Lakeshore Guardian Angels

Did a physician, nurse, orderly or other staff member facilitate your experience at the hospital?

Make a donation in his or her honour! The Lakeshore General Hospital Foundation offers the Lakeshore Guardian Angels program, to recognize those who provide exceptional care and demonstrate compassion towards their patients. Each recipient gets a letter and a pin in recognition of the honour.

NOMINATE YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL!

Meet some of our Lakeshore Guardian Angels

Komalpreet Aulak, RN

Komalpreet Aulak RN Lakeshore Guardian Angel

“Developing a therapeutic relationship with not only the Patient but also with their family members is very important since it helps personalize the care they are receiving. Due to the pandemic, sometimes the only interaction the Patient receives is with the team members therefore getting to know them & their families is important to build trust. As a new nurse, it’s stressful at times but seeing your patients get better and supporting them makes it worth overcoming the challenges.”

Dr. Assaad El-Hakim

Dr. El-Hakim is an experienced and talented Urologist. He has been working at Lakeshore General Hospital since 2008. Previously he was full time at the Royal Victoria Hospital. He graduated from McGill Urology in 2002 and did a 3-year fellowship in Minimally Invasive Urological Oncology and Endourology. He is an expert in Robotics and Laparoscopy for Kidney and prostate cancers. He is also a kidney stone expert (ureteroscopy and percutaneous surgery). He is also specialized in minimally invasive surgery for large BPH, namely enucleation technique (HoLEP and ThuLEP). He has a dual academic affiliation with McGill University and Universite de Montreal.

“It has been my real honor and pleasure to live on and serve the Montreal West Island community. I always strive to implement state of the art technologies to our hospital for the betterment of our community’s urologic health. We currently offer almost all adult urology serves at LGH, except robotic surgery, which I am working very hard with my colleagues and LGH administrators and the Foundation to get as soon as possible.”

Dr Avrum Jacobson

I am head of the Urology division and practice general urology. I have 2 fellowship specializations within Urology. One in UroOncology and one in Endourology (mainly focusing on Stone Disease).

Dr. Rolf Loertscher

Dr. Loerstsher is a Nephrologist and Head of the Department of Specialized Medicine. Here’s what he has to say about it means to be nominated as Guardian Angel:

“When gifts come into my office, I have no expectation in that sense, but when they go towards our Foundation, that does really wonderful things for the hospital, then that’s an extra step the patient made. They really mean to express their gratitude, no question, but as a physician, it’s a humbling experience.”

Dr. Robin Nathanson

Dr Robin Nathanson “I am honoured to have been chosen as a Guardian Angel. As a department, we strive to provide excellent patient care and I am humbled to be recognized by patients.”

Dr. Nathanson is a full-time Emergency Physician and the Assistant Chief of the Emergency Department at the Lakeshore General Hospital. In the department, he also serves as the Co-Director for Resident Education. At the University level, he is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine at McGill where he sits on multiple committees at both the Postgraduate and Undergraduate level. His interests include Medical Education, Quality Improvement & ED Ultrasonography.

Dr. Daniel Saxon

Dr Daniel Saxon, OBGYN

“I am always happy to hear when my patients have had an excellent experience and were satisfied with their care at our hospital and am honoured by this distinction.

I am an OB/GYN and have been working at the LGH now for 20 years. I have been chief of the department at one time. I am particularly interested in minimally invasive surgery and pelvic reconstructive surgery, but also very active in Obstetrics and colposcopy. I have my private practice next to the Lakeshore in Canvin Street.”

Dr. Rickul Varshney

Dr. Rickul Varshney is an Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgeon (ENT). His surgical expertise includes sinus surgery, nasal polyps, septal deviation repair, nasal tumors, nosebleeds and treatment for nasal congestion. He also teaches medical students and Otolaryngology residents, as a faculty at McGill University. He is actively involved in research, trying to find new ways to help patients heal from their ear, nose and throat issues.

The 2021 Guardian Angels

3-West Team

“Thank you so much for the compassion and care given to Stanislaw M. He had emergency surgery on April 20th, 2021. The care he received at the Lakeshore Hospital meant a lot to me and my family during this difficult time. So a big thank you.”
4-South Team

“Thx for the care given by all nurses, doctors and staff at the hospital, especially ER and 4th Floor South.”
Komalpreet Aulak RN

“Komal, a most incredible nurse on 3 North who went above and beyond for my husband and me while he was in hospital. She was worried about my husband’s mental state after being in the hospital for about 3 weeks and told me he would benefit from visits by me. This was arranged. While I was there one day, even though she was not his nurse that day, she came to see how he was doing and asked if he had walked that day. He had not and she said that she had a few minutes and would be happy to walk with him."
Dr. David Bacon

