Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) Auxiliary continues to play an essential role in strengthening patient care, contributing more than $200,000 in gifts in 2025 to support priority equipment and clinical enhancements across the organization.

Patients rely on RVH to deliver high-quality care close to home, and the Auxiliary’s grassroots commitment to addressing areas of greatest need helps make that possible every day.

From the simplest of needs like linen hampers, commodes, cushions, and medication carts that helped Team RVH and our patients through this past winter’s challenging respiratory season to cardiac monitors and gynecological equipment that allow RVH to continue to expand women’s health services in our community, the Auxiliary’s support is felt throughout the health centre.

Additional items purchased with this gift include:

• Specialized applicators to deliver localized radiation treatment for Radiation Oncology
• Stress-testing treadmills for Cardiorespiratory Diagnostics
• Walkers for Physiotherapy
• Wheelchairs for Occupational Therapy
• Probes for the Intensive Care unit

These investments reflect the Auxiliary’s deep connection to the community and its longstanding commitment to improving experiences for patients and care partners. Through bake sales, bazaars, 50/50 draws, auctions, and their businesses – Cafe Royale, Victoria’s Gift Shop and the Lotto Booth – the Auxiliary not only brings community together, it strengthens it.

Find out more about the RVH Auxiliary and how to get involved at Our Auxiliary.

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The annual, peer-nominated awards recognize staff and teams who go above and beyond to deliver exceptional patient care, demonstrate outstanding leadership, and embody MAHC’s values in meaningful and impactful ways. From everyday acts of compassion to innovative approaches that strengthen care delivery, the awards shine a light on the people who make a difference across the organization.

This year marked an exciting evolution of the program, with the introduction of three new individual awards including the Staff Leadership Award and the Credentialed Staff Clinical Excellence Award, as well as two new team categories: the Extraordinary Caring Team Award and the Collaborative Team Award. These additions reflect MAHC’s continued commitment to recognizing excellence across all areas of care and teamwork.

“These awards are about more than recognition—they are about celebrating the extraordinary dedication and compassion our teams bring to patient care every single day,” said Dave Uffelmann, Chair of the MAHC Board of Directors. “They provide an opportunity for staff to recognize one another and highlight the incredible moments of leadership, collaboration, innovation, and kindness in supporting patients, families, and our communities. Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees and award recipients.”

The winners of the 2026 Board of Excellence awards are:

• Staff Excellence Awards –
  • The late Georgina (Ginny) Metcalf, Unit Aide
  • Laura Weston, RN, ICU
  • Steven Lui, Charge Respiratory Therapist

• Credentialed Staff Clinical Excellence Award – Dr. Nick Biasutti, Chief Medical Information Officer

• Staff Leadership Award – Anthony Caradonna, Clinical Leader, Emergency Department
• Credentialed Staff Leadership Award – Dr. Carmen Baker, Physician, Rehab/Stroke
• Extraordinary Caring Team Award – ICU Team
• Collaborative Team Award – Mammography Team

A particularly heartfelt moment of the evening was the recognition of award recipient Ginny Metcalfe, whose impact continues to be deeply felt across South Muskoka Memorial Hospital. Ginny, who passed away earlier this year, was remembered as a bright light known for her enthusiasm, kindness, and unwavering compassion for both patients and colleagues. Whether bringing joy as Mrs. Claus or offering support in everyday moments, she had a remarkable ability to make people smile. Ginny received three separate nominations in recognition of the difference she made.

MAHC is also proud to recognize all nominees for their dedication to delivering exceptional care and contributing to a positive, supportive culture across the organization.

