Pictured above: Dr. Varun Kapila, Site Chief of Surgery at Brampton Civic Hospital and Division Head for Vascular Surgery, William Osler Health System

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With a life on the line, William Osler Health System's (Osler) Dr. Varun Kapila didn't hesitate a second when Dr. Peter Stotland, Surgical Oncologist and acting Chief of Surgery at North York General Hospital (NYGH) in Toronto in November 2021, urgently requested his help with a vascular emergency surgery. Although still recovering from knee surgery, Osler's Site Chief of Surgery at Brampton Civic Hospital and Division Head for Vascular Surgery quickly made his way to NYGH. Enlisting the help of another of Osler's talented vascular surgeons, Dr. William (Bill) Johnson, the two joined NYGH's surgical team to perform an Abdominal Aortic Reconstruction, a procedure that calls upon the efforts of many skilled people working together.

"Dr. Kapila and Dr. Johnson's response to a fellow colleague and a patient in need at another hospital not only demonstrates our solidarity as a health system, but is also a tremendous example of Osler's Values of compassion, service and collaboration in action. Dr. Kapila and Dr. Johnson certainly exemplify these values!", said Dr. Frank Martino, Osler's Chief of Staff at the time, now Interim President and CEO.

Once the Osler team arrived in the Operating Room, the incredible surgical team at NYGH made them feel right at home where they all shared one ultimate goal – saving a life. The commitment of both teams was unwavering, with other NYGH staff not on the immediate surgical team remaining beyond their shifts to ensure extra hands were available if needed.

Abdominal Aortic Reconstruction is complex. A surgeon operating in an unfamiliar setting supported by colleagues from another hospital is a true testament to teamwork and quality patient care. After more than seven hours in the Operating Room, Dr. Kapila, Dr. Johnson and the surgical team put down their instruments – the patient's life was saved.

His recent experience at NYGH reminded Dr. Kapila of the unprecedented provincial collaboration during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, when close to 40 hospitals and other health care facilities graciously accepted the transfer of more than 800 patients from Osler's hospitals. "The cross-hospital teamwork to care for patients in our region is ultimately beneficial to all our patients," said Dr. Kapila. "The level of collaboration with NYGH is an incredible example of what we can achieve together, and it led to saving a life. It's a source of inspiration for me personally, and for the health care system at large."