May 1 is National Physicians’ Day, known as Doctors’ Day in Ontario – a day to recognize the tireless work of physicians who care for patients and are the backbone of our health-care system. Whether serving in hospitals, private practices, long-term care homes, family health clinics, not-for-profit organizations, or academic institutions, physicians wear many hats as healers, carers, educators, leaders, and advocates for change.
At OntarioMD (OMD), we have worked alongside physicians for 20 years, seeing their dedication to going above and beyond for their patients and communities, despite the weight of administrative burden and the challenges of long hours and staffing shortages. Their commitment to health care is what spurred us to create the Luminary Awards, an annual tribute to Ontario physicians, clinicians and their staff who take the time to champion electronic medical records (EMRs) and other digital health tools to advance patient care.
On this Doctors’ Day, we salute our 2023 Luminary Award winners for exemplifying what it means to go ‘above and beyond’ in the areas of women’s leadership, advocacy, patient engagement, mentorship, and technology and compassion.
Dr. Payal Agarwal, Family Physician, Grand River Hospital and St. Mary’s General Hospital
- Winner – Woman Leader in Health Technology
Dr. Jocelyn Charles, Family Physician, Private Practice
- Winner – Advocacy
Dr. Xin Chong, Family Physician, Private Practice
- Winner – Woman Leader in Health Technology
Dr. John Crosby, Family Physician, Crosby Medicine Professional Corporation
- Winner – Patient Engagement
Dr. Lee Donohue, Family Physician, Private Practice
- Winner – Woman Leader in Health Technology
Dr. Keith Thompson, Family Physician, Private Practice
- Winner – Technology & Compassion
Dr. Brendan Trickey, Family Physician, Central Ottawa Family Medicine Associates
- Winner – Mentorship
We thank them for their unwavering efforts, patient-focused care, and commitment to digital health technology. Read more about this year’s Luminary Award winners and watch their videos. .
To all physicians, in and outside of Ontario, we extend a heartfelt thank you for the inspiration and hope you bring to our communities, when it matters most.