Individual Nominations

• Aaron Hammond, Maintenance

• Aimee Brodie, Senior Imaging Technologist
• Alyson Frausel, Human Resources Business Partner
• Carter Veitch, Ward Clerk
• Bert Fazackerley, Environmental Services Aide
• Dr. Luke Wu, Physician, ICU
• Emily Staughton, RN, Obstetrics
• Fiorella Ceglie, Environmental Services Aide
• Grant Waymouth, Central Patient Scheduling & Registration Clerk
• Jenna Fiorini, RN, Emergency Department
• Jenny Pidlubney, Team Leader, Emergency Department
• Jonathan Clarke, Respiratory Therapist
• Kali Robinson, Team Leader, ICU
• Kelly Dawson, Team Leader, Surgical Services
• Kim Bauer, RN, Emergency Department.
• Leanne Gray, Director, Human Resources
• Lee-Anne Murphy, RN, Med/Surg
• Lindsay Bishop, Manager, Surgical Services & MDRD
• Lorrie McManus, Nurse & Technician, OR
• Marilyne Gagnon, Lead Hand, Environmental Services
• Miranda Ralph, Activation Coordinator
• Pauline Pearsall, Senior Lab Technologist
• Sheila Quinton, RN, Emergency Department
• Tristin Sutherland, Med-Surgery

Team Nominations

• Infection Prevention and Control Unit
• OPSEU Paramedical Bargaining Team
• Ontario Telemedicine Network Team
• Transitional Care Unit
• Emergency Department, South Muskoka Memorial Hospital

Past recipients are also posted on the MAHC website.

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Dr. Anoushka Mohammadiankhorasani (Dr. Mo), a primary care physician, will begin serving the community starting in July, with a new medical practice located at the Ramara Medical Centre in Brechin. This marks a significant milestone in improving access to local primary health care in Ramara.

“Access to primary care is essential to the health and well-being of our community. Improving access to in-person health care for Ramara residents has remained a key priority for Council,” said Mayor Basil Clarke. “Welcoming Dr. Mohammadiankhorasani to Ramara is a significant step toward ensuring residents can access the care they need, closer to home. We are deeply grateful to our partners at the Couchiching Ontario Health Team and Orillia & Lake Country Physician Recruitment Committee for their advocacy, leadership and collaboration throughout this process.”

As an underserved rural municipality, many Ramara residents have faced challenges accessing primary care close to home, often travelling outside the community, with a significant number of individuals and families currently without a regular primary care provider.

“Primary care is the foundation of a strong health-care system,” said Dr. Kim McIntosh, Primary Care Physician Lead for the Couchiching Ontario Health Team. “Through the collaborative efforts of the Couchiching Ontario Health Team, Primary Care Network, the Township of Ramara, and the Orillia & Lake Country Physician Recruitment Committee, we are building a healthier community and strengthening our local health-care system by connecting people to the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”

Dr. Mo is a family physician with more than 12 years experience practicing in Iran and Canada including maternity and newborn care, adolescent, elderly and mental-health care. Prior to arriving in Ramara, she completed a clinical field assessment in Alliston. Dr. Mo will be providing inpatient and emergency care at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital in addition to her family practice in Ramara.

“I am excited to be joining the Ramara community and look forward to building relationships with patients and families in the area,” said Dr. Mohammadiankhorasani. “Providing care in a rural community offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact, and I am pleased to become part of such a welcoming and supportive community.”

The new medical practice in Ramara will operate as part of the Couchiching Ontario Health Team, Primary Care Network (PCN), where local health-care providers work together to enhance access to high-quality, integrated services. Through this partnership, allied health professionals from the Couchiching Family Health Team will support services in Ramara, helping to better serve the needs of local residents.

How to Register/Roster with Dr. Mo

Residents of Ramara who are interested in being rostered with Dr. Mo are encouraged to register through Health Care Connect.

Phone: 1-800-445-1822 or call 811
Website: ontario.ca/HealthCareConnect

Residents who are already attached to a primary health care provider outside of the region and are interested in becoming a patient of the new physician in Ramara are encouraged to register with Health Care Connect. Patients do not need to de-roster from their current physician to go on the Health Care Connect list. While all registrations are welcome, priority will be given to Ramara residents as part of this local physician recruitment initiative.

In addition, the COHT and OLCPR continue their efforts to secure a second physician to practise alongside Dr. Mo in Ramara. This recruitment has been part of the Practice Ready Ontario Program, a program pathway for internationally trained physicians to practice in Ontario in rural and remote communities.

With the introduction of in-person physician services, the Good Doctors virtual care clinic will no longer be operating at the Ramara Medical Centre effective June 17, 2026. This will provide time for the new practice to be established.

For more information on health-care service options in Ramara, visit ramara.ca/HealthCare.

