Awards and Recognition

Stand Out Recognition Awards 
November 26, 2018
In October, North York General Hospital had the pleasure of recognizing and awarding individuals and teams with our Stand Out Team Award and Stand Out President's Award. Recognizing our staff, physicians and volunteers for Making a World of Difference in the lives of our patients, residents, community and peers, reinforces our commitment to patient-and family-centred care and our unique culture — one that is created by a group of talented, committed and positive individuals working together to make NYGH a great place. Read the complete article. 


Dr. Michelle Greiver: Leader in primary care research
New Gordon F. Cheesbrough Research Chair in Family and Community Medicine 
September 21, 2018 
Dr. Michelle Greiver was appointed as the new Gordon F. Cheesbrough Research Chair in Family and Community Medicine at North York General Hospital and as the Director of the University of Toronto Practice-Based Research Network (UTOPIAN). The Chair, named after one of North York General Hospital's greatest leaders and champions, was the first of its kind in Canada. Dr. Greiver succeeds Dr. Frank Sullivan, the inaugural Cheesbrough Chair. Read the complete article on Dr. Michelle Greiver. 


Histo-Pathology division of the Lab scores top marks
September 4, 2018
North York General Hospital's Department of Laboratory Medicine, Histo-Pathology division, was listed by Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) in the area of Pathology Post-Surgical Turn Around Time for All Disease Sitesas one of only 12 hospitals in Ontario to report 100% of its cancer specimens within 10 working days. Dr. Simon Raphael, Medical Director and Chief of Pathology noted that our very timely performance in this area lessens patient anxiety related to waiting for reports and allows patient management decisions to be made faster, and the whole hospital to operate more efficiently. The lab has consistently ranked in the top 10 for turnaround times.
 

Dr. David Kaplan named HQO's Chief of Clinical Quality
August 10, 2018
Dr. David Kaplan has been named Chief of Clinical Quality at Health Quality Ontario (HQO). In his new role, Dr. Kaplan will provide expert clinical leadership for advancing Ontario's quality agenda. He will participate as a member of HQO's senior leadership team, identify opportunities to support a provincial quality agenda with input and participation among a robust provincial network of clinicians, and will be instrumental in continuing to raise participation in HQO's activities among health professionals. He also will continue to assist in developing strategic clinical partnerships that will help HQO fulfil its mandate and support the government's agenda.  Read the complete article. 


Dr. Stephanie Klein wins OCFP's Family Medicine Resident of the Year Award
August 8, 2018
Dr. Stephanie Klein, a Physician in the Family Medicine Teaching Unit, has won the 2018 Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) Family Medicine Resident of the Year Award. The award recognizes outstanding teaching skills and commitment to education among family medicine residents currently enrolled in a family medicine residency program in Ontario. Dr. Klein received this prestigious OCFP designation after completing her residency at North York General Hospital and serving as Co-Chief Resident.

Dr. Karthika Devarajan honoured by University of Toronto
July 18, 2018
Dr. Karthika Devarajan is the recipient of the Social Responsibility Award in Global Women's Health and Vulnerable Populations presented by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Toronto. Dr. Devarajan is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in North York General Hospital's Maternal, Newborn and Paediatric Care Program. The award recognizes the outstanding contribution of a faculty member and a resident in the development and/or implementation of socially responsible initiatives, program or research related to global women's health and vulnerable population. Read the complete article with photo. 
 

Dr. Karthika Devarajan awarded Peter R. Newman Humanitarian Award 
July 17, 2018
Dr. Karthika Devarajan, an obstetrician in the Labour and Delivery Unit, has been awarded the North York General Hospital's Peter R. Newman Humanitarian Award. This recognition is given to a staff member who shows exemplary commitment that extends beyond the workplace to the welfare of individuals or a community, at home or abroad. Dr. Devarajan has worked with vulnerable women overseas. She has completed international placements in India, Kenya, Haiti and Zimbabwe. She has also worked with Doctors Without Borders in Pakistan, Nigeria and Afghanistan.

Dr. Linda Stirk appointed SOGC President
July 6, 2018
On June 29, Dr. Linda Stirk was appointed President of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC). The SOGC represents obstetricians/gynaecologists, family physicians, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals working in the field of sexual reproductive health.Dr. Stirk is the 75th President of the association and she will serve in this role from June 2018–June 2019. She holds an appointment at the University of Toronto and a hospital appointment at North York General Hospital. Learn more about Dr. Stirk's role on the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists website.
 

