Marina Moraitis was inspired to give back to The Ottawa Hospital and future patients by taking part in two world-first clinical trials – studying ‘chemo fog’ and exercise – while undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer.

When John Henry spent three weeks cycling across Great Britain last summer, he didn’t need to take along a three-week supply of antiretroviral pills for HIV. As part of a study at The Ottawa Hospital, Henry receives an injection once every eight weeks instead.

Avalina Sousa was born 17 weeks early, weighing 750 grams, and spent her first 127 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. With the extraordinary care she received, she achieved milestone after milestone, until she was healthy enough to go home.

Dr. Michael Schlossmacher, who received the Grimes Research Career Achievement Award from The Ottawa Hospital on Oct. 28, resolved early in his career to never accept medical dogmas without questioning them and investigating opposing ideas. This approach has led to many surprising and important discoveries.

When neuromuscular patients have 24-hour breathing issues, a hole is usually made surgically in their windpipe and a tube inserted that is hooked up to a ventilator, to help them breathe. However, the CANVent Program, developed at The Ottawa Hospital, uses nonsurgical, noninvasive ways to help patients breathe on their own.

In any disaster or Code Orange, medical attention for victims is crucial. But they, along with their families and loved ones, also need spiritual and emotional support. That’s what inspired The Ottawa Hospital to develop the Emergency Spiritual Care Assistance Team (ESCAT) Guide – the first of its kind in North America.