The 2021 Ovation Awards reception was held virtually on December 8. Colleagues, peers, families and friends joined the celebration to recognize and applaud the outstanding contributions and excellence of this year’s laureates: Liliana Abruzzese, Brandy Phillips and Diane Weidner.
The three Ovation Awards, officially known as the VP-Dean of Medicine and Health Sciences Awards of Excellence, recognize the distinction, hard work, determination and dedication of permanent administrative support staff and technicians across the Faculty. The Anne McCormick Award, the Pamela Chase Award and the Priyabrata “PB” Mukhopadhyay Award are given to a managerial, clerical and technical staff member, respectively.
“Our administrative teams are the backbone of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, its schools, departments and units,” said Dr. David Eidelman, Vice-Principal (Health Affairs) and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, during the celebration. “This was clearly demonstrated over the last two years during which our staff demonstrated outstanding resilience, perseverance and commitment toward supporting their units, the Faculty and the University. We could not achieve what we achieve without you. And for that, on behalf of our leadership and colleagues, I thank you.”
Congratulations to this year’s laureates – Liliana, Brandy and Diane – and all nominees for their well-deserved recognition! (See below for the full list of nominees).
In their own words: The 2021 Ovation laureates
LILIANA ABRUZZESE
Course Technician, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy
Award: Priyabrata “PB” Mukhopadhyay Award
What has been the most memorable moment/top highlight during your time in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences so far?
I found it remarkable to see how quickly and smoothly the faculty, staff and students transitioned from a regular academic routine to new teaching methods and modes of learning. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to contribute by supporting the lab instructors adjust to teaching in the midst of the pandemic and to help prepare for students to
safely return in-person for their clinical skills labs.
As an FMHS staff member, what are you looking forward to in the New Year?
Adopting some of the positive changes that were forced upon us all but have proved to be helpful and moving forward together, towards a post-pandemic future.
BRANDY PHILLIPS
Administrative and Student Affairs Coordinator, Administrative Excellence Centre #8, Departments of Medicine and Emergency Medicine
Award: Pamela Chase Award
What has been the most memorable moment/top highlight during your time in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences so far?
My most memorable moment so far was being able to attend the International Conference on Residency Education with my
colleagues in my home city of Halifax, Nova Scotia
As an FMHS staff member, what are you looking forward to in the New Year?
In the New Year I look forward to hopefully returning to the office fulltime and integrating into my new role as Program Administrator for the Internal Medicine Residency Program.
DIANE WEIDNER
Communication and Events Officer, Steinberg Centre for Simulation and Interactive Learning
Award: Anne McCormick Award
What has been the most memorable moment/top highlight during your time in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences so far?
Attending the inaugural FMHS Clinical Innovation Competition (CLIC) in May 2018 was simply magical for me. After months of planning with my wonderful colleagues, it was very exciting to see everything come together at last. We are now gearing up for our fifth CLIC, and I continue to find it immensely satisfying to be involved in this event.
As an FMHS staff member, what are you looking forward to in the New Year?
It’s nice to be back on campus, to interact with the students when they come here for their workshops and to see how engaged they are with the simulation activities. There is a palpable energy and excitement in the air. It’s also really nice to see my colleagues in person. I hope that everything goes well in the year ahead, and that we are able to reach a level of stability with this pandemic that allows us to enjoy as much normality as possible.
The following images display all nominees for the three Ovation Awards:
