Celebrating professional excellence

2024 Excellence in Professional Practice Awards: Ceremony held on Sept. 25 to honour outstanding contributions, preceptors and bursary recipients

St. Joseph’s Excellence in Professional Practice Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of nursing and allied health staff who are central to patient and resident care. These awards recognize individuals who exemplify the Mission, Vision, and Values of St. Joseph's through their leadership and commitment to excellence.

Peers or leaders nominate recipients each year, and this year’s honorees were recognized during an in-person ceremony on Sept 25. For the first time, Preceptor Awards were also included, honoring staff who excel in mentoring and supporting the next generation of health professionals.

At St. Joseph’s, professional practice means the thoughtful and informed application of knowledge, skills, and judgment within the scope of one’s health care profession. It also reflects a dedication to ethical values, collaboration, and building caring relationships with patients and their families.

“We are immensely proud of the highly educated professionals, skilled care providers, compassionate healers, and dedicated advocates who serve not only within our facilities but also in the community,” said Karen Perkin, Vice President of Patient Care and Chief Nurse Executive.

Each year, bursary applications are also accepted, allowing nursing and professional practice staff to receive financial support for continued education. These bursaries are made possible through the generous donations to St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation.

“As health care continues to evolve, further education and the expansion of skills are crucial for fostering innovation and improving patient care,” stated Roy Butler, President and CEO.

Below are this year’s Excellence in Professional Practice Award recipients, along with quotes from their nominators.

Excellence in Clinical Practice Awards

Acute Ambulatory Care

Kate Grattan, Nurse Practitioner/Clinical Nurse Specialist, Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

"Kate inspires everyone around her through her relentless advocacy for patients, her commitment to sharing knowledge, and her ability to empower others to overcome challenges in their health journeys."

Complex Care, Rehabilitation and Geriatrics

Cassia Vienneau, Registered Practical Nurse, Complex Care

"Cassia excels at building strong therapeutic relationships with her patients, taking the time to truly understand them as individuals to better meet their needs."

Mental Health Care

Reem Ubeid, Registered Nurse, Geriatric Psychiatry

“Reem's leadership is characterized by her courage in championing patient-centered care and her consistent display of respect, compassion and competence in all interactions.”

Team/Group Awards:

Colposcopy Clinic, St. Joseph’s Hospital

"This team's dedication to collaboration and support has not only transformed their clinic but also led to the successful launch of innovative pop-up pap clinics, providing vital care to those in need. Their unwavering commitment to each other and their patients exemplifies the power of teamwork in elevating community health. Together, they show that by lifting each other up, they can create meaningful change and empower lives."

Excellence in Leadership Award:

Sandra McFarlane, Medical Imaging Technologist, Diagnostic Imaging

“Sandra's leadership energized the team and fostered a positive atmosphere that will continue to thrive even after her tenure. Her commitment to education and excellence has made a lasting impact, both on our team and the field of mammography, setting a truly inspiring example and a high standard for us all.”

Excellence in Teaching and Coaching Award:

Denise Kreutzwiser, Pharmacist, Pharmacy Services

"Denise embodies the spirit of mentorship and innovation, transforming the pharmacy residency program into a beacon of excellence that empowers future pharmacists. Her unwavering dedication to teaching and collaboration inspires us all to strive for greatness in patient care and professional growth."

Excellence in Innovation and Evidence Based Care Award:

Samantha Matty, Consultant, Ontario Review Board

“Samantha's leadership shines through her ability to engage others in the pursuit of excellence. Her work in gender-affirming care and anti-oppressive practices has profoundly impacted the organization, showcasing the effectiveness of collaboration and critical thinking in achieving exceptional outcomes.”

Professional Practice Preceptor Excellence Awards

Preceptors are nominated by students, colleagues and leaders for their outstanding dedication and commitment to precepting at St. Joseph’s. The impact of their contribution has been felt by the staff, learners and the patients we serve.