NHKI Research Day underscores the importance of community in improving healthcare

Recognizing research excellence

The work of Niagara Health researchers was also spotlighted with the presentation of the annual Research Awards. A new award was introduced this year to recognize NHKI research staff, joining the Medical Staff Association Physician Research Award and the Dr. Johan Viljoen Staff Research Award.

“The award winners really embody the heart of who we are at Niagara Health,” said Elaina Orlando, NHKI Research Manager and Research Day organizer. “They are each exceptionally skilled at their jobs, but they also go above and beyond to ensure our team and our organization are successful, doing so with kindness and humility.”

Clinical Research Co-ordinator Kailee Morrison was the inaugural recipient of the NHKI Research Staff Award. Morrison played a key role in establishing and growing the thrombosis research program, while stepping in to support other clinical research at Niagara Health. She also “exemplifies a commitment to capacity building by consistently acting as a positive mentor for new staff and students,” said Dr. Jennifer Tsang, NHKI Executive Director and Chief Scientist, who presented the award.

Intensivist Dr. Natascha Ovtcharenko received the Physician Research Award for her efforts as one of the physician co-leads of the Critical Care Research Program. In that role, she has acted as a co-investigator on seven national multi-centre clinical trials in critical care. She also supported clinical research co-ordinators across eight programs, ensuring their research order sets were optimally and effectively built into the new Hospital Information System (HIS).

Niagara Health Chief of Staff Dr. Kevin Chan with Fatima Mehmood, an applications analyst who won the Dr. Johan Viljoen Staff Research Award.

Applications Analyst Fatima Mehmood received the Staff Research Award for her critical support during the HIS transition.

“Fatima continuously went above and beyond the requirements of her role to support the research team, making them feel like they were heard, understood and valued,” said Dr. Kevin Chan, Chief of Staff and Executive Vice-President of Medical Affairs, who presented the award. “Fatima’s skill, thoughtfulness and positivity were not only an invaluable asset to the research team during the HIS project, but they continue to be an asset to the organization and reflect the qualities that embody Niagara Health’s core values.”