Awards Recognize Cancer Health Professionals, Volunteers

Cancer Care Nova Scotia will recognize a head and neck cancer surgeon, a tobacco control advocate, a volunteer group that supports cancer patients and families financially and emotionally, and a palliative care nurse who enhances quality of life for patients and families.

The annual Excellence Awards in pioneer, leadership and patient care will be presented Thursday, June 13, to people who have helped further cancer prevention, treatment and care for Nova Scotia cancer patients and families.

"I'd like to congratulate all of the recipients of this year’s Excellence Awards," said David Wilson, Minister of Health and Wellness. "Each recipient has made invaluable contributions to the care, treatment and advancement of cancer care in Nova Scotia. Thank you for your tremendous work."

The Excellence Awards were introduced in 2009 to mark the 10th anniversary of Cancer Care Nova Scotia.

"Singling one person or team out of a group of talented and dedicated health professionals and volunteers is no easy task," said Agar Adamson, Cancer Care Nova Scotia advisory board member and chair of the 2013 Excellence Awards selection committee. "Of the 21 nominations we had to review, all were worthy of recognition. Still, with the help of a good evaluation tool and some insightful discussion among our committee of volunteers, we were able to make thoughtful decisions."

The Excellence Award recipients are:

• Pioneer: Dr. Mark Taylor, Halifax, head and neck surgeon, Capital Health,
• Leadership: Mohammed Al-hamdani, Halifax, PhD candidate, Saint Mary's University
• Patient Care for a Volunteer: the Rosalin Nickerson Care Fund Society, Barrington, South West Health
• Patient Care for a Health Professional: Lynn MacDonald, Antigonish, palliative care nurse, Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority

Dr. Taylor was a pioneer in establishing transoral laser microsurgey as a standard of care for early stage larynx cancers. Research confirmed that patients having minimally invasive surgery experienced improved overall results and fewer side effects than radiation therapy. Dr. Taylor raised funds for specialized equipment and trained fellow Head and Neck surgeons in the new technique. The comprehensive program he developed has changed how laryngeal cancer is treated in the Maritimes.

Mr. Al-hamdani's masters thesis showed the benefits of plain cigarette packaging to help reduce smoking rates for Canadians, lowering their risk for cancer. He has also published research about the importance of healthy public policy and has addressed emerging tobacco and alcohol control issues at conferences. He founded Saint Mary's University Tobacco and Alcohol Research Society, a student-run organization to improve the health and well-being of students and which is helping Saint Mary's become a smoke-free campus this fall.

The Rosalin Nickerson Care Fund Society was created in 2004 by Ms. Shelley d'Eon of Barrington, in memory of her mother, who died of pancreatic cancer at 57. Using funds from her mother's life insurance policy, she and volunteers have organized and hosted fundraising events, including the annual Walk for a Cause, which has become one of the area's largest community events. The walk celebrates local cancer survivors, honours loved ones who have died, and supports and encourages people with cancer. The society has helped more than 200 cancer patients in the area.

Throughout her 34-year career, Ms. MacDonald has helped keep patient-centred care as a top priority and has worked to ensure patients get the best care possible. She was a keen advocate for the care of persons with disabilities at end-of-life, bringing about policy changes, and was instrumental in developing a symptom-relief kit for palliative care home patients.

Dr. Carman Giacomantonio, chief medical director, Cancer Care Nova Scotia, said this year's award recipients represent the many talented and dedicated health professionals and volunteers in Nova Scotia's cancer system.

"Cancer patients and families are at heart of why we do what we do," said Dr. Giacomantonio. "Routinely, teams meet to discuss issues and ways to improve treatment and care, but rarely do we stop to celebrate our successes. Cancer Care Nova Scotia's Excellence Awards is intended to do just that, to recognize and pay tribute to all of who work daily to treat and care for Nova Scotia cancer patients and families."

Cancer Care Nova Scotia, a Department of Health and Wellness program, was created in 1998 to facilitate quality cancer prevention and care for Nova Scotians. Through professional education, and developing clinical standards, Cancer Care Nova Scotia supports health professionals in providing patients with high-quality care.