Lakeridge Health Preceptor Awards - Lakeridge Health Foundation

On October 31^st, Lakeridge Health’s annual Celebration of Teaching and Learning took place, including the presentation of the 2024 Preceptor Awards.

The Preceptor Awards recognize the medical experts who devote their time and effort to training students at Lakeridge Health’s Hospitals and other facilities.

As part of this celebration, Lakeridge Health Foundation is pleased to work with Lakeridge Health’s Academic Affairs department to present the Dr. Hak Ming Chiu Award for Strategic Contribution to Education and the Debbie Chiu Research Into Practice Award. These awards are made possible thanks to the establishment of the Dr. Hak Ming and Deborah Chiu Education & Research Award Endowment Fund.

Dr. Chiu and his wife Debbie spent more than 40 years building their careers at Lakeridge Health’s Oshawa Hospital – Debbie as a nurse and Dr. Chiu as one of the first trained Haematologists coming out of the University of Toronto and one of the first oncologists to practice in this community. Dr. Chiu’s pioneering work in haematologic and medical oncology was the foundation on which the R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre (DRCC) was built. The Dr. Hak Ming Chiu Award recognizes an individual or group who has made significant contributions to Lakeridge Health’s academic vision and mission. This year, we are excited to recognize Dr. Adam Pyle.

Dr. Pyle has helped advance teaching and learning at Lakeridge Health in several ways. This includes his commitment to interprofessional teaching and involvement in guiding nurse practitioner and physician students, as well as medical students and residents. Dr. Pyle also played a key role in establishing and organizing the Lakeridge Health Emergency Department Experience (LHEDE).

Now in its second year, the LHEDE program seeks to orient, support and empower new Emergency Department (ED) physicians as they integrate into this unpredictable field of practice. The program has supported the development of essential skills and knowledge in physicians wishing to practice Emergency Medicine safely and effectively.

“I am honoured and grateful to receive the Dr. Hak Ming Chiu Award,” says Dr. Pyle.

“At a time when many emergency departments (ED) in Ontario have been forced to close their doors during times of staffing shortages, Lakeridge Health has actually grown its ED workforce through focused education and mentorship. The LHEDE program and its participants are an example of that. I am humbled by the immense legacy Dr. Chiu has left to many health care providers and institutions.”

The Debbie Chiu Research into Practice Award recognizes a teammate who leads, conducts or reviews research that impacts a clinical or non-clinical practice in their field. We are thrilled to announce Jaclyn McLeod, Director of Health Aging, Lakeridge Gardens, as this year’s recipient for her work bringing the End PJ Paralysis initiative to Lakeridge Health.

Jaclyn was inspired by an international initiative that help reduces the negative impacts of immobility in hospitalized patients by encouraging them to get out of bed and dress in everyday clothes. Research shows that getting people up and moving shortens hospital stays, and helps them feel more comfortable. The initiative has helped improve patient outcomes, including being more active and getting home sooner.

Since the initiation of this program a few months ago, the number of Lakeridge Health patients becoming more active three or more times a day has increased from 30 to 60 per cent.

“My team and I are so very thankful to have had the opportunity to bring the ‘End PJ Paralysis’ initiative to Lakeridge Health,” shares Jaclyn. “The support we have received at every interval has been invaluable. This recognition is especially meaningful as it speaks to Lakeridge Health’s ongoing commitment to patient centred care and empowering people to live their best health.”

Congratulations to Dr. Pyle, Jaclyn, and the rest of the 2024 Preceptor Award recipients!