Feb 15, 2023
Dr. Susan Shaw’s leadership and commitment to improving care for patients were recognized Friday with an appointment to a senior post in the new Saskatchewan Health Authority and a distinguished service award from her physician peers. Shaw, who practises critical care and anesthesiology in Saskatoon, has chaired the board of Saskatchewan’s Health Quality Council since 2011.
Mid afternoon, she was appointed Chief Medical Officer – the top physician leadership post – for the new Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). Then, at special awards banquet Friday evening, Shaw was named the 2017 recipient of Dr. Dennis A. Kendel Distinguished Service Award. The annual award, which is presented by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan, recognizes outstanding contributions to physician leadership and/or to physician engagement in quality improvements in health care in Saskatchewan.
Dr. Alan Beggs, President of the College Council, presented the distinguished service award. “It gives Council great pleasure to present this award to a physician who has, and continues to provide a positive influence on the quality of healthcare dispensed to patients across Saskatchewan,” said Dr. Beggs. The Dr. Dennis A. Kendel Distinguished Service Award was named in honour of Dr. Dennis Kendel, who retired in 2011 after a long career as Registrar of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan.
“To be identified by one’s colleagues as deserving of specific recognition as a leader or innovator in our common profession is probably the greatest honor a physician can receive.” (Dr. Alan Beggs, President, College Council)
In announcing Susan’s appointment, Scott Livingstone, Chief Executive Officer for the SHA, said: “Dr. Shaw is uniquely positioned to provide strategic leadership as Chief Medical Officer, bringing a wealth of clinical and physician leader experience, a dedication to patient-centred care and experience in local, regional and provincial roles to this key role in the Saskatchewan Health Authority.”
Dr. Shaw said it’s an honor to be recognized by the College as part of Saskatchewan’s long, proud history of strong physician leaders. “My work as a practising physician and HQC board chair has given me the privilege and opportunity to work with and learn from patients, families, and colleagues across our system – from the bedside all the way to system governance and strategy,” said Shaw.
“In my new role as Chief Medical Officer, I will continue to focus on ensuring our system is patient- and family-centred and that we are continuously improving our care processes.” (Dr. Susan Shaw)
