The Sault Area Hospital Board of Directors presented the prestigious Dr. William Hutchinson Award, which recognizes distinguished contributions to health care in Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma.
This year it went to Dr. Ehsan Mohammadi, also an SAH emergency department physician.
He began his career at SAH as a locum in June 2001, moved to active staff in August 2002, and became the medical director of the emergency department from 2003-2008.
He’s also a member of the Medical Advisory Committee, working tirelessly at creating policies and protocols to advance emergency medicine care.
Dr. Mohammadi has been a NOSM university professor since its inception and for the last 15 years, he has been the clinical preceptor and medical education leader in the emergency department.
“He consistently has the patient’s best interests at heart and strives to provide the highest quality of care,” said SAH. “According to his colleagues, he is a pleasure to work with, leading by example with enthusiasm and positivity on every shift.“
SAH also handed out its iCcare Awards at its annual meeting Monday.
The awards are given to one employee, one volunteer and one physician who consistently demonstrate the values of SAH – Integrity, Compassion, Collaboration and Partnership, Accountability, Respect and Excellence.
The employee award went to Sarah Dunlop, a registered nurse in the emergency department.
Dunlop is described as caring, kind, respectful, honest and an excellent listener.
“She understands that many patients come to the emergency department feeling frightened and she takes the time to listen to their concerns and provide comfort and reassurance,” said SAH in a news release. “Often, she is able to help people feel at ease during their most vulnerable and unpredictable time of their life.”
“A natural leader, her colleagues look up to her and turn to her when they have questions or concerns. Sarah leads by example and makes her team want to live up to her altruistic nature.”
The volunteer award was presented to Abby Obenchain, who has been an active volunteer since 2020 – contributing over 185 hours to SAH – at first in the Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) resource pool and then becoming an active member of the Corporate PFAC.
“Abby is consistently looking to represent the voice of vulnerable, at risk, and under-represented patients and families,” SAH describes. “Abby demonstrates true partnership when collaborating with other staff, physicians, and volunteers.”
“She has a passion for system-level thinking in healthcare and always considers the patients as well as frontline staff in decision-making.”
Dr. Adam Parent – a knowledgeable and skilled emergency department doctor – received the physician award.
According to SAH, his friendly demeanour allows him to develop instant rapport with patients, colleagues and learners.
“He takes the time to carefully listen to his patients, empathizing with their concerns and provides comfort and reassurance during moments of vulnerability,” it said. “He clearly communicates diagnoses, treatments, and potential outcomes; he always upholds ethical standards in his practice.”
“He consistently looks for ways to help others. He speaks with patients in a calm manner, often using humour and humility.”