Congratulations to our research grant recipients
June 12, 2018

The Exploration Fund is a biannual fund designed to encourage research investigations and innovative projects across North York General Hospital. The spring 2018 recipients are:

Dr. David Rosenthal
Improved pregnancy outcomes with Shirodkar cervical cerclage compared with McDonald cerclage
Award: $7,500
Katelyn Chown
Young women with breast cancer— meeting unmet needs through the nurse navigator model care
Award: $6,338

Sumit Raybardhan and Dr. Kevin Katz receive publication award
May 2, 2018
The publication Self-stool banking as a source for fecal microbiota transplantation: A pilot study, by lead author Sumit Raybardhan and corresponding author Dr. Kevin Katz,  published in the Official Journal of the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada, has received The 2017 Dr. Lindsay E. Nicolle Award for its significant contribution to infectious diseases and medical microbiology as demonstrated by its impact following publication. 

Sumit is an Infectious Diseases Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner at North York General Hospital and Dr. Kevin Katz is Medical Director of Infection Prevention and Control as well as Medical Director of Research. The award was presented at the 2018 Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada – Canadian Association for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Annual Conference in Vancouver, British Columbia. This study was made possible thanks to the NYGH Exploration Fund awarded to Sumit Raybardhan. The NYGH Exploration Fund is supported through a partnership between philanthropic supporters, NYGH, and the North York General Foundation.

Rick Penciner receives national medical education award
January 2, 2018
Dr. Rick Penciner, Director of Medical Education at North York General Hospital (NYGH), has been awarded a 2018 Certificate of Merit from the Canadian Association for Medical Education (CAME). The CAME Certificate of Merit award recognizes faculty committed to medical education in Canadian medical schools and their contributions to teaching, evaluation, leadership and course coordination. Dr. Penciner is an Associate Professor and the co-lead for Faculty and Professional Development in the Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto.

Congratulations to our research grant recipients
November 27, 2017
The Exploration Fund is a biannual fund designed to encourage research investigations and innovative projects across North York General Hospital. The fall 2017 recipients are:
Dr. Jennifer Mills — Motivation versus psychoeducation-infused day hospital treatment for eating disorders  
Dr. Nina Horvath  — Use of the Canadian Health Care Evaluation Project (CANHELP) tool to measure the impact on patients and families of delivering palliative care through an innovative model of care at North York General Hospital. 

Dr. Phil Shin now Assistant Professor at University of Toronto
November 24, 2017
Dr. Phil Shin, Chief of Medicine and Medical Director of Critical Care at North York General Hospital, was promoted to the rank of Assistant Professor effective November 1, 2017. The new position is a tribute to Dr. Shin's continued academic achievements in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto. 

2017 Patricia Mackey Patient- and Family-Centred Care Educational Award Recipients 
November 17, 2017
Shana Haberman, Project Coordinator with the Freeman Centre for the Advancement of Palliative Care, and Mike Sharma, Director of Clinical Diagnostics, are the 2017 recipients of the Patricia Mackey Patient- and Family-Centred Care Educational Award.

Transfusion Medicine Lab awarded Long Standing Certificate 
November 14, 2017
North York General Hospital's Transfusion Medicine Laboratory has been awarded the Long Standing Certificate by the Ontario Regional Blood Coordinating Network for its overall reduction in outdates* of red blood cell units across the province. Read more on the Transfusion Medicine Laboratory's Long Standing Certificate. 

North York General Hospital's Family Advisor wins prestigious Minister's Medal 
October 24, 2017
Margo Twohig, a volunteer patient and family advisor at North York General Hospital (NYGH), has been awarded a 2017 Minister's Medal for her contributions as a patient, family and caregiver champion at the hospital. Read the news release.


Urban Hero: Surgeon Everton Gooden goes beyond patient care
Sept. 20, 2017
Dr. Everton Gooden, an Otolaryngologist/Head and Neck Surgeon at North York General Hospital, is the winner of Metroland's 2017 Urban Hero Winner — Health Category. Read the article on Dr. Everton Gooden on the InsideToronto.com website. 


NYGH receives 2017 Patient Safety Champion Award
June 20, 2017
On June 12 North York General Hospital received the Patient Safety Champion Award from a consortium of patient safety groups. This national award recognizes NYGH's commitment to patient safety and the efforts to address “never events” in health care. Learn more and link to an article on the Canadian Patient Safety Institute website.


