Dr. Pichora and Dr. Fitzpatrick reappointed to leadership roles at KHSC
Dr. David Pichora and Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick have each been reappointed for a second five-year term in their respective roles within the Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC). Both doctors took on their leadership roles in 2017 when Hotel Dieu Hospital and Kingston General Hospital (KGH) came together to form KHSC.
Dr. Pichora will continue to lead KHSC as President and CEO. In a statement, KHSC noted that through the Centre’s first two years, Dr. Pichora led the organization through the creation of a bold strategic plan, added a number of new programs and innovations, and increased funding streams.
“David Pichora is the right leader and has the vision that, in order to improve the health of our communities, we must partner in new ways with health and social service providers to build strong partnerships and focus on quality and innovation,” said Axel Thesberg, Chair of KHSC’s Board of Directors. “Ensuring that the journeys patients take through the regional health-care system feel as smooth and supportive as possible and that the voices of patients and families as active members of KHSC’s care teams are heard, is something that David clearly understands.”
In accepting this appointment, Dr. Pichora acknowledged the support of the Board, and reiterated his commitment to deliver on a number of key initiatives in the upcoming years.
“KHSC’s Strategic Plan, ‘Transforming Care, Together’ helps us to understand how best to align our strengths, resources, and capabilities with our collective aspiration to transform the health-care system and make our communities healthier,” Dr. Pichora noted. “We have a number of key projects underway already that will help in this transformation — the redevelopment of the KGH site, the implementation of a regional Health Information System, being a supportive partner in the Frontenac, Lennox and Addington Ontario Health Team. As well, leading the KHSC team towards system recovery as we continue to deal with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, will be critical to our success going forward.”
Dr. Pichora also highlighted that KHSC’s achievements during his first term would not have been possible without the commitment and dedication of so many staff, physicians, learners and volunteers who live out KHSC’s mission of caring for each other every day.
Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick will continue as Chief of Staff (COS) and Executive Vice-President (EVP) Medical and Academic Affairs at KHSC alongside Dr. Pichora.
According to KHSC, the COS and EVP Medical and Academic Affairs provides medical leadership and is responsible for overseeing KHSC’s clinical innovation work, as well as the quality of care provided by physicians. Additionally, the position is responsible for all hospital medical and academic functions, including maintaining relations with program medical directors and department heads at KHSC and Queen’s University. Dr. Fitzpatrick also provides administrative oversight ensuring physicians and physician learners are appropriately credentialed, and that they maintain professional standards of practice, KHSC stated.
“During his initial term as the first Chief of Staff for the newly created Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Dr. Fitzpatrick has been an invaluable resource to the Board in terms of furthering KHSC’s quality agenda. Mike has a way of sharing information and engaging Board members in important conversations about the quality of care provided at KHSC,” said Thesberg.
In accepting this appointment, Dr. Fitzpatrick acknowledged the support of the Board, his fellow executive team members and his physician colleagues at KHSC and across the southeast region, the hospital organization said. According to the release, he emphasized the importance of outreach to develop relationships with partners and community constituents.
“Mike (Fitzpatrick) always brings an optimistic perspective to all our discussions and decision-making at KHSC,” said Dr. Pichora. “He actively promotes an environment that supports high-quality patient and family-centred care through a relational leadership approach, along with a commitment to best practices and healthy supportive work environments.”
Dr. Fitzpatrick also signalled his continuing support of KHSC’s upcoming redevelopment project at the KGH site, the implementation of the regional Health Information System, and the important work of the Ontario Health Team for the Frontenac, Lennox and Addington area.
“Each and every one of these projects will have a significant impact on the care we provide to patients at KHSC, and working with our local and regional partners will be critical to our success,” said Dr. Fitzpatrick. “Continuing to lead and support a patient-centred service culture committed to evidence-based decision-making and quality patient services will be key.”
Both Dr. Pichora and Dr. Fitzpatrick will remain in their respective roles until 2027, when their new five-year term concludes.