Doctors’ Day, which is celebrated annually across Ontario on May 1, provides the opportunity to recognize physicians and the many ways in which they deliver care to patients and their loved ones.
This Doctors’ Day, Niagara Health is expressing gratitude to our team of more than 600 physicians, more than 30 of whom are new recruits since January 2022, as well as those in the community.
“Our physicians consistently go above and beyond to provide care to improve the health and well-being of Niagara residents,” says Dr. Johan Viljoen, Executive Vice-President, Medical; Chief of Staff. “Doctors’ Day is a great opportunity to reflect on everything they do for our community, including the sacrifices they have made to provide the upmost care, even amidst significant challenges.”
“I want to recognize the dedication and commitment of all our physicians who take care of patients and their loved ones,” says Lynn Guerriero, Niagara Health President and CEO. “Their compassion, professionalism and dedication makes a positive impact in this community each and every day.”
On April 26, Niagara Health’s Medical Staff Association (MSA), in collaboration with the Academies of Medicine of Lincoln, Niagara South and Greater Niagara, awarded Medical Student Scholarships to members of McMaster University’s Niagara Regional Campus who show commitment to eventually practise in the Niagara region. This year’s awardees included Josiah Coolen and Mario Hanna.
In addition, three physicians were awarded Niagara Region Doctors Awards. Dr. Parminder Brar received the Distinguished Physician Merit Award; Dr. Dianne Heritz received the Specialist Physician Merit Award; and the late Dr. C. Dennis Whitty received the Family Physician Merit Award, which his family accepted on his behalf.
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Josiah Coolen and Mario Hanna accept their Medical Student Scholarships. |
The Family Physician Merit Award was presented to the family of the late Dr. Dennis C. Whitty. |
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Dr. Dianne Heritz (second from right) received the Specialist Physician Merit Award. |
Dr. Parminder Brar (right) received the Distinguished Physician Merit Award. |
Across the region in support of Doctors’ Day, on May 1, Niagara Falls will be illuminated blue from 10 to 10:15 p.m., which can be viewed virtually thanks to the Niagara Falls Illumination Board. In addition on May 1, Brock University’s Schmon Tower will be illuminated blue in recognition of Doctors’ Day.
Niagara Health's physician recruitments over the past year
- Anina Abrie, Mental Health and Addictions
- Abdulrhman Abulaban, General Internal Medicine
- Anhar Alhussaini, Cardiology
- Patrick Anderson, Surgery
- Melanie Audette, Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Jennifer Bisson, Oncology
- Carley Campbell, General Internal Medicine
- Ryan Chadwick, Emergency Medicine
- Vernon Clifton, General Internal Medicine
- Danielle De Sa Boasquevisque, Neurology
- Robert Dinniwell, Oncology
- Aidan Findlater, Infectious Diseases
- Nadiya Goswami, Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Jessica Graham, Family Medicine
- Erik Hopkins, Surgery
- Nardeen Kodous, Oncology
- Danielle Lowe, Surgery
- Matthew Lubanovic, Diagnostic Imaging
- Christine McClelland, Mental Health and Addictions
- David McCullagh, Infectious Diseases
- Eric Nguyen, Oncology
- Natalia Ovtcharenko, Medicine
- Mahesh Palanisamy, Anesthesia
- Omkar Parthab, Emergency Medicine
- Mashrur Rahman, General Internal Medicine
- Aryo Rohani, Hospitalist
- Shalin Shah, General Internal Medicine
- Erin Sloan, Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Rucha Utgikar, Critical Care
- James Wang, Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Lisa Yang, Obstetrics and Gynecology
Pick a flag to send thanks to Ontario’s doctors
The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) is asking community members to show support and give thanks to doctors by choosing a flag on doctorsday.ca that best represents their gratitude. On May 1, the OMA will share the most popular flag.
About Doctors’ Day
Doctors’ Day is celebrated across Ontario each May 1 to recognize the province’s doctors and their commitment to improving the health of all patients. May 1 was chosen to mark the birthday of Dr. Emily Stowe, the first woman to practice medicine in Canada and a founder of the country’s women's movement.
