![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Exceptional-Healer-2026.jpg\")
Pictured, left to right: Patti Cox, co-chair of the Exceptional Healer Award Committee; Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick, Executive Vice-President and Chief of Staff; cardiologist Dr. Peggy DeJong; nurse practitioner Chao Zhu; Susan Bedell, Founder of the Exceptional Healer award; Jason Hann, Executive Vice-President and Chief Nursing Executive. Photo via KHSC.<\/p>\n
Kingston Health Sciences Centre\u2019s (KHSC) Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) has presented two local health-care professionals with the annual Exceptional Healer Award.<\/p>\n
Now in its ninth year, the award recognizes physicians, nurses and allied health professionals who exemplify patient- and family-centred care through compassion, collaboration and clinical excellence, according to a Wednesday, May 27, 2026, release from KHSC.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s recipients are cardiologist Dr. Peggy DeJong, and gastroenterology nurse practitioner Chao Zhu. Both were nominated by patients for the extraordinary care, empathy and partnership they bring to their roles.<\/p>\n
According to the health-care organization, Dr. DeJong was recognized for her compassionate communication and commitment to ensuring patients feel informed, heard, and supported during complex cardiac care. Her ability to explain difficult medical information in ways that can be easily understood, and her work to advocate for patients, reflects the core principles of patient- and family-centred care, KHSC detailed.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis award is one of the most meaningful I have received both professionally and personally,\u201d shared Dr. DeJong.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo receive an award based on my interactions with patients and families is the highest honour because providing kind, effective and compassionate care is very important to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zhu was honoured for the continuity of care, responsiveness, and compassion he brings to patients living with gastrointestinal diseases, KHSC shared. Patients reportedly praised his ability to explain complex information clearly, provide timely support, and create trusting relationships.<\/p>\n
For Zhu, exceptional care is often found in small but meaningful moments.<\/p>\n
\u201cExceptional care, to me, means taking the extra time to help a patient,\u201d he expressed in a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is often the small gesture that makes (care) exceptional. It could be as simple as a phone call a week after an appointment to check in on a patient\u2019s progress.\u201d<\/p>\n
This year, PFAC received 30 nominations from patients, families, staff, and health-care professionals, according to KHSC.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe received many enthusiastic nominations describing health-care professionals who go above and beyond in treating patients like individuals, not simply as members of a group with similar health conditions,\u201d said Susan Bedell, Founder of the award and member of the Exceptional Healer Award Committee.<\/p>\n
According to the release, a common theme across nominations was gratitude for clinicians who combine skill and competence with kindness, transparency and meaningful patient partnership.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery year, this award celebrates health-care professionals at KHSC who truly live out the values of dignity, respect, information sharing, patient partnership and collaboration,\u201d added Patti Cox, Co-Chair of the Exceptional Healer Award Committee.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese individuals are not only highly skilled, but approachable, empathetic and deeply committed to improving the patient experience.\u201d<\/p>\n