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Located at the heart of the health centre, the new space reflects RVH’s commitment to becoming a regional academic health sciences centre, where education, innovation and care come together to improve patient outcomes.

Inside, glass-walled rooms and shared spaces make learning visible. Simulation labs, observation areas and flexible classrooms are designed to mirror real hospital environments, so teams can train in settings that feel familiar and real.

Here, teams can work through complex situations in a realistic setting. Using high-fidelity mannequins and virtual reality, they can respond to emergency scenarios, refine decision-making and learn together in a safe, controlled environment.

That preparation matters, because when teams are confident and ready, patients benefit.

“Every day, our teams show up ready to care for this region,” said Gail Hunt, President and CEO. “This centre is our commitment to them — to give them the tools, space and support to keep learning, to keep growing and to keep delivering the best possible care. When we invest in our people, we strengthen care for every patient who walks through our doors.”

The Centre for Integrated Learning brings healthcare professionals together across disciplines. Physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, and learners train side by side, building the communication, trust and teamwork that are essential in high-pressure situations.

It is also where experienced teams hone their skills and mentor the next generation. Students, residents and new staff learn alongside those who have done it before, building confidence and skills that carry into patient care.

“When we invest in education, the impact grows far beyond one moment or one patient,” said Dr. Jeffrey Tyberg, Chief of Staff and Vice-President, Academic and Medical Affairs. “When experienced team members share their knowledge and mentor others, that expertise carries forward. It creates a ripple effect, strengthening teams and improving care for hundreds of patients over time. That is how we continue to raise the standard of care across our region.”

The centre supports hands-on, team-based learning across programs. Teams can practise the moments they experience every day, assessing patients, making decisions, communicating clearly and working together to provide safe, effective care. It also prepares them for the moments they may see less often, but where every second matters, including trauma, cardiac emergencies and other complex situations.

Each year, RVH supports hundreds of learners and provides thousands of hours of hands-on training. This new space expands that work, helping teams build skills, strengthen decision-making and continue growing throughout their careers.

It also strengthens RVH’s ability to attract and train the healthcare professionals our region needs, now and into the future.

The Centre for Integrated Learning is fully donor funded and made possible through the generosity of the community.

A $1 million gift from Innovative Automation, a Barrie-based company and global leader in advanced manufacturing technologies, is helping bring virtual reality and immersive learning tools into the hands of care teams within this new space, helping to transform how medical education is delivered. Their contribution, along with others to the RVH Foundation’s Keep Life Wild campaign, is helping advance RVH’s role as a regional leader in learning, innovation, and clinical excellence.

This new centre is more than a place to learn. It reflects who RVH is becoming: an academic health sciences centre where learning is part of everyday care, and where that commitment leads to better outcomes for patients and families, close to home.

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Drinking water safety for private wells

• Private wells are at higher risk of contamination during floods, and any well can become unsafe. A prolonged power outage can cause your well pump and any treatment devices to stop working.

• If flood water reaches or covers your well head, assume the water is not safe to drink.
• Follow all drinking water advisories and only use safe water sources until your well has been properly tested and confirmed safe.

• If you experience a power outage, once the power is restored, flush the lines, by letting the water for five minutes and check treatment devices (i.e., UV lights) to ensure everything is running properly.
• Test your water. Private well owners can test their water free of charge. Sample bottles can be picked up and dropped off at many of our health unit offices.

• Until the safety of your drinking water is confirmed through testing, use commercially bottled water.
• If bottled water is unavailable, boil water for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, or cleaning.

Use only safe drinking water for:

• Making ice, juice, coffee, tea, and infant formula (ready-to-serve infant formula is safest if water safety is a concern).
• Cooking and washing fruits and vegetables.
• Brushing teeth and washing hands.
• Dishwashing (for extra safety, add a capful of bleach to a sink full of clear water for rinsing dishes).

Municipal drinking water is safe, treated and continuously monitored, even during power outages or flooding, and you will be notified right away if there is ever a concern with water quality.

Food safety

Flood water can carry silt, sewage, oil and chemicals, which can make food and water unsafe. Any food that touches contaminated flood water should be thrown out. Even packages that look dry may be unsafe if water has soaked in. Loss of power can also cause refrigerated and frozen foods to spoil. All food should be checked carefully before using it.

