Recognition

In recognition of distinction in precepting, a student-nominated Award of Excellence is presented to a Preceptor at the MScFN & DDEPT Graduation each June.

The recipient of this award may be a Registered Dietitian/other professional (or team) who supervised a student during the current practicum year. Graduating students may nominate a Preceptor in recognition of exceptional contributions to learning through role modeling, professionalism and mentoring. The Preceptor demonstrates inter-professionalism and quality mentoring to improve collaboration and quality of care. He or she exemplifies the attributes of client-centred care, inspiring learners, creating a culture of inquiry and innovation, and enhancing the health of individuals and communities.  The Preceptor is also supportive, patient, well respected by peers, a good motivator, and an effective teacher and communicator.

The 2022 Preceptor Award of Excellence recipient is Dawn van Engelen, West Lincoln Memorial Hospital.

“Dawn has been an incredible teacher and always met me where I was as her student. She allowed us to collaborate as well as promoted my independence.”

Previous award recipients:

• 2021: Susan Smith, LHSC
• 2020: Jillian Owens, HHS – McMaster Children’s Hospital
• 2019: Ashley Wickens and Kelsey Russell, Clinical Dietitians at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital.
• 2018: Dennis Tsang, CareFirst Family Health Team
• 2017: Melissa Ferreira, Middlesex Hospital Alliance Diabetes Education Program

We recognize all our amazing preceptors. Please see our nominees for 2022:

• Abigail Vilbar, London Regional Cancer Program
  “Abby has a way of making her students feel confident in their practice, but still providing the constructive feedback that needs to be addressed. She is professional but also friendly, which is what makes for an incredible preceptor and teacher.”
• Andrea Gilroy, Victoria Hospital
  “Andrea would constantly ask me how I felt about the day and things I was interested in seeing and learning which helped foster a supportive and inspiring environment for me.”
• Anick Leclerc, Hamilton Health Sciences
  “I found it easy to connect with Anick as a preceptor, she was kind and welcoming and provided an exceptional learning environment each day despite the variety of demands on her plate in her role.”
• Chris Laidlaw, Bluewater Health
  “The Foodservice supervisor Chris was always approachable and kept her door open for a chat.”
• Abbey Cran, Bluewater Health
  “Abbey was newish to her role at this hospital, and I benefited. She knew just the right information to share because it was all still fresh in her mind.”
• Catherine Biden, Bluewater Health
  “I was not someone out of school who thought I would want to work clinical care but my time in the ICU with Catherine convinced me that I could. She was always looking for ways to enhance my experiential learning.”
• Julie LeBlanc, Bluewater Health
  “She has many years’ experience and was able to show me why she does what she does and encouraged me to find my own methods.”
• Cindy VanGorp, Bluewater Health
  “She demonstrated so well what it means to be part of a team and rely on others to bounce ideas off and seek council when she has a more complex case.”
• Christina Hazell, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre
  “Christina pushed me to think outside the box and was very supportive of my learning. She never rushed me while I was working through cases, she always took the time to explain concepts or walk-through scenarios.”
• Elaine De Grandpré, Health Canada Quote to be posted shortly.
• Rana Wahba, Health Canada
  “Rana was an organized maverick. She made everything look easy. When I went to her for help, she always had the solution or could point me in the direction to find the answer.”
• Cheryl Jitta, Health Canada
  “Her positive can-do attitude and cheerful laugh made work much more fun. She seemed to know everyone, and everyone knew her.” 
• Emily Chen, Health Canada
  “Emily’s command of online tools I envied. I learned so much from her but one of my favorites was design thinking.”
• Hillary Stevenson, Chatham Kent Family Health Team
  “She demonstrated her talent by drawing out the best in me. Hillary was an excellent cheerleader. She never tired of my many questions.”
• Inga Berger, London Health Sciences Centre
  “Inga has become an incredible support for my professional practice. She has kept in touch with me throughout the rest of my placements.”
• James Mulligan, London Regional Cancer Program
  “Though I found oncology very emotionally charged, the knowledge I have gained and the skills that I developed during this time would not have been possible if not for James’ calm demeanor and wealth of knowledge.”
• Jamey VanHaaren & Shelby Downdell, Fiddick’s Retirement and Nursing Home 
  “There was an excellent relationship between the foodservice supervisor Jamey and the RD Shelby. I feel so fortunate to have seen this example of how to make an effective team for client centred care.”
• Lindsay Tansey, Schlegel Villages
  “Lindsay demonstrated the importance of communication with not only the residents but also the members of their family. It was clear that she was well respected by family members she engaged with regularly.”
• Lynne Sinclair, London Health Sciences Centre
  “Lynne was always so approachable, and she never made me feel like I was a burden despite the huge responsibility of taking on a practicum student. Her positivity radiated every single day and to anyone in her presence, it was impossible to not feel uplifted.”
• Salma Mahmoud, London Health Sciences Centre
  “Each week Salma would encourage me to try something new and become to more independent such as speaking in rounds and sending SBAR’s. She always reassured me that I was ready for the next step, even if I felt cautious about my own skills and abilities.”
• Sarah Ferguson, London Health Sciences Centre
  “During my time with Sarah, she facilitated an incredibly welcoming environment that provoked thought, provided comfort, and prioritized the patient.”
• Yusan Connors, Windsor Regional Hospital
  “Yusan was reasonable, timely, supportive, and encouraging in our time together, and she really did impact my confidence and ability to be in a high demand clinical setting.”

This award recognizes one organization that has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to supporting Brescia dietetic practicum students and is presented at the MScFN & DDEPT Graduation each June.

This award is given to a leader and organization that demonstrates qualities aligned with Brescia’s core values and strategic plan:

• Develops an actively engaged and positive student experience
• Models and nurtures excellence, service and leadership among staff
• Creates an environment and culture that supports the competency development of the student
• Dedicated to innovation, inquiry and lifelong learning
• Exemplifies client-centred, inter-professional collaboration and care
• Mentored Brescia interns for the previous 3 or more years 

The 2022 Organization Leadership Award recipient is Hamilton Health Sciences. 

 Previous award recipients:

• 2021: Primary Care Dietitians’ Association
• 2020: London Health Sciences Centre
• 2019: St. Joseph Health Care, London
• 2018: Grey Bruce Regional Dietetic Internship Partnership
• 2017: Windsor Regional Hospital