Kingston Health Sciences Centre’s (KHSC) Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) has presented two local health care professionals with the organization’s Exceptional Healer Award during a ceremony today at the Kingston General Hospital site.
Launched in 2017, the award is presented each year to two health care professionals who exemplify patient- and family-centred care. This year’s winners are Carolyn Knuude, Speech Language Pathologist, and Dr. Jay Engel, Surgical Oncologist. Both were nominated by their patients and colleagues for going above and beyond to ensure patients feel heard, respected, and supported during their care journey.
Knuude is celebrated for her extraordinary compassion, collaboration, respect and dedication to improving the lives of patients facing complex communication and swallowing challenges. Her ability to listen, advocate and connect across disciplines and with families exemplifies what it means to be an Exceptional Healer.
“I’ve always hoped that in my lifetime, I would be able to make some kind of a difference in the world – but I’ve often wondered if I would ever do anything meaningful enough to truly make an impact. Receiving the award is a deeply emotional and validating moment for me – not just as a clinician, but as a person,” shared Knuude. “It made me feel seen in a role that’s often behind the scenes. To know that the heart, effort and intention I bring to my work every day resonated with others – it reminded me that healing isn’t always about the grand gestures. Sometimes it’s about the small, consistent moments of care, presence and connection and being recognized for that means more than I can put into words.”
Dr. Engel was recognized for the calm, compassionate and thorough care he provides to patients facing breast cancer. His clear communication, attentiveness and gentle approach has helped patients navigate difficult decisions and complex procedures with confidence and comfort.
“Being awarded the Exceptional Healer Award at the end of a long career is hugely rewarding,” shared Engel. “The diagnosis of cancer comes with fear of the unknown outcome and treatment. To meet with a cancer patient, explain the diagnosis, treatment, answer all their questions and feel their stress reducing as they place their trust in you is amazing. We give them hope.”
The award specifically focuses on nominees that demonstrate empathy, listening and respond to patient needs by involving families in care decisions, and fostering collaboration across the care team. All of which are core to the principles of patient centred care.
“Every year, this award celebrates a doctor, nurse, or allied health professional at KHSC who really lives out the values of dignity, respect, sharing information, involving patients, and working together,” says Patti Cox, co-chair of the Exceptional Healer Award Committee.
“These are the people who are not only skilled, but also approachable, empathetic, and team focused. Everyone at KHSC works hard to support patients, but Exceptional Healer nominees really go the extra mile and set the bar for what great care looks like,” added Sue Bedell, co-chair of the Exceptional Healer Award Committee and the founder of the award.
Nominations for the Exceptional Healer Award are accepted by PFAC at @email throughout the year with the recipients being announced each year during Patient Experience Week.
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