The Dr. William Hutchinson Award was established in 1982 to recognize distinguished contributions to health services in Sault Ste Marie and the District of Algoma. Dr. Hutchinson was an esteemed local surgeon at Sault Area Hospital and a founding member of the Algoma District Health Council. The award is the responsibility of the Governance Committee of the Sault Area Hospital Board of Directors.
2024 Award Recipient
2024 Dr. William Hutchinson Award Recipient – Dr. Bhubendra Rasaiah
Dr. Bhubendra Rasaiah is a highly respected and dedicated pathologist who has made exemplary contributions to the healthcare services in Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma area. With a career spanning over half a century, Dr. Rasaiah’s profound knowledge, kindness, and generosity have been instrumental in shaping the well-being of the community.
After completing his medical education at St. George’s Hospital Medical School, University of London, England, Dr. Rasaiah immigrated to Sault Ste. Marie in 1971. He has devoted over 30 years as the Chief Pathologist/Medical Director at the Sault Ste. Marie General Hospital and was the sole pathologist at SAH for ten years, practicing in all disciplines of pathology. Throughout his extensive career, Dr. Rasaiah has demonstrated unwavering dedication to advancing standards of care and has constantly pursued excellence in patient care.
Dr. Rasaiah’s influence extends far beyond his role as a pathologist. His active involvement in research, with numerous publications in over 40 medical journals, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to advancing his profession. Notably, his collaboration with the SAH Oncology Unit for breast cancer research studies, culminating in a significant publication in the Journal of Clinical Medicine in 2021, has further solidified his professional standing.
Dr. Rasaiah’s commitment to the community is as remarkable as his professional achievements. His active participation in local musical and theatrical organizations, where he dedicates numerous volunteer hours during events and concerts, is a testament to his passion for the arts and his desire to enrich the community. Furthermore, his role as a volunteer participant in the SAH Foundation annual car show, engaging with area residents to garner support for the hospital, underscores his commitment to the welfare of the community.
Dr. Rasaiah’s leadership abilities are evident through his 30 years of service as Chief Pathologist/Medical Director and his mentorship role in training and collaborating with SAH staff and community members. He has also portrayed a commitment to fostering teamwork and partnerships, working harmoniously with various healthcare professionals and community organizations to ensure continuity and excellence in patient care.
Despite his long and successful career, Dr. Rasaiah continues to work diligently. His dedication and passion for maintaining high-quality standards and continuity of care and service are evident. Colleagues and community members hold him in high regard and acknowledge his invaluable contributions to the medical community and the community at large.
Dr. Rasaiah’s colleagues, community members, and organizations have provided numerous letters of support, highlighting his exceptional work ethic, unwavering dedication, and significant impact on patient care and the community. These letters commend Dr. Rasaiah’s professional expertise, genuine character, and outstanding contributions and endorse him as a worthy candidate for the Dr. William Hutchinson Award.
Dr. Bhubendra Rasaiah’s distinguished career and continued dedication to healthcare services in Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma area make him an excellent Dr. William Hutchinson Award recipient.
Past Dr. William Hutchinson Award Recipients
- Dr. F. C. Hamill
- Dr. Frances Mesaglio
- Mrs. June Bauer
- Mr. P. Edgar Buchan
- Mr. Harold S. MacLellan
- Mrs. Joyce Forman
- Miss Joan O’Leary
- Mr. Fred Griffith
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- Dr. William Robertson
- Mr. Mario Bergeron
- Dr. David Gould
- Mrs. Hilda Syrette & Dr. Thompson A. Ferrier
- Dr. Harold & Mrs. Beth Trefry
- Ms. Rosemary O’Connor
- Mrs. Kim Sitzes
- Dr. Patrick Fyfe & Shannon McLeod
- Mrs. Doreen Deluzio
- Mr. Anthony van den Bosch
- Mrs. Linda Watts
- Ms. Marilyn Billings
- Dr. Hui Lee
- Dr. John Kenneth Mohamed & Mrs. Cathy Shunock
- Dr. David Walde
- Mr. John Hollingsworth
- Dr. Sam (Sante) Fratesi
- Mrs. Helen Ross
- Dr. Dominic Tang
- Dr. Kwok-Lock Lam
- Dr. Susan Febbraro
- Ms. Elaine S. Pitcher
- Dr. Janice Willett
- Dr. Hopgood
- Dr. Sharon Buehner
- Dr. Douglas Bignell
- Dr. Alan McLean
- Karen Scott
- Award not administered due to global COVID-19 Pandemic
- Dr. Henry Leung
- Dr. Robert Maloney
- Dr. Ehsan Mohammadi
Nomination Information
Nominee Criteria
- The Nominee must have made a significant or distinguished contribution to health services in Sault Ste Marie or the District of Algoma through:
- Innovation in Health Care Services
- Volunteer Service
- Community Involvement
- Demonstrated Leadership Ability
- Fostering of Teamwork and Partnerships
- Work-related Excellence
Be a resident of Sault Ste. Marie or the District of Algoma
No member of the Board of Directors can either nominate or be nominated for either award
Nomination Review and Selection
The deadline for submission is Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 4:00 pm.
The Sault Area Hospital’s Governance Committee will review all nominations to make the selection. All nominators and the recipient(s) will be notified of the Committee’s selection via letter after the May Board of Director’s meeting.
Award Presentation
The award will be presented in the spring. Stay tuned for more information.
Nominate a deserving individual by completing a Dr. William Hutchinson Nomination.
For more information or to obtain a paper application form:
For more information on the Dr. William Hutchinson Award, contact Jennifer Doyle at ext. 3601 or email awardnominations@sah.on.ca