TBRHSC Board Chair Report (December 2025)

As we conclude 2025, I am proud to reflect on a year marked by resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to our mission of delivering exceptional care to every patient, every time. Over the last year, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) has continued to advance clinical excellence, strengthen operational performance, and invest in our people and infrastructure. The achievements stand as a testament to the dedication of our staff, the leadership of our senior team, and the steadfast support of our Board of Directors. Together, we have not only met the demands of today but have also laid a strong foundation for the future of compassionate, patient-centered care.

We are proud to welcome five new physicians this last quarter: Drs. Barbara Gunka (Hematologist), Elham Talachian (Paediatrician), Mohamed Elkoushy (Urologist), Siavosh Nasseri-Moghadda (Gastroenterologist) and Rasoul Javan (Cardiologist). These highly skilled physicians have joined our team of professionals committed to innovation, collaboration, and the highest standards of clinical practice. Their expertise, compassion, and dedication to excellence will complement our existing professional staff and continue to advance our mission to provide patient-centered care to the people of Northwestern Ontario. Please join us in welcoming them to our community.

Other exciting news from this past month includes the announcement of $22,815,488 in grants from the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. The funds will be used to purchase essential equipment at TBRHSC and regional hospitals. This represents the largest single commitment the Foundation has ever made — made possible through the remarkable generosity of donors, event participants, and Thunder Bay 50/50 supporters. Thank you to our donors for their incredible generosity, and to the Health Sciences Foundation for their dedication to enhancing care in our region.

This month, we celebrate International Volunteer Day (December 5). Volunteers are an essential part of our Hospital community, generously sharing their time and talents to enhance the lives of our patients, families, and staff. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and extend a heartfelt thank you to all our dedicated volunteers for their invaluable contributions.

To further enhance care, one of the key goals within our Strategic Plan 2026 is to build a Sustainable Future to ensure our health future. As part of this commitment, we aim to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in health care.

Recently, TBRHSC hosted two exciting events: Take Our Kids to Work Day and the Indigenous Career Experience that introduced local students to the wide range of possibilities available in health care. Take Our Kids to Work Day is an annual experiential learning opportunity for Grade 9 students across Ontario. During their visit, students toured various Hospital departments, gaining insight into different health care professions and volunteer opportunities. Similarly, during the Indigenous Career Experience, students explored diverse roles within TBRHSC and participated in hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and connection to the health care field.

Through these initiatives, we hope to ignite a passion for helping others and encourage students to envision themselves as future health care professionals — contributing to a sustainable future and ensuring the health of generations to come.

As we move into 2026, I extend my sincere appreciation to our staff, professional staff, learners and volunteers for their continued dedication and professionalism. Together, we will build on this year’s progress and remain focused on delivering the highest quality of health care to the people of Northwestern Ontario. On behalf of the Board, I wish everyone continued success in the year ahead.