Dr. Michael Quejada honoured by University of Toronto
May 2, 2017
Dr. Michael Quejada of North York General Hospital's Department of Family and Community Medicine is the recipient of the University of Toronto's New Teacher Award, Postgraduate Clinical Teaching, Department of Family and Community Medicine. The award recognizes Dr. Quejada's outstanding contributions to teaching and learning at the university and educating our future health care professionals.


Dr. Clare Hutchinson receives Helen P. Batty Award
April 12, 2017
Dr. Clare Hutchinson is the recipient of the 2017 Helen P. Batty Award for Excellence and Achievement in Faculty Development in the category of Innovation in Program Development and Design. The award, presented by the Centre for Faculty Development (a partnership between the University of Toronto and St. Michael's Hospital), recognizes Dr. Hutchinson's great work in developing the Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (LInC) at North York General Hospital. Learn more.

NYGH receives funding for innovative breast cancer survivorship program 
April 5, 2017
On April 3, North York General Hospital was selected as one of the new pilot projects of the Health Technologies Fund (HTF). The hospital will receive $500,000, from the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE), for a Portal for Breast Cancer Survivorship pilot project. The project developed with partners and led by Dr. Fahima Osman, a Breast Surgical Oncologist at NYGH, aims to create a link between patients, their oncologist and their family physician to guide treatments through the survivorship stage and recommendations in an efficient manner. Read the complete article the project led by Dr. Fahima Osman. 

Dr. Everton Gooden recipient of Harry Jerome Trailblazer Award
April 4, 2017
Dr. Everton Gooden, Chief of Staff and Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee, is the recipient of the 2017 Harry Jerome Trailblazer Award. The prestigious Harry Jerome Awards, administered by the Black Business and Professional Association, recognize and honour excellence in African-Canadian achievement. See an article and video on Dr. Gooden's award.

Dr. Tarek Abdelhalim recognized for excellence in clinical teaching 
March 14, 2017
Dr. Tarek Abdelhalim of North York General Hospital's Department of Internal Medicine, has been chosen as one of the recipients of the 2017 PARO Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award for the University of Toronto. The award, presented by the Professional Association of Residents of Ontario (PARO), recognizes his many invaluable contributions to the education and training of new physicians as well as his commitment to excellence as a clinician. 

Genetic Counsellor Clare Gibbons plays role in enacting genetic discrimination law
March 9, 2017
On March 8, the federal government passed a genetic discrimination bill – Bill S-201—that forbids insurance companies and employers from obtaining Canadians' test results for genetic diseases or conditions. North York General Hospital (NYGH) Genetic Counsellor Clare Gibbons was invited to Ottawa to offer her insight into the issue. Learn more about Clare's role in helping to pass the bill in an article from the April issue of The Pulse, NYGH's community newsletter. 


Dr. Bonnie Madonik appointed National Addiction Medicine Advisor, Canadian Armed Forces
March 6, 2016
Dr. Bonnie Madonik, Medical Director of the Addiction Program at North York General Hospital, was appointed National Addiction Medicine Advisor to the Canadian Armed Forces effective December 2016. Learn more about Dr. Madonik's appointment.


Dr. Tim Rutledge appointed Investigator for the Brant Community Healthcare System
Feb. 21, 2017
Ontario has appointed Dr. Tim Rutledge as an investigator for the Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS), to review the hospital's operations and ensure it is delivering the best possible care to patients and families in the region. Dr. Rutledge will work closely with the hospital, the community, key stakeholders and the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) to examine and review issues concerning the management and governance of BCHS. Learn more about Dr. Rutledge's appointment.

University of Toronto honours NYGH physicians
Feb. 21, 2017
On February 13, 2017, Dr. David Eisen and Dr. Sid Feldman of North York General Hospital's Department of Family and Community Medicine were honoured by the University of Toronto's Faculty of Medicine. Read more about this recognition. 

NYGH first acute care hospital in Canada to win prestigious IT award
February 3, 2017
North York General Hospital (NYGH) is the first acute care hospital in Canada to be presented with the HIMSS Davies Award of Excellence. Only about 50 hospitals around the world are recipients of this award by the Health Information Management Systems Society, known as HIMSS. North York General was awarded this distinction for its eCare initiative, a multi-year, hospital-wide health care information technology (IT) transformation strategy. Read the complete article from NYGH's community newsletter, The Pulse. 

