The Hospital Hero program reminds us that kindness is at the centre of care

For many, a hospital visit can be a particularly stressful experience—its corridors and patient rooms may be fraught with memories of illness and even loss. Naturally, these visits can be challenging to navigate without support, or at least some kindness to lighten the mood. That’s why, at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), staff understand that patient care is about more than medicine, and compassion goes a long way.

Over the years, patients and their families began expressing a desire to recognize the doctors who provided them lifesaving care or the hospital staff who helped make their stay more comfortable. This is what led to the creation of the MUHC Foundation’s Hospital Hero program in 2008, a way to honour those who leave a special mark on patients and their loved ones. Hospital Heroes receive a special hero pin that they can wear with pride and a thank you card letting them know a donation was made in their honour.

“Heroes walk the halls of the MUHC every day. Whether it’s a physician, nurse, hospital staff member or volunteer, someone who provides exceptional care or goes above the call of duty can be nominated as a Hospital Hero,” explains Marie-Hélène Laramée, President and CEO of the MUHC Foundation.

Dr. Dominique Shum-Tim, an MUHC cardiac surgeon, was recently recognized by a familiar face: The Montrealer’s own Peter Kerr, who was informed that he would have a fatal heart attack unless he received a quadruple bypass surgery. The surgery went exceptionally well, with Dr. Shum-Tim present through every challenging moment. It’s what led Peter to nominate Dr. Shum-Tim as a Hospital Hero.

“Dr. Shum-Tim saved my life and gave me a future. I feel so lucky that I was able to receive this lifesaving care so close to home. In addition to his surgical skills, I wanted to recognize his immense compassion throughout the entire process,” shares Peter.

Lorna Coppin, who worked in ambulatory services for over 30 years, including the MUHC Breast Clinic and administration, and who is now retired, was nominated multiple times by grateful patients. Known for her infectious positivity, she has brought joy to countless patients, families, and colleagues throughout her career at the MUHC.

“Being nominated as a Hospital Hero by patients is so very special. When you work in a hospital for over three decades, you meet a lot of people navigating some very challenging moments, it’s an extremely vulnerable place. We all play an important role in ensuring patients and loved ones feel safe, supported, and seen,” reflects Lorna.

Dr. David Fleiszer, a surgical oncologist at the MUHC, is one of the most recognized nominees of the Hospital Hero program, having been pinned over 300 times. Most of these nominations have come from patients and their loved ones, who are grateful for the compassionate care they have received at the MUHC’s Breast Clinic, where he treats patients with breast cancer.

“Being recognized by patients is an incredible honour, and it points to the impact that our entire team—from volunteers to nurses and everyone involved in treatment—has on the patient experience. Breast cancer is a very challenging diagnosis, and you can make a real difference for patients just by being there, creating a safe space, and lending them a hand or an ear," shares Dr. Fleiszer.

A regular friendly face at the MUHC is Christopher Jasiel, a dedicated cafeteria staffer who reminds us that not all Hospital Heroes wear laboratory coats. Having been recently nominated twice in one month, Chris’ smile and engaging personality have been brightening the days of patients in the hospital for over 23 years. He is recognized for consistently going out of his way to brighten the mood in the Glen site cafeteria, where he is often seen making people laugh or pausing the line to help a patient carry their tray to their lunch table.

“The Glen site cafeteria is a gathering space. Everyone passes through here, including folks who are going through some of their most challenging days at the hospital. If I can make those days even a little bit lighter, if I can keep them from ruminating while waiting in line to pay for their lunch, then of course I’ll try and do that,” explains Chris.

Nurse manager Sara Angers, who runs the Operating Room (OR) at the Glen site, has also been nominated as Hospital Hero for her inspiring dedication to the wellbeing of both patients and staff. As an OR nurse, she reflects on the importance of her role in the operating room:

“A lot of my actions as an OR nurse require planning and coordinating with the surgeons. Every action has a reaction and you have to know what you are doing as you have someone’s life in your hands. I am the patient’s advocate in that room—he or she is my priority.”

Since 2008, the MUHC Foundation has raised over $1.6 million through its Hospital Hero program, with 6,719 heroes pinned. This lovely initiative has brought countless joy to patients, loved ones, and hospital staff alike, while also supporting vital initiative across the hospital.

“This program is so special because it reminds us of the collective role we all play in improving patient care at the MUHC. Recognizing a staff member who goes above and beyond is a meaningful way to make a difference, and a donation made in their honour helps strengthen the future of care at our hospital. At the heart of the Hospital Hero program is kindness, which can be a truly powerful catalyst for change,” shares Marie-Hélène Laramée.

If you feel someone made a meaningful difference in your care, you can express your gratitude by making a donation in their honour to the MUHC Foundation’s Hospital Hero program. It’s one small gesture that creates immediate impact, directly funding innovative hospital programs and improving lifesaving care for every patient that walks through the MUHC’s doors.

Nominate your Hospital Hero.