From left to right: MPP John Jordan, Dr. Shaira Wignarajah, Dr. Steven Brooks, Dr. Diane Lougheed, Dr. Elizabeth Eisenhauer, Dr. David Pichora
Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) is celebrating four members of its medical staff who have been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for their exceptional contributions to medicine, research, and volunteerism.
At a ceremony hosted earlier this week at the KGH site, guests gathered to recognize Dr. Elizabeth Eisenhauer, Dr. Diane Lougheed, Dr. Steven Brooks, and Dr. Shaira Wignarajah. The Coronation Medal, created in 2023 to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, honours Canadians who have made significant contributions to their communities, their professions, and to the country.
Three of the honourees—Drs. Eisenhauer, Lougheed, and Brooks—had previously received their medals. The celebration offered an opportunity to highlight their achievements and contributions alongside the in-person presentation of the medal to Dr. Wignarajah by MPP John Jordan (Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston).
“These four individuals embody the very best of medicine: advancing science, delivering compassionate patient care, mentoring the next generation, and giving back to their communities,” said Dr. David Pichora, KHSC’s President and CEO. “On behalf of KHSC, I want to say how proud we are of all of you, and how grateful we are for your dedication and service.”
The honourees were nominated for the following:
- Dr. Elizabeth Eisenhauer, professor emerita and former head of the Department of Oncology, recognized for her leadership in cancer clinical trials and drug development both nationally and internationally.
- Dr. Diane Lougheed, a respirologist and asthma researcher, whose career has focused on improving patient care, outcomes, and national standards for patients with asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
- Dr. Steven Brooks, an emergency physician and clinician-scientist whose research and advocacy have advanced resuscitation science and cardiac arrest care worldwide.
- Dr. Shaira Wignarajah, a pediatrics medical resident at KHSC and Queen’s University, nominated by Minister of Health Sylvia Jones for her volunteer contributions at Baycrest Home for the Aged.
Joining the ceremony were MPP John Jordan, who presented Dr. Wignarajah with her medal, as well as Dr. Lisa Tannock, the new Dean of Health Sciences at Queen’s University, senior members of the attending medical staff, and the families and peers of the honourees.
