Dr. Thalia Field and Dr. Hadassah Goldberg know firsthand how vital compassionate, expert health care is in times of crisis.
When a family member (who prefers to remain anonymous) suffered a severe head injury and subsequent stroke while visiting Kingston, Drs. Field and Goldberg witnessed the exceptional care provided at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC). In gratitude, the family made a donation to the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation’s Honour Your Caregiver program, recognizing the doctors, nurses and support staff who made a difference during a harrowing time.
As physicians themselves—Dr. Field, living in Vancouver, and Dr. Goldberg, a retired doctor from Toronto—they have a unique perspective on the importance of high-quality care.
“I was just so grateful for the excellent care (our family member) received,” says Dr. Field. “The (KHSC) medical team was proactive in keeping me informed and answering my questions. They provided the kind of care that you would really want for your family member.”
Their family member’s journey began with a traumatic fall, leading to multiple fractures and a stroke while in hospital. Dr. Goldberg recalled rushing to Kingston, overwhelmed by fear for her loved one’s life.
Both doctors expressed particular appreciation for Dr. Gord Boyd, a critical care physician at KHSC, whom they described as compassionate, knowledgeable and attentive.
“The second I met Dr. Boyd, I knew we were in the best hands,” Dr. Goldberg says. “He took the time to include us in discussions, explain what was happening and ensure we felt supported. He was exceptional.”
Their donation to the Honour Your Caregiver program is a testament to the value they place on community support for health care.
“Government funding can’t cover everything, and donations play a critical role in enhancing patient care, whether through new equipment, research or staff education,” says Dr. Field. “Our family’s experience at KHSC was life-changing. Recognizing the incredible people who make that care possible is the least we can do.”
Taking care of critically ill patients in the ICU can sometimes be difficult and stressful. When a hospital staff member receives a thank you through the Honour Your Caregiver program, Dr. Boyd says the gesture of gratitude provides a much-needed morale booster.
“There are some really dark and sad days in the ICU and knowing that some of the treatment and care that you provide for patients resonates with them and their families really makes it feel like it's worth all the heartache,” says Dr. Boyd.