredible work being done across KHSC,” says Dr. Danielle Kain, President of KHSC's MSA. “It’s peer-nominated, which makes the recognition that much more meaningful. It’s also the best-attended MSA meeting of the year—people really value the chance to celebrate the work of their peers.”
The MSA at KHSC represents and advocates for physicians, serves as a vital link between physicians and hospital leadership and builds a sense of community amongst the hospital’s medical staff.
“Since the pandemic we’ve heard a lot about health-care workers experiencing burnout across the health-care system and I think awards like these help us build a sense of community,” says Dr. Kain. “Recognition matters. It keeps people going. And that’s part of the MSA’s role—to be a voice for medical staff and to foster a culture of support and collaboration. So, I offer a heartfelt congratulations to all of this year’s winners.”
This year’s winners are:
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Clinician Innovators of the Year: Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick and Dr. Aws Almufleh
Drs. Fitzpatrick and Almufleh have led work to improve care for patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) through the Frontenac Lennox and Addington Ontario Health Team’s integrated care pathways (ICPs) initiative. Their efforts have broken down barriers between hospital- and community-based care, enabled local doctors to confidently manage complex patients outside the hospital and reduce unnecessary emergency department visits. Their leadership in education, training, and outreach has made sure that patients—especially those who don’t have a family doctor—are better supported with timely, coordinated care. -
Outstanding Clinician of the Year: Dr. Doris Jabs
A leader in Women’s Imaging and the Regional Breast Imaging Lead for Cancer Care Ontario, Dr. Doris Jabs was honoured for her expertise and dedication to patients. Her instrumental role in opening Breast Imaging Kingston—a unique centre combining OBSP screening and diagnosis under one roof—has set a new standard for breast imaging services in Canada. Dr. Jabs is also a passionate advocate for equity, education and community outreach, supporting initiatives from Indigenous women’s health to global health collaborations in Nairobi. Her technical skill, mentorship, and compassion make her a trusted and valued member of the KHSC team. - Outstanding Allied Health Colleague of the Year: Samantha Biesick
Described as “hands down the best” in oncology, medical secretary Samantha Biesick was recognized for her tireless behind-the-scenes work that makes a world of difference for patients. Whether it’s ensuring scans are ready, or the extra mile to support patient care, Sam’s dedication doesn’t go unnoticed. Her colleagues praise her for going above and beyond, to deliver excellence in a role that is often behind the scenes, but absolutely essential. - Outstanding Nursing Colleague of the Year: Nicole Lawler
As the Patient Care Navigator in Interventional Radiology (IVR), Nicole Lawler’s colleagues say she is the glue that holds an incredibly complex service together. From coordinating pre- and post-procedure planning, managing clinical databases, attending rounds, and educating both patients and nurses, her organizational skills and commitment are second to none. Always available, even after hours, Nicole’s leadership and compassion ensure that patients receive the best possible care in a high-stakes, fast-paced environment.
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