• Perishable foods such as meat, poultry, dairy, fish, and eggs must be thrown out if stored above 4°C (40°F) for more than two hours, as bacteria can grow quickly.
• A full chest freezer will keep food frozen for up to 48 hours without power; a half-full freezer will keep food frozen for approximately 24 hours.
• If food has thawed, it should be thrown out.
• Remember: If in doubt, throw it out.

For more information on emergency preparedness, visit smdhu.org or call 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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The Orillia FMTU was established in 2025 through a partnership between Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) and the Department of Family and Community Medicine (DFCM) at the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine.

“It’s an exciting time, both for the residents and for us,” said Dr. Heather Laakso, co‑site director of the Orillia FMTU, alongside Dr. Erika Catford.

“With nine residents — five first‑year and four second‑year — you really begin to see the compounding impact of the program, welcoming new learners each year while preparing our second‑year residents to transition into full‑time practice.”

Each year, a national matching process connects graduating medical students with residency programs aligned with their training requirements. The two‑year residency offered through the Orillia FMTU is geared toward Family Medicine and is the final step before residents become fully licensed physicians.

Several of the incoming residents bring local experience to the program, including Dr. Kush Patel of Huntsville, ON. Dr. Patel attended the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, where he completed his first clinical placement with the Couchiching Family Health Team (CFHT) in Orillia.

“This was where I first started to recognize my passion for Family Medicine,” said Dr. Patel.

“While completing additional rotations with the CFHT and OSMH this past year, I knew I wanted to complete my residency with Orillia’s FMTU. I’ll be training in a strong, supportive learning environment while living in a close‑knit community with a great food and sports scene that truly feels like home.”

Fellow first‑year residents Dr. Sophia Bucciol and Dr. Rebecca Stokes also bring a blend of local connections and overseas training.

“Having grown up spending summers in the area and later travelling abroad to Ireland for medical training with the goal of returning, it feels especially meaningful to be back,” said Dr. Bucciol.

Dr. Stokes, who also trained in Ireland and spent summers growing up in Orillia, echoed that sentiment.

“I am thrilled to be returning to the community to begin my residency training,” said Dr. Stokes. “I have always been fond of Orillia’s strong sense of community and I look forward to contributing to it throughout my training.”

The two other first-year residents starting in 2026 are Dr. Mohamed Haidar Osman Iesa and Dr. Angela Chioma Onojedje.  

Another indicator of the FMTU’s growth is the increasing number of local physicians who have obtained academic appointments through the DFCM at the University of Toronto. These appointments enable physicians to serve as clinical preceptors and mentors to residents.

“It’s about shared learning, and it speaks volumes about the culture of collaboration within our medical community,” said Dr. Kim McIntosh, Chief of Staff at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.

“We now have more than 40 credentialed physicians — both family doctors and specialists — actively contributing to the education and development of the physician workforce of tomorrow.”

The FMTU operates out of newly renovated, purpose‑built space at the Friden Health and Wellness Centre, designed to support hands‑on clinical training. Residents provide care to a roster of patients under the supervision and mentorship of experienced local family physicians.  By embedding medical education within the community, the program strengthens residents’ connections to the region and increases the likelihood that graduates will choose to practice locally.

For more information about the Orillia FMTU or to inquire about becoming a patient, please visit the FMTU page on the OSMH website.

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Patients across Simcoe Muskoka can now access advanced lung testing closer to home at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH), thanks to new technology and expanded services.

The health centre has introduced a new, minimally invasive procedure that helps care teams diagnose lung conditions, including lung cancer, with greater accuracy. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Canada, making timely diagnosis critical.

“Bringing this technology and expanding our program is a big step forward for our region,” said Leanne Weeks, Vice President, Clinical, and Chief Nursing Executive at RVH. “For patients, this means faster answers, fewer repeat procedures and the ability to begin treatment sooner. In the past, many patients had to travel to larger centres, including Toronto, for this type of specialized testing.”

The new technology, called Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS), is a minimally invasive day procedure that allows doctors to examine the lungs and nearby lymph nodes using ultrasound technology. During the procedure, a thin camera and ultrasound probe are gently guided through the airway into the lungs. This allows physicians to see areas that cannot be seen with traditional bronchoscopy and take precise biopsy samples when needed.

