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.
Nomination Deadline is April 8, 2026
2026 Award Recipient

Dr. Jonathan DellaVedova
Dr. Jonathan DellaVedova is a respected paediatrician who has served children and families in Sault Ste. Marie and Northern Ontario for more than a decade. A graduate of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, he obtained certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in 2013.
Dr. DellaVedova provides comprehensive paediatric care at both the Group Health Centre and Sault Area Hospital, where he is recognized for his compassionate, evidence-based, and family-centred approach. In the spirit of Dr. William Hutchinson’s legacy—marked by community-based care, leadership, and service—he exemplifies these values through his commitment to improving access to paediatric care in underserved communities.
Dr. DellaVedova’s commitment to this community is longstanding and deeply personal. Having trained with the goal of returning to Sault Ste. Marie, he made a deliberate choice to build his career locally, and this commitment to providing high-quality care close to home is evident throughout his work.
As Chief of Paediatric & Neonatal Services and Medical Director of Women and Children’s Health at Sault Area Hospital, Dr. DellaVedova has led initiatives that strengthen patient safety, quality improvement, and evidence-based care. His leadership has supported a stable and resilient paediatric service model while fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
Recognizing the needs of rural communities, he has expanded access to paediatric specialty care through consulting services at St. Joseph’s General Hospital in Elliot Lake, reducing travel burdens for families and improving equity of care across Algoma. He also played a key role in establishing the first NOSM University Pediatrics Residency position in Sault Ste. Marie, supporting physician recruitment and the long-term sustainability of paediatric services in the North.
Dr. DellaVedova is deeply committed to medical education and mentorship. He supports learners through weekly teaching, clinical supervision, and ongoing mentorship across all stages of training. He also contributed to the development of the NOSM KIT learner wellness app, supporting student well-being and success. His mentorship extends beyond formal roles and helps encourage future physicians to build their careers in Northern Ontario.
He also leads the Paediatric Quality Committee, promoting continuous quality improvement, accountability, and interdisciplinary collaboration that enhances care for children and families across the region.
Known for his kindness, patience, and thoughtful approach, Dr. DellaVedova ensures families feel heard and supported in their care. He leads by example, fostering collaboration, trust, and mutual respect, creating environments “where children can meet their true potential.”
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
- Dr. Bhubendra Rasaiah
- Dr. Vinod Mathur
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
Nominations are reviewed annually in April.
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.
Nomination Deadline is April 8, 2026
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 [email protected]