Dr. Giuseppe Papia awarded Canada Limb Preservation Excellence Award

Congratulations to Dr. Giuseppe Papia who was selected by physicians, clinicians, industry and patients to receive the Canada Limb Preservation Excellence Award. The award is part of the Global PAD (peripheral artery disease) IMPACT Awards.

Dr. Papia, a vascular surgeon at Sunnybrook, is a passionate advocate for improving outcomes in patients with peripheral artery disease. Peripheral artery disease is a potentially life-threatening vascular condition affecting approximately 800,000 Canadians, in particular those living with diabetes. Diagnoses often come too late to save a patient’s limb that has developed gangrene, leaving amputation as the only option.

This award speaks to both Dr. Papia’s leadership, and that of the entire vascular team at Sunnybrook, including the physician team of Dr. Andrew Dueck, Dr. Ahmed Kayssi and Dr. Daryl Kucey, as well as Greg Kagan, nurse practitioner, and Annie Derbakova, project manager. This dedicated group has made exceptional contributions to the field of peripheral artery disease through research, innovation, patient education, advocacy and professional leadership.

Dr. Papia spearheaded a successful limb preservation program which has reduced amputation rates in the Toronto region. He has also rallied to increase awareness and fundraising efforts through Sunnybrook’s Ride for Project Saving Legs, an annual fundraising event in support of those living with peripheral arterial disease.

Sunnybrook’s vascular surgery team performs over 250 minimally invasive angioplasties each year to clear blockages and restore blood flow to patients’ legs. This treatment often results in immediate relief and patients typically return home the same day. In cases where angioplasty isn’t an option, our surgeons perform leg bypass surgery or hybrid procedures, all to restore patient lives and mobility.

Congratulations, Dr. Papia and team, for your ongoing dedication and work to improve patient outcomes for individuals at risk of limb loss.