Scarborough Health Network (SHN) is proud to announce three recipients within our network of the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal: Dr. Mayoorendra Ravichandiran, Deputy Chief of Emergency Medicine; Ms. Dotty Nicholas, a celebrated retired paediatric nurse; and Austine Gacqui, Registered Nurse in Nephrology.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal is a national honour recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and to the country.
Dr. Mayoorendra Ravichandiran
Dr. Ravichandiran has dedicated over 20 years to improving healthcare in Scarborough. His journey with SHN began as a volunteer, eventually becoming a physician 10 years ago. A passionate advocate for healthcare access, particularly for Scarborough’s diverse communities, Dr. Ravichandiran’s leadership was especially notable during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he was recognized with the Poster Hero Award by CMC for his exceptional leadership and care as an emergency physician. His work in advancing patient care, staff wellness, and innovations such as point-of-care ultrasound in the emergency department continues to inspire and shape the future of healthcare in our community.
Ms. Dotty Nicholas
Ms. Dotty Nicholas, a retired paediatric nurse, is a fierce advocate for those living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Having spent over 20 years at SHN, she played a key role in launching the Paediatric SCD Clinic in 2003, which remains a vital resource for families and young patients in Scarborough. Even in retirement, Ms. Nicholas continues her community work by connecting families with SHN’s services and supporting initiatives like the SCD Town Halls, which work to co-design culturally safe care for patients. Her dedication to raising awareness and improving care for those living with SCD has had a lasting impact on countless lives.
Austine Gaqui
Austine is a Registered Nurse (RN) in the hemodialysis unit at General Hospital. His path to nursing in Canada is one of resilience and determination, leaving behind a successful career in the Philippines in pursuit of a better future. Beyond his clinical excellence, Austine is a mentor, educator, and advocate who has precepted new nurses and students, sharing his knowledge to uplift the next generation of healthcare professionals. His leadership extends to the Integrated Fil-Canadian Nurses Association (IFCNA), where his efforts during the pandemic earned the organization the Toronto Community Champions Award in 2023.
Dr. Ravichandiran, Ms. Nicholas, and Austine exemplify the values of compassion, dedication, and leadership we uphold at SHN. Their ongoing contributions to healthcare and our community is truly deserving of this prestigious recognition.