A Canadian first: Innovative biopsy procedure for prostate cancer
February 3, 2017
The Gale and Graham Wright Prostate Centre at North York General Hospital's Branson Ambulatory Care Centre is the only place in Canada using a new biopsy procedure to test for prostate cancer that significantly reduces the chance of developing an infection. Read the complete article and link to a story on CTV News.

Paediatric Surgeon Dr. Sharifa Himidan named one of Canada's Health Heroes
December 2016
As a child growing up in Saudi Ara­bia, Dr. Sharifa Himidan dreamed of becoming a human-rights lawyer, but medicine eventually won out. It was, she felt, her best opportunity to make a difference for women, children, seniors and people living in areas plagued by instability. Once enrolled in med school, she found herself drawn to surgery. “At the time, women in my culture weren't encouraged to choose this field,” she says, “but it fit with my desire to bring about immediate change.” Read the complete article on the last page of the Reader's Digest Canada's Health Heroes PDF. 

Accreditation success for Seniors' Health Centre
November 30, 2016
Seniors' Health Centre (SHC) received the Three-Year Accreditation for Person-Centred Long-Term Care Community in November 2016, the highest designation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) International. Learn more about the Seniors' Health Centre's achievement.

Dr. David White appointed President of the College of Family Physicians of Canada
November 23, 2016
Dr. David White has been appointed President of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) in November 2016. The CFPC is the professional organization responsible for establishing standards for the training and certification of family physicians. Read more and watch an interview.

DEC and CCDC honoured by Canadian Diabetes Association
November 2, 2016
North York General Hospital's Diabetes Education Centre (DEC) and Complex Care Diabetes Centre (CCDC) have been honoured by the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA). They have met the criteria for formal recognition into the CDA's Standards Recognition Program (SRP). Read the complete article on this recognition given to the DEC and CCDC.

NYGH's Supportive Cardiology poster wins 1st place at NPAO Conference
October 19, 2016
This September, members of the Supportive Cardiology team at North York General Hospital presented a poster on “Inter-specialty Collaboration Influencing Culture Change: Early Introduction of Palliative Care Heart Failure” at the Nurse Practitioners' Association of Ontario's (NPAO) 2016 Conference and came in first place for poster presentations. The team included: Karen Lock, Nurse Practitioner; Collene Traille-Brown, Nurse Practitioner; Karen Yu, Nurse Practitioner; and Wendy Cheung, Clinical Team Manager. Read the complete article on the Supportive Cardiology poster. 

Dr. Steven Kahane appointed new Primary Care Physician Lead Advisor for Central LHIN
October 19, 2016
The Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) has appointed Dr. Steven Kahane as the new Primary Care Physician Lead Advisor, effective October 17, 2016. Dr. Kahane is a lead physician at the Leslie Medical Family Health Organization, an active member of the physician team at North York General Hospital, and an Assistant Professor of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto. Read the complete article on Dr. Steven Kahane's appointment. 

Research study presented at World Parkinson Congress
October 4, 2016
At the 2016 World Parkinson Congress in September, Dr. Joyce Lee, Care of the Elderly Physician, and Greta Mah, Certified Geriatric Pharmacist, presented their research on the impact of telephone intervention service at a community-based geriatrics clinic for Parkinson's. Their poster was recognized as the leading poster. Read the complete article on the research poster by Dr. Joyce Lee and Greta Mah. 

Dr. Melissa Singer honoured by University of Toronto
September 28, 2016
Dr. Melissa Singer of North York General Hospital's Department of Family and Community Medicine is the recipient of the University of Toronto's Teaching Excellence in Clerkship— New Teacher Award, Department of Family and Community Medicine Undergraduate Education Program. The award recognizes Dr. Singer's outstanding contributions to teaching and learning at the university and educating our future health care professionals.

Palliative care program receives prestigious national designation
September 7, 2016
The Freeman Centre is the only adult palliative care program in Canada to be recognized in its entirety as a Leading Practice by Accreditation Canada. Read the article on the recognition given to the Freeman Centre for the Advancement of Palliative Care. 

NYGH is top performing hospital for employee engagement 
August 15, 2016
The results comparing our employee engagement to participating Ontario hospitals are in! National Research Corporation Canada, the organization responsible for analyzing our results, has shared with us that we are a Top Performer among all participating Ontario hospitals. Read about NYGH's top marks in employee engagement.

