Osler physician receives top Canadian Medical Association leadership award

William Osler Health System (Osler) palliative care physician, Dr. Naheed Dosani, has been named a recipient of the Canadian Medical Association’s (CMA) 2020 Award for Young Leaders in the early career category.

The award recognizes early career physicians who have demonstrated exemplary dedication, commitment and leadership in one of the following areas: political, clinical, educational, or research and community service. Dr. Dosani has received the award for his leadership and initiative in developing innovative programs that improve palliative care for people who are experiencing homelessness.

“Dr. Dosani’s commitment to serving the most vulnerable in our community is inspirational and it is truly a pleasure to see that he has been recognized by the Canadian Medical Association for his leadership,” said Dr. Naveed Mohammad, President and CEO, William Osler Health System. “We applaud his ingenuity and passion for equitable health care delivery and look forward to seeing what lies ahead for him.”

In 2014, Dr. Dosani joined Osler’s palliative care team and also launched Palliative Education and Care for the Homeless (PEACH) – a program based out of Toronto’s Inner City Health Associates (ICHA) that delivers community-based hospice palliative care to society’s most vulnerable individuals at shelters and on the streets. PEACH has since provided care to hundreds and the model has been adapted and implemented in many communities across Canada, the United States of America and Australia.

In the community Osler serves, Dr. Dosani has been instrumental in advocating for programs to support local palliative care needs. This includes the creation of the Structurally Vulnerable Palliative (SVP) Program at the Central West LHIN area, which is based on the PEACH care model. Dr. Dosani also created an innovative program that couples the latest technology with compassionate care, to deliver virtual palliative care visits for people in the Region of Peel using smartphones and tablets.

“We are proud to see Dr. Dosani recognized for the many contributions he has made to the community and the accomplishments he has had so early in his career,” said Dr. David Borts, Interim Chief of Staff, William Osler Health System. “Through his commitment and leadership, Dr. Dosani has had a meaningful impact on the lives of many, especially those in our broader community who have for so long been underserved. We are fortunate he is a part of the Osler family.”

Earlier this year, Dr. Dosani took on the role of Medical Director of the Region of Peel's COVID-19 Homeless Response, mobilizing public health interventions for people experiencing homelessness in the region.

“Through Dr. Dosani, I have witnessed how passion and a strong work ethic combined with a commitment to building a better life for the underserved can lead to sustainable solutions that improve the delivery of timely palliative care,” said Dr. Martin Chasen, Medical Director of Supportive and Palliative Care, William Osler Health System.