Celebrating Excellence: Three Lakeridge Health Doctors Honoured with Prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal

We couldn’t be prouder to shine a spotlight on three extraordinary Lakeridge Health physicians who have been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal – a remarkable honour celebrating their dedication to improving lives in our community and beyond. This special medal recognizes Canadians who have made a lasting impact through their service, leadership, and compassion.

These inspiring physicians don’t just provide care – they change lives. Let’s celebrate their incredible achievements!

Dr. Anierhe Joan Abohweyere – A Champion for Children

As Chief of Paediatrics and Neonatology, Dr. Abohweyere has spent years pouring her heart into caring for kids, especially those with special needs, such as autism and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, and mental health challenges. Her passion doesn’t stop at the hospital – she’s also a leader with the Paediatricians Alliance of Ontario and a past President of the Durham Medical Society, always advocating for the youngest and most vulnerable among us. Dr. Abohweyere was nominated by Senator Sharon Burey for these exceptional efforts.

Dr. Shannon Fernando – Saving Lives Through Research and Critical Care

A Critical Care Physician at Lakeridge Health and an Assistant Professor at Queen’s University, Dr. Fernando is a powerhouse in heart and brain health. With more than 160 published articles (including in top medical journals like The New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)), his work is shaping the future of critical care. His research focuses on cardiac arrest, ICU recovery, and life-saving treatments, helping patients not only survive but regain the best possible quality of life after serious illness. Dr. Fernando was also nominated by the Heart and Stroke Foundation for his research in adult cardiac arrest, and service on the Advanced Life Support Task Force of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) – a group that creates and disseminates guidelines on the management of cardiac arrest. 

Dr. Randy Wax – A Leader in Critical Care and Beyond

Dr. Wax, our hospital’s Chief of Staff and former Chief of Critical Care, has transformed resuscitation and critical care at Lakeridge Health, turning it into a leading regional program. His expertise spans Internal Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, and Emergency Medical Services, and he’s played key roles with Ontario Health, Ornge Air Ambulance, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Whether at the bedside or in leadership, Dr. Wax is dedicated to making health care safer and more effective for everyone. Dr. Wax was nominated by the Heart and Stroke Foundation for his outstanding contributions to heart and stroke care and his unwavering commitment to heart and brain health in Canada. He has been the Medical Director for Advanced Cardiac Life Support education at Lakeridge Health for over 15 years and was one of the lead investigators in obtaining funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to establish the Durham Region Resuscitation Research Collaborative. In partnership with Oshawa Fire, General Motors and Ontario Tech University, Dr. Wax has helped establish PulsePoint services in Durham Region, a smartphone app that helps alert public responders of cardiac arrests in public places to encourage timely CPR and automated defibrillation.

“These three physicians embody the very best of skill, dedication, and heart,” shares Lakeridge Health President and CEO, Cynthia Davis. "Their work is a testament to our One System. Best Health. vision, and we join our communities and patients in deep gratitude for all that they do."

Congratulations, Dr. Wax, Dr. Fernando, and Dr. Abohweyere!