Diabetes Education Centre and Centre for Complex Diabetes Care recognized 
July 26, 2016
The Canadian Diabetes Association recently recognized both North York General Hospital's Diabetes Education Centre and the Centre for Complex Diabetes Care for meeting all the Standards for Diabetes Education in Canada. Learn more about this recognition. 

Research Chair receives CIHR New Investigator Award
July 7, 2016
Monika Kastner, North York General Hospital's Research Chair in Knowledge Translation and Implementation, was recently awarded the CIHR (Canadian Institutes of Health Research) New Investigator Award, a highly competitive program that provides a financial contribution to outstanding new investigators to develop and conduct health research. Read more about Monika Kastner's award. 

Spring 2016 Exploration Fund Awards
June 23, 2016
Two awards were announced in the Small grant category: Dr. Frank Sullivan, Gordon F. Cheesbrough Research Chair in Family & Community Medicine, will study the most important and feasible research questions in primary care in low, middle, and high-income countries. Dr. Tianhua Huan, Department of Genetics, will study enhanced first trimester prenatal screening for Trisomy 18 and Trisomy 13, two chromosomal disorders. The Sellors Family Research Grant was awarded to Dr. Patricia Trbovich, Researcher, Research & Innovation, for identifying and studying human factors that play a role in safety-related intravenous infusion devices. Get more information on the Exploration Fund. 

Four NYGH physicians recognized by UofT Paediatrics Department
June 13, 2016
Paediatricians Drs. Ronik Kanani, Jordan Carr, Gordon Soon and Shaheen Doctor have been recognized by the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Toronto. Learn more about this recognition. 

NYGH first Canadian breast cancer program to receive prestigious accreditation
June 8, 2016
North York General Hospital's Karen, Heather & Lynn Steinberg Breast Services is the first comprehensive breast cancer care program in Canada to receive full accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, a program administered by the American College of Surgeons. Read the news release. See the article that appeared in The Pulse, NYGH's community newsletter. 

NYGH achieves Ontario hospital first for greening efforts
June 7, 2016
North York General Hospital  was recognized with a Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) BEST®Silver Level Certification for its continued efforts in improving NYGH's overall energy efficiency and waste diversion programs. We are the first hospital in Ontario to achieve this certification, demonstrating NYGH's commitment to decreasing its impact on the environment. Read more about this award and how NYGH is decreasing its impact on the environment.  

Bonnie Chung receives UofT Pharmacy award
June 6, 2016
North York General Hospital Pharmacist Bonnie Chung has been awarded the 2016 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience Preceptor of the Year Award from the University of Toronto, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy. Learn more about this award.

Hip and Knee ICC wins leading practice award 
May 25, 2016
On April 26, 2016, Accreditation Canada presented North York General Hospital's Hip and Knee Integrated Care Collaborative (ICC) with a 2015 Leading Practice award. Winners of these awards are included in a searchable Leading Practices Database on Accreditation Canada's website. Learn more about this leading practice award. 

Physicians recognized for teaching excellence
May 20, 2016
North York General Hospital physicians were recently honoured by the University of Toronto's Department of Family and Community Medicine for their outstanding work and commitment to teaching excellence. See the list of physicians honoured. 

NYGH awarded highest level of accreditation
May 3, 2016
North York General Hospital (NYGH) has been Accredited with Exemplary Standing, the highest designation given by Accreditation Canada. Every two to four years, hospitals, long-term care facilities and other health organizations participate in a voluntary accreditation process to assess performance against national standards of health care excellence. Read the article on NYGH's accreditation success. 

NYGH recognized for "Choosing Wisely"
May 3, 2016
In April 2016, North York General Hospital (NYGH) was recognized twice for its successful adoption of the Choosing Wisely Canada (CWC) campaign. Its goal is to help clinicians and patients engage in conversations about unnecessary tests and treatments and make smart and effective choices to ensure high-quality care. Learn more about this recognition. 

Dr. Frank Sullivan recognized by the University of Toronto
May 5, 2016
Dr. Frank Sullivan has been awarded the 2016 Department of Family Medicine and Community Medicine (DFCM) Award of Excellence, Outstanding Contribution to Family Medicine Research from the University of Toronto. Read moreon Dr. Sullivan.

NYGH physicians receive Peters-Boyd Academy awards
April 18, 2016
Three North York General Hospital Emergency Medicine physicians, Drs. Rick Penciner, Brian Wall and Edward Jin have been honoured by the Peters-Boyd Academy of Medicine. Read the article to learn more about this recognition. 

