Congrats to the 2025 Leo N. Steven Excellence in Leadership Award winners!
The Leo N. Steven Excellence in Leadership Award was created to honour and acknowledge individual management staff who exemplify excellence in leadership.
Meet the 2025 award winners.
Francois Gallant - Supervisor Radiation Therapy, OCC
Francois Gallant exemplifies extraordinary leadership through his innovative, collaborative, and patient-centered approach. He has successfully led initiatives such as Quality Conversations (QCs) to enhance teamwork and open communication, and proactively addressed skill gaps in radiation therapy by developing a training program for intravenous (IV) insertion, preparing over 30 therapists to meet future demands.
Francois is deeply committed to mentoring and inspiring others, fostering a culture of growth and continuous learning. His leadership extends to practical problem-solving, as seen in his efforts to standardize procedures, improve patient care, and lead various successful projects. François's dedication to advancing his department’s practices and promoting cross-disciplinary collaboration has made a lasting impact, positioning him as a key driver of excellence at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
Lan McMillan - PCM, B4 NVU
Lan McMillan has demonstrated amazing leadership at both her previous and current units, impacting organizational culture and team performance. She has successfully navigated periods of uncertainty, from managing staff shortages to improving staff morale. Lan’s leadership stands out in her ability to connect personally with her team, fostering a culture of inclusivity, engagement, and growth. She has filled numerous staffing gaps, improved retention, and streamlined processes, resulting in measurable benefits such as reduced burnout and operational efficiency.
She has been instrumental in overcoming significant barriers, such as addressing the misalignment of nursing skills with patient care needs, resolving inappropriate code stroke activations, and advocating for training in stroke research studies. Her approach is grounded in listening to her team, identifying root causes, and implementing sustainable solutions. Her leadership combines strategic insight with genuine care for her team, making her an outstanding and deserving leader who has significantly transformed the work environment and improved patient care outcomes.
Dr. Rajin Mehta - Physician, Geriatric Medicine
Dr. Rajin Mehta has demonstrated leadership throughout his career, particularly in his role as Chair of the Academic Funding Plan (AFP) Board and Division Head of Geriatric Medicine at Sunnybrook. For over eight years, he has been instrumental in physician advocacy, particularly during the complex Physician Services Agreement (PSA) negotiations. Dr. Mehta’s strategic vision, clear communication, and unwavering commitment led to the success of his advocacy, ensuring that Sunnybrook’s position on funding remained central, influencing other academic centres to realign with his approach.
As Division Head, Dr. Mehta expanded the impact of Geriatric Medicine, mentoring staff, fostering innovation and developing interdisciplinary clinics. He has consistently encouraged his team to pursue academic and professional growth, resulting in many mentees achieving significant success. His ability to balance bold decision-making with collaboration sets him apart as a strong leader in healthcare policy and administration.
Lisa Merkley - Director, Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Program
Lisa Merkley, Director of the Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Program and Co-Director for Lab Medicine and Diagnostic Imaging, is a remarkable leader who consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership abilities. She excels at integrating teams, fostering collaboration, and driving improvements, such as implementing Lab Medicine's document control system in Diagnostic Imaging. Lisa has a proven track record of overcoming challenges, such as developing a reliable Ebola testing procedure that ensured smooth operations during a critical time.
She is also a dedicated mentor, offering guidance and support to help her team members reach their professional goals. Lisa promotes a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion by valuing all voices and encouraging diverse perspectives. Her combination of strategic thinking, empathy, and emotional intelligence sets her apart as a leader who empowers others, making a lasting impact on her team and the organization.
Mahsa Sadeghi - Director, Schulich Heart Program
Mahsa Sadeghi is an exemplary leader whose strategic vision and hands-on approach have significantly transformed healthcare delivery at the Schulich Heart Program at Sunnybrook. She has led the development of several groundbreaking programs, including the Cardio-Obstetrics Clinic, Vascular Limb Preservation Clinic, and the PFO Closure Program, addressing critical gaps in care and improving patient outcomes. Mahsa’s leadership was essential in making specialized services more accessible, reducing patient travel burdens, and enhancing continuity of care. Her ability to identify and overcome barriers, such as the lack of locally available specialized care, has led to measurable improvements in patient satisfaction, reduced hospitalizations, and better management of complex conditions.
Beyond operational excellence, Mahsa is a dedicated mentor, consistently empowering her team members to grow professionally. She has played a key role in the development of several individuals, supporting their education and leadership training, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Her approach to mentorship emphasizes personal growth, collaborative learning, and a deep belief in the potential of others. Mahsa's leadership has reshaped the cardiac and vascular care landscape at Sunnybrook, and her continued influence will ensure the organization's ongoing success.