“I wish to thank Dr. David Bacon of the emergency. Not only for the care he provided to my mother in the emergency, but also for his kindness and willingness to discuss her care on the phone with both my father and me, this was very much appreciated and reassuring. Thank you from our entire family.”
Dr. Christopher Birch
Dr. Sharon Dalrymple

“Recently, my husband, Robin had surgery with Dr. Sharon Dalrymple, followed by four nights in Ward 3 West, 3rd floor of the Lakeshore General Hospital. Robin received outstanding treatment from all of the hospital staff. We feel very fortunate that in this tumultuous time of Covid, Robin’s problem was attended to so quickly and efficiently.”
Day Medicine Team

“I would like to express my eternal gratefulness to Dr. Assaad El-Hakim and the staff of the Lakeshore Day Medicine department, who took such extraordinarily good care of me during my battle with bladder cancer. I can never thank you enough.”
Day Medicine Team

“My thanks and gratitude to the Day Medicine Team and Dr. Assaad El-Hakim for their professionalism with a great human touch.”
Day Medicine Team
Dr. Assaad El-Hakim
Dr. Assaad El-Hakim

“My thanks and gratitude to the Day Medicine Team and Dr. Assaad El-Hakim for their professionalism with a great human touch.”
Josephine El-Kahi

¨Thank you to the Oncology Department and especially our Earth Angel nurse Josie El-Kahi for helping Stef.¨
Emergency Department Team

“Thanks for the care given by all nurses, doctors and staff at the hospital, especially ER and 4th Floor South.”
Dr. Naomi Hasegawa

“I wish to nominate Naomi Hasegawa for her excellent care and attention to detail. Her quick action lead us to finding out my husband had a serious blockage in his neck. She also did cataract surgery on both of my husband’s eyes. Her professionalism and skill is first class. The award is well deserved.”
Dr. Arum Jacobson

"In honour of Dr. Avrum Jacobson and his nurse who attended to me on July 14th, 2021."
Dr. Adrian Langleben

« Dr. Langleben is an amazing doctor. He is so knowledgeable and unbelievably hard working. I am grateful to be in his care as I know I am in good hands. I also appreciate his great sense of humour. He is the best! Thank you Dr. Langleben for all you do. »
Dr. Shen Li

"Thank you Dr. Li for all your help with my father, Douglas. You went above and beyond and it was much appreciated."
Dr. Shen Li

“If possible, I would like to direct this donation to the Oncology department. My recent treatment there was most impressive. I was treated for lymphoma this past spring and would like especially to thank Kim, Sabrina and Dr. Li, for their professional and compassionate care. I am very grateful.”
Dr. Robin Nathanson

“Thank you to Dr. Robin Nathanson and the staff for taking good care of my dad and for being human during Covid times.“
Oncology Team
Dr. Cyrus Salek

“Thank you for being so exceptional and taking good care of me.”
Dr. Daniel Saxon

“I’m grateful for Dr. Saxon. He helped me to have a safe delivery for me and my baby. During pregnancy, I had an excellent follow up. Even the staff they are amazing! Thanks a lot! God Bless you all :)”
Dr. Renée Schiff

“Thank you Dr. Schiff for your professionalism and compassion.”
Diane Stapleton

“I nominate Diane Stapleton as a Guardian Angel. Our fifth grandchild was born at the Lakeshore on Wednesday (14-July-21). One of the nurses in the birthing center, Diane Stapleton, was a big help again. She had helped when another daughter gave birth at the Lakeshore. This time, it was daughter Sara’s first child, and Diane was a great support. Many thanks!”
Dr. Alexandro Zarruk

“My husband, and I, will always be grateful to Dr. Zarruk and his team, in Annex 16, at the Hospital where I was a patient from March 7th to March 12th, 2021. The care and compassion I received was unbelievable, and we can never thank you enough for this. The abuse the staff must endure from some patients, is horrific, and disgraceful; yet in spite of this, your team tend to the patient with dignity while taking care of them. Thank you all!”

The 2020 Guardian Angels

3-West Team

In recognition for the wonderful care and kindness she received from Julie, Francis, and Dr. Alexandro Zarruk.
Day Medicine Team

"This donation is given in honour of all the angels that work at Day Medicine."
ER Team

For the wonderful care and kindness she received, with a special thanks from nurses Maureen and Elizabeth.
Dr Sylvie Bouchard

"On April 27, 2019, I thought I was going to the ER for a simple ear infection and congestion. I didn't know what lay ahead. As a precaution, Dr. Bouchard, you initiated the head CT scan and referral to Dr. Varshney. Every day spent with my son is a blessing. Today I am happy to have escaped the worst in the battle of sinus cancer. We can never thank you enough. »
Ms Sabine Bulow

“Thank you to Sabine Bulow for going above and beyond the call of duty to help my brother. I am very grateful to her.”
Dr. David Eiley