Dr. Frank Sullivan named as a Principal Investigator on national diabetes initiative
April 5, 2016
Dr. Frank Sullivan, Gordon F. Cheesbrough Research Chair in Family and Community Medicine at North York General Hospital, was recently named one of the chief investigators in a nationwide diabetes research initiative funded by the Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR). The project, Establishing a National Registry for Diabetes for Earliest Detection of Complications, will facilitate a mass-scale exploration of the chronic disease. Learn more about Dr. Frank Sullivan's research.

Physicians honoured by University of Toronto
March 24, 2016
Dr. Rebecca Stoller received an award from the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto and Dr. Nina Horvath was recognized by the Faculty of Medicine. Read more about these awards.

NYGH research chair awarded CIHR grant
March 15, 2016
North York General Hospital's new Research Chair in Knowledge Translation and Implementation, Monika Kastner, was recently awarded a $707,558 Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) grant for her project to develop and implement an electronic tool for seniors who have multiple chronic diseases. The research is also supported by a matching grant of $707,560 from QoC Health, a patient-focused health care technology company. Learn more about Monika Kastner's research.

NYGH featured at Queen's Park research showcase
March 9, 2016
North York General Hospital participated in the Council for Academic Hospitals of Ontario's (CAHO) health research showcase at Queen's Park on March 2. North York General's exhibit was presented by Dr. Michelle Greiver, and featured “The Joint Data Warehouse,” a technology that integrates data from separate information systems to represent one information solution. Dr. Greiver is affiliated with our Department of Family and Community Medicine. Read more about Dr. Greiver's research.

NYGH's award-winning corporate culture featured in National Post
February 25, 2016
North York General Hospital (NYGH) had the honour of once again being awardedCanada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures of 2015: Broader Public Sectorby Waterstone Human Capital. The hospital's culture has been featured in a supplement in the National Postand the hospital will be formally recognized at the Canada's 10 Corporate Culture Summit and Awards Gala on Thursday, February 25. Learn more about NYGH's culture. 

Congratulations to our research grant recipients!
February 19, 2016
The fall 2015 Exploration Fund recipients are: Dr. Risa Bordman, Department of Family & Community Medicine; Sonja Rebryna, Maternal Newborn Program; and Samantha Moe, Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner. Read about their research topics.

2016 Patricia Mackey Patient- and Family-Centred Care Education Award recipients  
February 10, 2016
North York General Hospital has announced the 2016 recipients of the Patricia Mackey Patient- and Family-Centred Care Education Award:
Zahra Ismail, Clinical Team Manager, Respiratory 
Dr. Mikael Lavigne, Physician
Lesley Lander, Unit Secretary, In-Patient Orthopaedics 
Leela Prasaud, Patient and Family Advisor
Learn more about this award.

Dr. David White appointed Interim Chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto
January 6, 2016
Dr. David White has been appointed Interim Chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto beginning January 1, 2016 for one year or until a new Chair is appointed, whichever is first. Learn more about Dr. White's appointment.

Dr. Fahima Osman named Bayview Person of the Year
December 3, 2015
In the December issues of Post City Magazines, 12 Torontonians of the year have been awarded to individuals who gave back or enhanced the reputation of their neighbourhood. North York General Hospital's Dr. Fahima Osman has been named Bayview person of the year. A surgeon, Dr. Osman was nominated for her efforts to encourage the practice of oncoplastic surgery in Ontario. Learn more about Dr. Fahima Osman and access the article.

North York General Hospital awarded Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures
November 19, 2015
On November 19, North York General Hospital had the honour of once again being awarded Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures of 2015: Broader Public Sector. The award is founded and presented by Waterstone Human Capital, a leading retained executive search firm specializing in recruiting for fit. Awards are presented to organizations with cultures that have helped them enhance performance and sustain a competitive advantage. 

NYGH wins Gold Quality Healthcare Workplace Award
November 16, 2015
North York General Hospital has been awarded the Gold Quality Healthcare Workplace Award at the Ontario Hospital Association's (OHA) HealthAchieve conference. This the fifth year that NYGH has been awarded Gold Status. The annual awards program recognizes OHA member organizations efforts to improve health care workplaces in ways that contribute to staff, physicians and volunteers' quality of work life which in turn enhances the quality of care and services they deliver. Winners were announced November 3, 2015, at the conference in Toronto. Learn more about this award. 

