Month: January 2026

Joseph Brant Hospital was pleased to welcome Dr. Rahima Nenshi as Chief of Staff in January 2026.

Dr. Nenshi joins JBH from St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (SJHH), where she served as Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee. A visionary and values-driven leader, she has championed innovation and equity through hospital-wide physician engagement initiatives co-created in partnership with staff and physician leadership. These efforts have strengthened collaboration, enhanced quality and safety for patients, and elevated the physician experience. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Common Credentials Committee for both SJHH and Hamilton Health Sciences, providing regional oversight for professional staff appointments, credentialing, and governance.

Over her tenure at SJHH, Dr. Nenshi has held a range of inaugural leadership appointments, including Director of Acute Care Surgery, SJH Lead for the Division of Perioperative Care, and Director of Postgraduate Medical Education. Under her leadership, the Acute Care Surgery Program evolved into a sustainable, team-based model. Within her role in the Department of Education and Learning, she strengthened academic partnerships with McMaster University and elevated the hospital’s teaching and research profile. She also strengthened educational infrastructure, improved resident onboarding and safety processes, and contributed to accreditation success for postgraduate training programs.

An exceptionally skilled and compassionate surgeon, Dr. Nenshi’s clinical practice spans minimally invasive, acute care, surgical oncology, and general surgery. She is an Associate Professor of Surgery at McMaster University, where she is widely recognized as an inspirational mentor and advocate for the physician voice. Her leadership approach is future-focused, inclusive, and driven by a deep commitment to quality and patient-centred care. Known for bringing diverse voices together, she leads with clarity, authenticity, and purpose – always with a focus on meaningful impact.

Dr. Nenshi holds a Doctor of Medicine and a Master’s in Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics from McMaster University, and completed her General Surgery Residency, Minimally Invasive Surgery Fellowship, and Surgical Oncology Fellowship at the University of Toronto. She is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC) and a graduate of the Rotman Advanced Health Leadership Program. Her contributions have been recognized through numerous awards, including Hamilton Top 40 Under 40 and multiple academic and clinical research prizes.

At JBH, Dr. Nenshi will play a pivotal role in advancing the hospital’s strategic vision by fostering clinical and operational excellence, championing innovation and equity in care delivery, and strengthening physician engagement. She will provide medical leadership through key initiatives such as Project Harmony, the implementation of a new digital health information system (Dovetale), major program redevelopments, and the continued evolution of the medical model of care.

Burlington, ON — TD Bank Group has made a $500,000 donation to the For All Minds Campaign to support the creation of a new Older Adult Cognitive Health Program at Joseph Brant Hospital.

“At JBH, our healthcare teams strive to achieve excellence in timely, high-quality patient care, with a focus on a senior-friendly approach for our older adult population,” said Leslie Motz, Executive Vice-President, Clinical and Chief Nursing Executive. “One of our organizational focuses is embedding senior-friendly practices, education and mindset throughout our hospital, and this funding will allow us to create this new program specifically designed for senior-friendly care.”

This gift will enable JBH to hire additional specialized staff, including a Nurse Practitioner and Occupational & Recreational Therapists, to support the program’s goal of addressing the complex needs of older adults. The Nurse Practitioner will educate patients and their families, diagnose and treat acute illnesses through medication, and manage care, including coordinating lab work and other diagnostic tests. Dedicated Occupational and Recreational Therapists will enhance care delivery within this model by focusing on improved physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs, allowing patients to develop skills and behaviours they can use in daily living when discharged to the community.

“At TD, we understand the complex and unique health challenges that seniors face,” said Anna Iacobelli, Senior Vice President, Metro West Region, TD Bank Group. “By supporting the For All Minds Campaign, we’re helping older adults at Joseph Brant Hospital access specialized resources to support early detection and prevention, transition home sooner, and ensure they have access to the care they need as they continue their recovery closer to family and support networks.”

Rooted in best practice, the Older Adult Cognitive Health Program will improve on existing practices by providing the enhanced clinical resources and structure needed to best support our growing senior patient population, who suffer from mental health illnesses and the unique challenges faced by this patient population (including chronic diseases, falls, wandering, etc.).

“We are immensely grateful to have received this gift, which will make a tremendous difference for our older patients and their families,” said Ashley Davidson, Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation President & CEO. “This generous support will enable this unique program to deliver the best care possible to this growing population throughout the hospital.” For more information about the For All Minds Campaign, please visit forallminds.ca.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Douglas (Doug) Leggat, a beloved pillar of the Burlington community and beyond.

Doug exemplified unwavering commitment, strength, leadership, and generosity. Together with his wife Maryella, their philanthropy has made a lasting and transformative impact on the health and well-being of our community. 

For more than forty years, Doug tirelessly championed support for the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation, leading and participating in all major fundraising campaigns that have helped to transform Joseph Brant Hospital into the leading-class facility it is today. 

Doug’s legacy of compassion and care will endure for generations, and we are profoundly grateful for all he has given to better our community. We extend our deepest sympathies to Maryella, Sue, Brian, and Leighan, and all of Doug’s family and friends during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed.