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Radiologist Recognized for Dedication to Patients
Portrait of Dr. John Rawlinson taken outside in between trees.
Image: Arash Moallemi
Radiologist Recognized for Dedication to Patients
Burlington’s Dr. John Rawlinson receives Board Award for “going above and beyond.”

December 2024
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Dr. John Rawlinson knows that, for some patients, the time leading up to their appointment at a diagnostic imaging unit can be filled with sleepless nights and trepidation.  

 

“And in some cases, yes, the visit might indeed be the start of a life-altering journey for them,” said Dr. Rawlinson, a diagnostic and interventional radiologist at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington. "So, they need to feel seen, and to be treated with kindness, respect and dignity at a time when they feel their most vulnerable.” 

 

Dr. Rawlinson has performed thousands of procedures and interventions in his 40-year career, but his empathy for the patient’s experience has never diminished.  

Dr. Rawlinson's dedication to both his patients and his specialty appears to be legendary among his colleagues at Brant, judging by both the sheer number of people – from all areas of the hospital – who nominated him for a CPSO Board of Directors Award and the respect and admiration so clearly felt in their statements.  

 

Many of his colleagues speak of his accessibility and availability for clinical care issues. During his 10-year tenure as Chief of Diagnostic Imaging (DI) at the hospital, his key focus was quality of care and timely access to Imaging. Accordingly, he established a consult service, ensuring that an expert DI opinion for all physicians was available around the clock. This service also enabled, when appropriate, access to imaging for patients on an urgent basis directly from family physicians in the community, by-passing long waits in the Emergency Department.  

“His ability to interpret complex imaging studies precisely and provide insightful recommendations has undoubtedly improved patient outcomes.”

Dr. Rawlinson received much of his medical education and training in England, where he also qualified as a surgeon. Although radiology was “ultimately, a better fit for my personality,” his surgical background has been invaluable, providing insights into the critical role of imaging in the support of clinical practice. As such, he successfully advocated for mobile imaging and interventional procedures outside the main Diagnostic Imaging Unit to meet clinical needs in the operating room, ICU, Emergency Department and, when appropriate, on the wards at the patient’s bedside. 

Dr. John Rawlinson receives the Board Award at the December meeting.

Dr. Joe Cherian, Chief of Emergency Services, wrote that Dr. Rawlinson’s profound knowledge of radiology and keen diagnostic skills have been invaluable in the management of patients. In the fast-paced environment of the Emergency Department, accurate and timely diagnoses are paramount; Dr. Rawlinson consistently delivers results that significantly impact patient care. “His ability to interpret complex imaging studies precisely and provide insightful recommendations has undoubtedly improved patient outcomes,” he wrote. 

 

Beyond his technical expertise, Dr. Rawlinson displays a dedication that is unmatched, with a willingness to go above and beyond to assist in critical cases. Dr. Cherian said he often works long hours to ensure teams had the necessary information to make informed decisions. 

 

Although pleased to be receiving the Board Award, Dr. Rawlinson is typically self-effacing about being singled out for recognition. “I am just one member of a very hard-working, committed multi-disciplinary team,” he says.   

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