In September 2020, many in the Kingston community were shocked to hear of the passing of Dr. Pallavi Nadkarni (pictured left), Attending Psychiatrist at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC). The swift course of her brain cancer was devastating to all who knew and loved her.

In honour of his wife, Dr. Shailesh Nadkarni generously set up the Dr. Pallavi Nadkarni Memorial Award. Each year, $1,000 will be awarded to a psychiatry resident who exemplifies the key attributes Pallavi embodied in her professional life.

“Pallavi was a wonderful physician who was held in the highest esteem by her colleagues and known for her commitment to care, as well as her strong advocacy for mental health support across medical and surgical wards,” says Dr. Claudio Soares, Head of Psychiatry at Queen’s University, KHSC and Providence Care. “With a thorough approach to education, she was also a celebrated educator and mentor who always encouraged trainees and celebrated their achievements.”

The first award winner is Spencer Haze (pictured right), fifth-year resident, who was selected by a committee of senior colleagues and who worked closely with Pallavi on several projects over the years.

“Spencer embodies many of the personal and professional qualities the award seeks to recognize. She is extremely deserving of this recognition,” says Dr. Soares. “She is highly regarded by her colleagues for professionalism, strong ethical values and dedication to mentorship and teaching. She is very approachable and enthusiastic, and I believe Pallavi would be extremely pleased that Spencer has been chosen to receive this award.”

Being recognized as someone who exemplifies Pallavi’s wonderful attributes as a psychiatrist, colleague and teacher will be a special and rewarding experience for any resident who wins the award over the coming years, but this is especially meaningful for Spencer.

“Pallavi was just so wonderful to work with in any area at all,” says Spencer. “She had such an impressive knowledge base, and anything you brought to her as a supervisor was met with so much enthusiasm. I was very fortunate to have been able to work with her, and it’s incredibly flattering to receive this award in her name. I am truly honoured.”

“We are all heartbroken but left with incredible memories of our beloved Pallavi,” says Dr. Soares. “We offer our deepest condolences to her husband Shailesh, her family and close friends; we wish them strength to cope with such a tragic loss. She is truly missed.”