Sarnia, September 24, 2015 – Sarnia-Lambton patients were given the opportunity for a fifth year in a row to nominate their physician for a Patients’ Choice Award. Of the 35 patient nominations received, a patient jury acknowledged Dr. Boulos Ghazarian and Dr. John O’Mahony for the exceptional care they have provided and for their commitment to enhancing the patients’ overall experience within the healthcare system.

“We are pleased to partner with Patients Canada and the Ontario Medical Association on the Patients’ Choice Awards,” said Dr. Mark Taylor, Chief of Professional Staff. “Bluewater Health is focused on providing patient and family-centred care and the Patients’ Choice Awards provide patients and families with an opportunity to express their thanks to those physicians who have provided exceptional patient care.”

Dr. Ghazarian is an OBGYN who has been practicing in Sarnia hospitals since 1998. Born in Cairo, Egypt, Dr. Ghazarian studied medicine and surgery in Egypt prior to moving to Canada in 1988. He then trained in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Western University. His patients appreciate that he doesn’t rush to unnecessary tests, and that he consistently provides patient-centred care – he sees his patients as “not just a number.”

Dr. John O’Mahony is a Family Doctor who has been practicing in Sarnia since 2010 after completing his Family Medicine residency at Western University. Dr. O’Mahony has a comprehensive family practice ranging from obstetrics to palliative to nursing home care. His patients describe him as a compassionate and caring physician who ensures that his patients understand their care plans, often meeting patients out of hospital to address their fears and concerns.

Dr. Mike Toth, President of the Ontario Medical Association said, “On behalf of Ontario’s doctors, I would like to congratulate Dr. O’Mahony and Dr. Ghazarian for providing exceptional patient care. I would also like to extend congratulations to all of those who were nominated. The care they provide, along with many other physicians and healthcare practitioners, are improving the lives of those that live in Sarnia-Lambton.”

Michael Decter, Board Chair of Patients Canada added, “We’re thrilled that 35 patients and caregivers across SarniaLambton took the time to nominate their physicians for a Patients’ Choice Award. It’s the substance of the submissions that matter – the winning physicians, Dr. Ghazarian and Dr. O’Mahony, demonstrate through their care that they value their patients’ experiences and insight. This matters to patients.”

Patients Canada is a patient-led organization that fosters collaboration between patients, family caregivers and the healthcare community.

The Ontario Medical Association represents over 34,000 physicians and medical students across the province. Ontario’s doctors work closely with patients to encourage healthy living practices and illness prevention. In addition to delivering front-line services to patients, Ontario’s doctors play a significant role in helping shape health care policy, as well as implementing initiatives that strengthen and enhance Ontario’s health care system.

Bluewater Health, with locations in Sarnia and Petrolia, is a 326-bed community hospital that cares for the residents of Sarnia-Lambton. With close to 2,500 staff, Professional Staff and volunteers, Bluewater Health provides an array of specialized acute, complex continuing care, allied health and ambulatory care services. State-of-the-art facilities, which opened in 2010, contribute to Bluewater Health’s Mission: We create exemplary healthcare experiences for patients and families every time.

Contact

Alison Mahon
Director of Professional Staff Programs
Bluewater Health
(519) 464-4400 ext. 5422

Christina Spencer
Manager, Communications
Patients Canada
(416) 900-2975 ext. 1
christina.spencer@patientscanada.ca

Danielle Milley
Senior Advisor, Media Relations
Ontario Medical Association
(416) 340-2862
media@oma.org