"Thank you for your excellent care"
Dr. Tomas Kaufman
Dr. Fiore Lalla

“In grateful appreciation of Doctor Fiore Lalla.”
Ms. Janine Landry

"Thank you to Janine Landry. In March 2020, she went above and beyond in helping me navigate remote medicine with an LGH specialist. A true hero and Guardian Angel.
Dr. Rolf Loertscher

In gratitude to you for saving his life
Dr. Gilles Mercier
Dr. Mladen Palaic
Dr. Dagmar Peters-Mainville

“Many thanks to Dr. Peters-Mainville for her help and attentiveness to my father’s needs during his last days at the Lakeshore. She was always caring and understanding; she took the time to listen to family questions and concerns, explain treatments and suggest how to best address Dad’s situation. An amazing doctor.”
Dr. Gilberte Thibert

“I would like to thank Dr. Thibert for everything she has done for me in the last 15 years.”
Dr. Rickul Varshney

"On April 27, 2019, I thought I was going to go to the ER for a simple ear infection and congestion. I didn't know what lay ahead. As a precaution, Dr. Bouchard, you initiated the head CT scan and referral to Dr. Varshney. Dr. Varshney, your expertise and caution were a blessing. Every day spent with my son is a blessing. Today I am happy to have escaped the worst in the battle of sinus cancer. We can never thank you enough. »
Dr. Yvonne Vasilie
Ms. Wendy White

“I nominate Wendy Whyte as our Guardian Angel, her kindness is much appreciated.”

The 2019 Guardian Angels

Dr. Daniel Abourbih
Sabine Bulow
Dr. Sharon Dalrymple
Dr. Cheryl Garber
Dr. Gilles Mercier

Dr. Mladen Palaic
Dr. Pascale Thibaudeau
Dr. Yvonne Vasilie
The ER Team
The ICU/CCU Team

The 2018 Guardian Angels

Ariane Beauregard
Dr. Martin A. Champagne
Linda Constantineau
Josephine El-Kahi
Dr. Naomi Hasegawa
Paciana Hernendez
Dr. Sameena Iqbal
Kim Jessee
Dr. Rayan Kaedbey
Dr. Richard Knight
Dr. Vladimir Kurgansky
Dr. Marcin Labuda
Dr. Horace Laryea

Anna Paula Leiriao Costa
Dr. Victoria Mandilaras
Dr. Gilles Mercier
Dr. Mladen Palaic
Tasso Papaspyros
Dr. Gerry Polyhronopoulos
Shereen Saunders
Dr. Yvonne Vasilie
The 4 South Geriatrics Team
The Day Medicine Team
The ER Team
The ICU/CCU Team

The 2017 Guardian Angels

Ammar Al-Rez
Ashlyn Erb
Dr. Tomas Kaufman
Dr. Richard Knight
Dr. Vladimir Kurgansky
Dr. Rolf Loertscher

Dr. Albert Moghrabi
Dr. Mladen Palaic
Dr. Gerry Polyhronopoulos
Dr. Michael Rhodes
The ER Team

The 2016 Guardian Angels

Lianne Bragg
Dr. David Eiley
Dr. Raymond Hasel
Julie Hum
Dr. Avrum Jacobson
Dr. Rehan Kazmi
Dr. Richard Knight

Dr. Vladimir Kurgansky
Dr. Rolf Loertscher
Dr. Mladen Palaic
Dr. Dagmar Peters-Mainville
The 4 Est Psychiatry Team
The ER Team

The 2015 Guardian Angels

Dr. David Eiley
Dr. Cheryl Garber
Dr. Max Katz
Dr. Rehan Kazmi
Dr. Rolf Loertscher
Isabelle Mayer

Dr. Mladen Palaic
Dr. Gerry Polyhronopoulos
Isabelle Rochon
Dr. Yvonne Vasilie
Dr. Christian Zalai

The 2014 Guardian Angels

Dr. Arash Sepehr Arae
Dr. Magued Ishak
Dr. Max Katz
Sonia Klebanskyj
Dr. Rolf Loertsher

Dr. David Wiltshire
Sophie Vermette
Dr. Christian Zalai
Dr. Alexandro Zarruk
The 3 West Surgery and Care Team

The 2013 Guardian Angels

Dr. Sharon Dalrymplee
Dr. Josephine El-Kahi
Dr. Adriana Ionescu
Kim Jesse
Dr. Horace Laryea
Dr. Rolf Loertsher
Dr. Robert McLeod
Dr. Gilles Mercier

Dr. Herbert Polson
Linda Quenneville
Marie Claude Taillon
Dr. Yvonn Vasilie
Dr. Alexandro Zarruk
Dr. Tamara Znajda
The 4 North General Medecine Team
The Oncology Department Team