Sault Area Hospital honours four local health care stars

The Sault Area Hospital (SAH) Board of Directors held its annual meeting Monday, where they presented the prestigious Dr. William Hutchinson Award. 

Recognizing distinguished contributions to health care in Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma, the 2024 recipient is Dr. Bhubendra Rasaiah, a longtime pathologist. 

A graduate of St. George’s Hospital Medical School, University of London, England, Rasaiah immigrated to Sault Ste. Marie in 1971, where he was the sole pathologist at SAH for 10 years. He later became chief pathologist/medical director.

“Dr. Rasaiah's influence extends far beyond his role as a pathologist,” said the board of directors in a news release. “His active involvement in research, with numerous publications in over 40 medical journals, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to advancing his profession.”

“Notably, his collaboration with the SAH Oncology Unit for breast cancer research studies, culminating in a significant publication in the Journal of Clinical Medicine in 2021, has further solidified his professional standing.”

The board also handed out its iCcare Awards, which 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 Hannah Ketchabaw, a pre-transplant coordinator and nephrology nurse with the Algoma Regional Renal Program.

“Hannah's commitment to expediting kidney transplants for her patients demonstrates the value of integrity,” the board of directors described. “She consistently aligns her words and deeds, instilling trust among those she serves in a field where time is critical and promises must be kept.”

“Compassion is at the core of Hannah's approach to patient care. She invests time and effort in establishing genuine connections with her patients, recognizing their unique circumstances and concerns, and providing empathetic care beyond medical realms.”

The physician award was presented to Sault Area Hospital emergency department physician, Dr. Laura Stone for her exceptional dedication to patient care and unwavering commitment to each individual she encounters.

“In critical situations such as code blues, code strokes, and traumas, Dr. Stone remains a pillar of strength. She is known for her quick thinking and exceptional performance under pressure. She prioritizes clear communication, ensuring patients, families, and staff are well-informed about treatment plans and interventions,” the board said.

“Respect is ingrained in Dr. Stone's practice. She treats every patient with dignity and compassion, regardless of their circumstances. She handles cases involving mental health and addiction with nonjudgmental care, actively seeking to provide resources and support. Additionally, she ensures cultural sensitivity by utilizing translator services and respecting diverse identities within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.”

Elspeth Belair received the volunteer award for her work at the Sault Area Hospital iCcare store.

According to the board, her dedication and commitment to her role have made her an integral part of the hospital community.

“As a volunteer, Elspeth holds herself accountable for her work, ensuring that the iCcare Store is well organized and stocked to meet the needs of the staff,” the board described. 

“Her dedication to maintaining a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone is a testament to her respect for the wellbeing and uniqueness of each individual. Moreover, her thoughtful engagement with the Project Search intern highlights her commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.”

At the Monday meeting, the board also thanked outgoing member, Peggy Storey-Inkster and welcomed new members; Erich Isopp, Frank Kennedy, Tim Lavoie, Sherri Smith and David Zuccato.