2015 Recipients of the Ontario's Anesthesiologists Distinguished Service Award 

Congratulations to Dr. Michael sullivan, Recipient of the 2015-16 Distinguished Service Award

Congratulations to Dr. Michael sullivan, Recipient of the 2015-16 Distinguished Service Award

The Ontario’s Anesthesiologists Distinguished Service Award is awarded to an Anesthesiologist in recognition of outstanding contributions in patient care and the promotion of our specialty over the course of one’s career. It is the highest honour our organization can bestow. We are very proud to award 2015 Distinguished Service Awards to Dr. Michael Sullivan and Dr. Stephen Brown.

Dr. Michael Sullivan from Southlake Regional Hospital

Dr. Sullivan studied medicine in Ottawa, anesthesia in Toronto and currently practices Anesthesiology and critical care medicine at Southlake Regional Hospital in Newmarket. He served as Anesthesiologist-in-Chief and was instrumental in establishing the Southlake cardiac program. He pursued further training in cardiac anesthesiology and transeophageal echocardiography to facilitate his leadership of the program. He served as chief of cardiac anesthesiology, medical director of the CVICU and co-chair of the cardiac surgery clinical service team. Dr. Sullivan was the first physician leader of the surgical program at his hospital and has been a strong advocate of medical education. He has worked at the Royal College for nearly 20 years and now chairs the Anesthesiology specialty committee. Additionally, Dr. Sullivan is currently the Central LHIN Critical Care Lead. 

Dr. Sullivan’s colleagues spoke very highly of him in their submissions; some quotes from his nomination package “…he has and continues to promote the art and science of anesthesiology as a multi-faceted specialty within his hospital and the larger community.” Another wrote, “His accomplishments rival those of any physician that I have encountered in academic or community practice.” Dr. Sullivan embodies all that we should celebrate in our members and it is for that reason we are proud to award him a 2015 Ontario’s Anesthesiologists Distinguished Service Award.


Congratulations to Dr. Stephen Brown, Recipient of the 2015-16 Distinguished Service Award

Congratulations to Dr. Stephen Brown, Recipient of the 2015-16 Distinguished Service Award

Dr. Stephen Brown from William Osler Health System

Our second recipient, Dr. Stephen Brown, studied Medical School at McMaster and completed his residency at the University of Toronto. He currently practices Anesthesia at William Osler Health System. Dr. Brown has an amazing track record of administrative leadership over the course of his career. This started early on when he served as President of the Canadian Federation of Medical Students and continued into his residency years serving as President of the Canadian Association of Residents and Interns. From 2005-2008 he was chair of the OMA Section on Anesthesiology and spearheaded our successful public relations campaign, aimed at enhancing the profile of our specialty and addressing the critical shortage of anesthesiologists in the province. Recognizing early the importance of leadership development Dr. Brown founded our annual leadership day now into its sixth year. Steve led the Departments of Anesthesia at North York General Hospital and the William Osler Health System and currently is President of the University of Toronto, Anesthesia Alumni Association. 

Dr. Brown’s colleagues spoke very highly of him in their submissions. Some quotes include, “Our profession is incredibly lucky to count amongst its members a man of the caliber of Steve Brown. I am confident that Steve will continue to shine in our specialty.” Another colleague wrote, “All members of the operative team, fellow anesthetists, surgeons, nursing and support staff hold Dr. Brown in the highest regard. He is often approached for his knowledge of the literature and his opinion in difficult clinical situation.” 

Dr. Brown is a shining example of going Beyond the Mask to promote and enhance our specialty, and it is for that reason we are delighted to name him a 2015 recipient of Ontario’s Anesthesiologists Distinguished Service Award.