National Physicians' Day: Celebrating our heroes

Today is National Physicians’ Day, a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of our physicians here at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH).  

Every day, we are reminded of the many ways our physicians, across all departments and disciplines, help us provide high-quality care in East Toronto and beyond. Their dedication to innovation, and collaboration with our community partners, ensures we set a high standard of excellence in integrated healthcare and support the best possible outcomes for our patients, their families and our community-at-large.   

Advancing Care at MGH

Our physicians are constantly finding ways to improve how healthcare is delivered. Over the past year, several of our physicians have played an important role in creating new services and enhancing existing ones – here are a few examples: 

Launch of Psychiatric Emergency Zone (PEZ)  

Last November, MGH opened its PEZ to transform how mental health and substance use care is delivered in the Stavro Emergency Department. Led by Dr. Jennifer Russel, Chief of Psychiatry, and her team, this zone provides dedicated psychiatric care and stabilization for patients. 

"The launch of this new care model is a direct response to higher patient volumes and the increasingly complex mental health needs of our community." — Dr. Jennifer Russel, Chief of Psychiatry.

Read more about our Psychiatric Emergency Zone here. 

A Second Life for Life-Saving Equipment  

MGH recently donated a former CT scanner to Coxwell Hospital in Nigeria, a community hospital founded by Dr. Leke Badmos, OB/GYN. This donation came to be when Dr. Badmos had a chance meeting with Dr. Noah Ditkofsky, Chief and Medical Program Director of Medical imaging, during the care of a shared patient. 

This donation will give patients at Coxwell Hospital a better chance at timely diagnosis and treatment. 
 
"This scanner has served patients in Toronto. Now it will continue serving patients in Nigeria. That continuity of care across borders is incredibly meaningful." — Dr. Leke Badmos, Obstetrician-Gynaecologist.  
 
Read the story of this global donation here. 

Holistic Support for Growing Families  

Our Family Practice Obstetricians (FPOBs) provide a unique, primary-care lens to the birthing experience. FBOPs  are family physicians who have received specialized training in obstetrics. By offering prenatal, labor, and postpartum care, they ensure that expectant parents and families feel supported and understood throughout pregnancy. 

 “It’s important we take time to get to know our patients and help create a pregnancy and birth plan that is grounded in evidence-based medicine and fits their values.” — Dr. Stephanie Godard, Director of Family Practice Obstetrics. 

Read more about our Family Practice Obstetricians here. 

This is just a glimpse of the incredible work our physicians are involved with at MGH. Their impact extends beyond patient care, with many dedicating time to research, teaching, mentoring and leadership. 

Recognition from peers

This year Post City recognized 37 MGH physicians in their Top Doctors list. This peer-nominated list recognizes physicians who show great leadership and a strong commitment to their patients. 

The People Behind the Care

Over the last year, we have profiled a few of our physicians and what they love about their work at MGH. Here’s a look back at what they had to say. 

	Dr. Susan MacKenzie As the Medical Director of Child and Youth Psychiatry, Dr. MacKenzie has been a driving force behind MGH’s responsive care for younger patients. She has helped launch vital initiatives like the Building Bridges program for school-avoidant youth.    "Working at MGH gives me a window into the challenges that normal East Toronto families face. I truly enjoy working with my patients and helping to shift the trajectory of their mental health, even if it's just a little bit."     Read Dr. MacKenzie’s full story here.
	Dr. Celia Atkinson As Chief of Paediatrics and Medical Co-Director of Maternal, Newborn and Child Services, Dr. Atkinson leads paediatric care at MGH. She is focused on building and advancing the program in East Toronto.    "There is nothing more stressful to a parent than having a sick child. To be able to help a family navigate this difficult time is the greatest privilege."     Read Dr. Atkinson’s full story here.
	Dr. Noah Ditkofsky As Chief and Medical Program Director of Medical Imaging, Dr. Ditkofsky leads the radiology program, providing diagnostic support for many departments in the hospital. He has helped implement 24/7 CT coverage in the Emergency Department, significantly improving patient safety and wait times.    "A radiologist is almost invisible to the patient, but they form such an important foundation for the provision of that care...When I think about MGH’s values, integrity resonates with me most. My dad always told me there are two things no one can take from you, your education and your word. I’m very cognizant of the fact that my words matter and my words go into patients’ charts. Integrity guides how I lead, how I care for patients and how I support my team. When I commit to something, I follow through. "     Read Dr. Ditkofsky’s full story here.

We thank all our physicians for their expertise, compassion and care in all they do. It is our privilege that they choose to practice at MGH and we are immensely grateful for all of their hard work!