EBUS can help diagnose several conditions, including lung cancer, infections and inflammatory lung diseases.

The addition of Rapid On-Site Evaluation (ROSE) makes the procedure even more efficient. A cytologist—a laboratory specialist trained to examine cells and tissue samples—is present in the procedure room to assess samples immediately and confirm whether enough tissue has been collected for an accurate diagnosis. If more tissue is needed, additional samples can be taken during the same procedure, reducing the need for patients to return for repeat testing.

“This is a great example of how our clinical and pathology teams work together to improve care,” said Dr. Ali Malik, Respirologist, and Interventional Pulmonologist at RVH. “Having that level of expertise available during the procedure ensures adequate diagnostic material, minimizes procedure time, and prevents need for repeat procedures. It helps us move more quickly from suspicion of disease to diagnosis, treatment and follow-up—so patients can get answers and begin the next steps in their care sooner.”

Not all hospitals in Ontario that offer EBUS also provide ROSE, making this an important advancement for patients in Simcoe Muskoka.

To support this work, RVH has expanded its endoscopy program with the addition of a fourth procedure room. The new space will allow the hospital to perform about 2,600 more endoscopy procedures each year, improving access to important diagnostic tests.

By increasing capacity, RVH is also creating more space for specialized procedures and growing programs.

“These advancements are helping ensure people in our region can access leading-edge lung care sooner and closer to home, keeping them connected to their families and support systems,” said Weeks. “As our community continues to grow, expanding access to advanced diagnostics and treatment is essential.”

The procedures are currently performed several times each week at RVH, with plans to complete up to 240 procedures a year.

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Under Dr. Abdel-Razek’s leadership, MAHC has made notable strides in advancing quality care, investing in professional development for physicians, and strengthening clinical services. His tenure saw the modernization of the Hospitalist Program, resulting in improved patient care coverage and responsiveness across sites. He also championed the establishment of a formal Quality of Care Committee and the creation of two dedicated Quality Lead roles, reinforcing MAHC’s commitment to continuous quality improvement.

In addition, MAHC achieved measurable improvements in operational performance, including reductions in patient length of stay supporting more efficient and effective care delivery. Dr. Abdel-Razek also played a key role in expanding physician leadership capacity, developing innovative programs, and advancing priorities in clinical care, utilization, regional partnerships, capital redevelopment, and medical affairs—further positioning MAHC for ongoing success.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Abdel-Razek for his exceptional leadership and commitment to patient care,” said Dave Uffelmann, Chair of the Board of Directors. “His vision and dedication have helped shape a culture of development, excellence, and continuous improvement across our organization.”

MAHC’s Board of Directors will initiate a recruitment process for the next Chief of Staff in the coming weeks. A selection committee, including representatives from credentialed staff, will guide the process. “We are grateful for Dr. Abdel-Razek’s lasting impact on our organization and the communities we serve,” added Uffelmann. “We wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.”

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare remains committed to working closely with its partners to ensure a seamless transition and continued delivery of safe, high-quality care across the region.

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This essential upgrade enhances the reliability and resilience of the hospital’s electrical systems, ensuring faster, seamless transitions to emergency power when required. These advancements support uninterrupted care delivery and further strengthen patient safety, comfort, and confidence during unexpected power events.

“The successful installation of the Automatic Transfer Switch is an important advancement for South Muskoka Memorial Hospital.” said Cheryl Harrison, President & CEO, “These infrastructure improvements strengthen our ability to provide safe, reliable care and underscore our continued investment in the future of our hospital and the communities we serve. We are grateful to our dedicated staff whose professionalism and teamwork helped ensure the success of this project.”

MAHC extends sincere thanks to all staff, physicians, partners, and contractors for their hard work, dedication, and collaboration throughout this process. Staff professionalism and commitment ensured that patient care continued safely and effectively during the temporary disruption. Their efforts were instrumental in delivering this project successfully.

MAHC also thanks patients, families, and community members for their patience and understanding during the planned outage. The successful completion of this upgrade reflects MAHC’s ongoing commitment to investing in infrastructure improvements that support high-quality, dependable care for the communities it serves.

For more information, please visit www.mahc.ca

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