When Dr. William Stanford first became a biological scientist, he simply followed his curiosity and was happy to let others pursue any practical applications of his research. Today goes on bedside rounds with clinicians, meets with patients and dreams of launching clinical trials.

For 30 years, Dr. Les Melamed read research proposals and asked himself, “If I were a patient, would I want to be part of this study?” As a volunteer community representative on the Ottawa Health Science Network Research Ethics Board, Dr. Melamed helped weigh the benefits and risks of research proposals involving patients or their data.

Maureen suffered from fibroids in her uterus and was told by five doctors that she needed a hysterectomy. However, with the help of a 3D-printed model of Maureen’s uterus, Dr. Sony Singh removed all 50 tumours and left her uterus intact, allowing her to carry a baby if she decides to.

Six years ago, Tanya O’Brien’s worst fear became a reality. “Hearing that you have cancer is like watching yourself in a bad movie…. Everything suddenly becomes a question. Is it everywhere? Will I die? What will happen to my family?” But the new Breast Health Centre offers hope.

Obesity – now considered a chronic disease similar to diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol – is a disease people “wear,” so they’re subject to constant stigma and bias. “I often think that if I was an alcoholic, had diabetes or high blood pressure etc., people wouldn’t be able to see those conditions and then judge me for my perceived health status,” explained Candace Vilhan.

Teresa Buffone knows too well how helpless it feels to have a loved one diagnosed with a neuromuscular disease. Her husband, Frank, died of myotonic dystrophy. Eight people in her family also have the genetic condition. Until now, patients have had to go elsewhere to take part in clinical trials.

Winners never quit – rather, they find ways to adjust to a new lifestyle, to a new normal. Erin Murphy, who won The Ottawa Hospital’s Excellence Award for Outstanding Volunteer this year, has done just that since a collision left him with catastrophic injuries.

Concussions are a serious and often-misunderstood injury. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of a concussion, what to do if you think you have sustained one, and what to expect during recovery.

For the past 18 years, Familiar Faces Engraving – a trophy shop in Ottawa – has quietly offered volunteer opportunities to people from The Ottawa Hospital’s Robin Easey Centre, who are recovering from brain injuries and looking to return to the workforce.

Independence with each breath. Tricking your heart into thinking you exercise. Riding for cancer research. The 2017-2018 annual report is packed with inspiring stories of compassion, research and community.

The international #HelloMyNameIs campaign has taken off at The Ottawa Hospital, with employees, doctors, volunteers and even patient advisors pledging to improve patient care by introducing themselves to patients by name, every time.

Hidden heroes, outstanding leaders and volunteers, committed academics and educators, and team players throughout The Ottawa Hospital: every year, the Excellence Awards celebrate the work of our exceptional employees, doctors, residents and volunteers.