Dr. Jocelyn Garland recognized by CCO with Human Touch award
Dr. Jocelyn Garland recognized by CCO with Human Touch award
Credit
Matthew Manor/KHSC

A physician with the Kingston Health Sciences Centre – Kingston General Hospital site recently received high praise for her work in going above and beyond in delivery of care for one of her patients. 

Last month, Dr. Jocelyn Garland, a KGH nephrologist and assistant professor at Queen’s University received the Human Touch Award in recognition of her exceptional work towards offering support, guidance, encouragement and lifting the spirits of the patients and families she’s encountered. 

“I am very honoured and humbled to receive such a prestigious award, in particular as it’s being given as a result of a nomination from a patient,” says Dr. Garland. “As a physician, sometimes I do not think that one realizes the impact one can have on others, and receiving this award is a great reminder for me as to what providing medical care is all about.”

Dr. Garland was nominated by the parent of a patient who described an instance where Dr. Garland went “over and above” to save her daughter’s life. While away from the office, Dr. Garland was contacted for her expertise to handle a complex case and she quickly took on a leadership role and directed a multispecialty team of experts. She was also an effective patient advocated who tapped into all possible resources and consulted with medical experts from around the world about the situation. 

While advocating medically for the patient, Dr. Garland also took the time to provide her with the human touch that was greatly needed during this time by “treating her like a real person”.

The Human Touch Awards are given by Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) on an annual basis and honour 10 healthcare professionals and volunteers from across Ontario who have made a positive impact in the cancer and kidney care communities.

“Healthcare professionals and volunteers play essential roles in Ontario’s cancer and kidney care systems,” says Michael Sherar, President and CEO of CCO. “It is important to recognize the individuals who go the extra mile to make a lasting impact in the lives of patients and their families. The celebration of their dedication and commitment helps promote efficient, safe, high-quality and compassionate care for all Ontarians.”

Since its inception in 2007, over 80 healthcare professionals and volunteers from Ontario’s cancer and kidney care communities have been recognized with a Human Touch Award. This isn’t the first time someone at the KGH site has won one of the awards. Patient Experience Advisor Marla Rosen won a Human Touch Award back in 2012 for her work advocating for cancer patients and families across the South East region.