The Patricia Mackey Patient- and Family-Centred Care Educational Award 
October 29, 2015
On October 29, the Patricia Mackey Patient- and Family-Centred Care Educational Award was presented to four deserving North York General Hospital employees and volunteers for their efforts to reflect our culture of Patient- and Family-Centred Care in their work: Ema Rado, Patient and Family Advisor; Archna Patel, Clinical Nurse Specialist — Palliative Care; Helen Kelly, Clinical Nurse Educator — Emergency Department; Jennifer Zadravec, Manager — Medical Imaging. The award offers an annual grant to staff, physicians, volunteers and Patient and Family Advisors to pursue professional development relating to Patient- and Family-Centred Care. On behalf of the hospital, North York General Foundation and the Mackey family, a sincere congratulations to this year's recipients.

Dr. Jeremy Theal wins Minister's Medal
October 15, 2015
Dr. Jeremy Theal has been recognized by the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, the Hon. Dr. Eric Hoskins, for improving patient care at North York General Hospital (NYGH) and improving the quality and safety of patient care across the province and the country. Dr. Theal, NYGH's Chief Medical Information Officer and a Gastroenterologist, has been awarded the 2015 Minister's Medal Honouring Excellence in Health Quality and Safety (individual) for conceiving and leading the development of the Canadian CPOE Toolkit. Read the news release on this achievement. Watch a video. 

NYGH top cancer surgery wait time performer two years running
September 4, 2015
On August 12, 2015, Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) presented North York General Hospital (NYGH) with a certificate for being the Top Performing Hospital in the province for 2014-2015 in Cancer Surgery Wait Times – Time from Decision to Treat to Treatment, and for exceeding the province's annual improvement target. This is the second year in a row that CCO has recognized the hospital for this accomplishment. Learn more about this achievement.

Congratulations to our new research grant recipients
July 14, 2015
In 2012, the hospital launched the North York Exploration Fund, a biannual fund designed to encourage research investigations and innovative projects across the hospital. It is supported through a partnership between philanthropic supporters, North York General Hospital, and North York General Foundation. Congratulations to the spring 2015 recipients of the Exploration Fund and The Sellors Family Research Grant. Read the complete article.

Education Achievement Celebration 2015
July 10, 2015
North York General Hospital celebrated Teaching & Learning Week June 15–18. The week included guest speakers, scholarships showcases, special events and culminated in the Annual Education Achievement Celebration held on June 18 at the Westin Prince in Toronto. This event is an occasion to recognize our award winning teachers and preceptors as well as our learners for their achievements at North York General Hospital throughout 2014-2015. Congratulations to all the award winners and graduates.See the complete list of award recipients.

Dr. Allyson Merbaum receives 1st Year Residents Teacher of the Year Award 
July 7, 2015
Family physician Dr. Allyson Merbaum was selected as the recipient of the 1st Year Residents Teacher of the Year Award for 2014-2015 at the June 18, 2015 Education Achievement Celebration at North York General Hospital. This award, as chosen by the 1st Year Family Medicine Residents at NYGH, is given annually to a physician who has contributed the most to their education as family physicians. 

Dr. Bonnie Madonik awarded Physician Achievement Award
July 2, 2015
The Ontario Medical Association has honoured Dr. Bonnie Madonik with the Physician Achievement Award in Addiction Medicine. The award recognizes a clinical physician who consistently achieves high standards in the practice of addiction medicine. This individual is also consistently looked upon as a role model by his/her peers and is a valuable resource person due to the extended length and quality of his/her service to the profession. Read the complete article on Dr. Bonnie Madonik. 

Dr. Dinesh Krishna receives emergency medicine award
June 19, 2015
Dr. Dinesh Krishna is the recipient of this year's Anna Jarvis Award for Postgraduate Teaching Excellence in Emergency Medicine. Named after the University of Toronto's most respected teachers in emergency medicine, this award is a tribute to Dr. Krishna's passion for teaching and commitment to resident education. It also recognizes excellence in education at the local, provincial and national level. 

Dr. Rick Penciner recognized for excellence in interprofessional education 
June 2, 2015
Dr. Rick Penciner, Director of Medical Education and Co-Lead, Centre for Education, is the recipient of the 2014-2015 Ivy Oandasan Leadership Award for Outstanding Leadership in Advancing Interprofessional Education. This award honours excellence in interprofessional education and recognizes a leader either community-based, hospital-based or university-based whose unique and innovative contribution has had a significant impact on the development of interprofessional education at the University of Toronto.

