Montreal, September 18, 2013 – Bernard Stotland, President of the Board of Directors of the Jewish General Hospital (JGH) from 2009 to 2011, has received the hospital’s Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and guidance. This prestigious award, which Mr. Stotland received at the Annual General Meeting, is presented each year to an individual who has demonstrated a profound understanding of the values, history and principles that have made of the JGH an indispensable healthcare establishment for generations of Quebecers.
During his term as President, Mr. Stotland was instrumental in taking the hospital to new heights by enabling the JGH to receive government approval for Pavilion K; be re-accredited with glowing praise from Accreditation Canada; develop innovative partnerships with other Montreal hospitals; and launch the JGH Herzl CRIU Walk-In Centre and the JGH Centre for Child Development and Mental Health.
“I am extremely honoured and very grateful to be this year’s recipient,” said Mr. Stotland in accepting the award at the Annual General Meeting. “Having the opportunity to serve as President is a true privilege. I will always appreciate the confidence and support of the JGH in allowing me to give of myself on behalf of our patients.”
“There is no task too big or too small for Mr. Stotland to undertake on behalf of the hospital,” said JGH President Rick Dubrovsky. “His commitment has served as an inspiration to many within the hospital community, allowing them to share the same enthusiasm in performing their responsibilities and making the JGH the superb hospital that it is. A great thanks is owed to him.”
“What has always impressed me about Mr. Stotland was—and still is—his determination to speak directly to patients and hospital staff at all levels in order to understand the details and complexities of particular issues,” said Dr. Hartley Stern, JGH Executive Director. “This intense focus on the quality of patient care, as well as his commitment to having the JGH forge healthcare partnerships across Quebec, typifies Mr. Stotland’s qualities as an outstanding leader.”
As President, Mr. Stotland got “down into the trenches” to gain an intimate understanding of the patients, staff and operations of the hospital. “What made my term so memorable was the chance to work should-to-shoulder not only with the Board, but with so many members of staff,” said Mr. Stotland. “To really understand what makes this hospital tick and help it work more effectively, you have to get out into the field.”
Mr. Stotland’s association with the JGH began in the 1990s, first as a fund-raiser for the Capital Campaign, then as Treasurer, Vice-President and President of the Foundation, and finally as Vice-President and President of the JGH. However, his personal connection to the hospital goes back much further: Not only was Mr. Stotland born at the JGH, he grew up next door to the hospital’s founding Executive Director, Samuel S. Cohen.
“Even as a child I knew that the JGH was an exceptional institution and a pillar of our community,” explained Mr. Stotland. “This is why I am so deeply moved to be singled out by the very hospital that has meant so much to me for my entire life.”
September 23, 2013