Registered Nurese Shahnaz Bassiri and Radiation Oncologist Dr. Alejandro Berlin are the winners of the 17th annual Gerald Kirsh Humanitarian Award at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.
They were chosen from among a group of eight staff and volunteers nominated by patients and their families for their exemplary service.
"It was (Shahnaz) that gently guided me to recovery. Not only did she care for my physical well-being, she also cared for my emotional and psychological well-being," said the anonymous patient who nominated Shahnaz.
"(Dr. Berlin's) ability … to see the situation with fresh eyes enabled us to proceed with the correct treatment. He will leave no stone unturned and spare no effort to make that happen," said another who nominated Dr. Berlin.
After experiencing wonderful personal care, the late Gerald Kirsh and his wife, Paula, along with their children, Jennifer, Jeff and Joel, wanted to do something that would honour staff in a meaningful way. Through the award's nomination process, patients and families have the opportunity to thank staff and volunteers who provide outstanding, compassionate care.
The 2017 winners were selected from a group of nominees that also included: Melissa Jageshar, Registered Nurse, Dr. Kimberley Miller, Psychiatrist, Harinder Parmar, Registered Nurse, Dr. Michael Reedijk, Surgical Oncologist, Dr. Srikala Sridhar, Medical Oncologist, and Dr. Santhosh Thyagu, Hematologist.
Staff, patients and their families are invited to nominate any Princess Margaret Cancer Centre employee or volunteer for exemplary, compassionate care. Please visit the
Kirsh Awards page to submit a nomination online, visit the Patient and Family Library at the Princess Margaret or e-mail
kirshawards@thepmcf.ca for more information.