Dr. Peter Stotland awarded Robert Mustard Mentorship Award
May 26, 2015
Dr. Peter Stotland, Surgical Oncologist at North York General Hospital, was recently awarded the Robert Mustard Mentorship Award from the Division of Surgery at the University of Toronto. This award recognizes a physician mentor who is devoted to excellence in clinical training, and who provides exemplary teaching, leadership, mentorship and expertise to senior general surgery residents from the University of Toronto. The award is voted on by these residents and is given out on an annual basis. It is the most prestigious teaching award in the Division of General Surgery.

Physicians recognized by University of Toronto
May 26, 2015
The following North York General Hospital physicians have been recognized by the University of Toronto for teaching excellence during the past year:

Dr. Arun Sayal
Excellence in Continuing Education, University of Toronto, Department of Family and Community Medicine Professional Development Program

Dr. Martin Shack
Teaching in the Family Medicine Clerkship (Community-Based) Award, University of Toronto Department of Family and Community Medicine Undergraduate Education Program

Dr. Adam Dwosh, Dr. Risa Freeman
Red Ribbon for Best Research Poster, Family Medicine Forum, College of Family Physicians of Canada

Dr. Roland Mollanji
Role Modelling Clinical Excellence Teaching Award, University of Toronto, Department of Family and Community Medicine Postgraduate Program

Dr. Sean Caine
Peters-Boyd Academy Portfolio Teaching Award, University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine

Physicians honoured for teaching excellence
May 11, 2015
Dr. Rick Penciner has received the Excellence in Faculty Development Award from the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto. Dr. Robyn Shafer and Dr. Rebecca Stoller are the recipients of a 2014-2015 - Peters-Boyd Academy Clerkship Teaching Award. The annual Peters-Boyd Academy Awards recognizes outstanding work being carried out in education. Read more on these awards from the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine.

Course aimed at improving geriatric care featured in Canadian Family Physician Journal 
April 13, 2015 
Dr. Joyce Lee, Physician Lead and founder of the Geriatrics Clinic for Parkinson's at North York General Hospital, was one of five care of the elderly physicians who designed the Five Weekend Care of the Elderly Course to better prepare family physicians and nurse practitioners to care for older patients across a variety of health care settings. The course is the first of its kind in Canada and was featured in the March edition of the Canadian Family Physician Journal. Learn more about the Five Weekend Care of the Elderly Course.

NYGH recognized by Toronto Hydro for leadership in energy conservation 
March 25, 2015
On March 23, Toronto Hydro presented North York General Hospital (NYGH) with a rebate cheque for over $92,000 for participating in the saveONenergy program. This energy conservation program, targeted to homes and businesses, helps manage electricity usage, suggests energy-saving measures and provides financial incentives to assist in achieving these savings. North York General upgraded the controls of its heating and ventilation system in areas of the hospital not utilized in evenings and weekends to deliver optimum air flow and reduce energy consumption. This was no small task in a facility that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Learn more.

North York General Hospital First Canadian Hospital to Use RFID-Based Intelliguard® Kit and Tray Management System to Improve Accuracy and Efficiency in Pharmacy Operations 
March 12, 2015
North York General Hospital, a leading community academic hospital in Toronto, Ontario, deployed the Intelliguard® Kit and Tray Management System from MEPS Real-Time, Inc., in September 2014 becoming the first hospital in Canada to leverage a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) medication management solution to improve accuracy and efficiency within its pharmacy operations. Learn more.

NYGH Patient Advisor wins 20 Faces of Change Award
March 10, 2015
North York General Hospital (NYGH) is proud to share Patient and Family Advisor Patricia (Pat) Mackey is a recipient, posthumously, of a 20 Faces of Change Award for her contributions to improving patient- and family-centred care. Read the complete news release. 

Congratulations to our research grant recipients! 
January 21, 2015
In 2012, the hospital launched the North York Exploration Fund, a biannual fund designed to encourage research investigations and innovative projects across the hospital. It is supported through a partnership between NYGH and North York General Foundation. Since last spring, the Sellors Family Research Grant— a grant geared towards autoimmune disease, neurology and quality of life— has been included in the Exploration Fund Grant. Learn about our fall 2014 recipients.