Southlake Health is celebrating four physicians recently recognized among Ontario’s top medical professionals with prestigious awards, highlighting the excellence in innovation, leadership, and patient-centred care that happens every day at the hospital.
From advancing equitable cancer care for adolescents and young adults to shaping the medical profession in Ontario, these recognitions reflect Southlake’s commitment to delivering leading edge care, close to home, while strengthening the broader health systems beyond its walls.
“Excellence in medicine is built on innovation, collaboration and an unwavering dedication to patients,” said Charmaine van Schaik, MD, Chief of Staff at Southlake Health. “Our physicians are not only delivering outstanding care within our hospital — they are helping to shape the future of health care across Ontario.”
Advancing age-appropriate cancer care
Alisha Kassam, MD, Physician Leader, Regional Cancer Program, started with an idea to better support cancer patients who are often underserved by the typical cancer care experience. As the Founder and Medical Director of the Southlake Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology Program, Dr. Kassam and the AYA team received the Visionary Award from the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO). This award recognizes their commitment to equitable, age-appropriate cancer care for adolescents and young adults in Ontario.
Through innovative programming and a focus on the unique medical and psychosocial needs of young people with cancer, the AYA Oncology Program is reshaping how care is delivered for this population across the province. Her work that has inspired system-wide change and influenced other regional cancer centres in Ontario to launch AYA programs.
“Receiving the POGO Visionary Award is a powerful reminder that lasting change often begins with the seed of an idea, brought to life through commitment, collaboration, and shared purpose,” said Dr. Kassam. “This program reflects the dedication of many people and partners who came together to transform a vision for improved AYA care into meaningful system impact for patients.”
Recognized by peers for clinical excellence
Matthew Laskin, MD, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Southlake, has been named one of Toronto’s Top Doctors of 2026 by Post City for the second year in a row. The recognition is based on peer nominations, reflecting the high regard in which he is held by fellow physicians. Of the 500 doctors to make the list, only 24 were an obstetrician/gynaecologist.
Dr. Laskin specializes in general obstetrics, minimally invasive gynaecological surgery and colposcopy, and is known for his patient-centred approach and dedication to excellence in women’s health. He also serves as an associate clinical professor for obstetrics and gynecology at McMaster University.
“I’m humbled by this recognition,” said Dr. Laskin. “Not only am I privileged to be a continued advocate for women’s health, but I’m also honoured to be a part of one of the most exciting times in a person’s life: the birth of their child.”
Championing mental health care
Stephen Stokl, MD has been honoured with the 2025 Jane Chamberlin Award from the Association of General Hospital Psychiatric Services. This annual award recognizes one physician or team for outstanding achievement in mental health relating to general hospitals and designated psychiatric facilities across Ontario.
Nominated by his peers and colleagues at Southlake Health, Dr. Stokl was praised as an exceptional leader, dedicating more than four decades to caring for stigmatized and vulnerable populations. Through his leadership, advocacy and vision, Dr. Stokl has played a pivotal role in strengthening access to compassionate, high-quality mental health care within the hospital setting. This works carries into his role as an assistant professor at the University of Toronto.
“I’ve had great teachers who’ve taught me about the often-invisible scourge of mental illness, which affects us all, one way or another,” said Dr. Stokl. “Fortunately, I work with a highly skilled, dedicated group of psychiatrists at Southlake Health, who respectfully demonstrate the privilege of delivering treatment to those entrusted to our care.”
Provincial leadership in the medical profession
Peter Watt, MD, Physician Leader, Maternal Child Program, Southlake has been awarded Life Membership in the Ontario Medical Association (OMA), one of the association’s highest honours. OMA Life Membership is granted to physicians who have made outstanding contributions to the work of the association in the interest of the medical profession.
In addition to his involvement with the OMA, Dr. Watt’s work advancing medical science and contributing at the provincial level has had a meaningful impact on the profession and the patients it serves.
“My lifelong philosophy has been to volunteer to make the world a better place. I am deeply honoured to be recognized by my peers at the Ontario Medical Association,” said Dr. Watt. “I am so grateful to my own family and my Southlake family who have encouraged me over 34 years to reach out to make health care better for all Ontarians.”
“These recognitions reflect the extraordinary talent, compassion and leadership of our team at Southlake,” said Paul Woods, MD, President and CEO, Southlake Health. “Together, they underscore our ongoing commitment to innovation, equitable care, and clinical excellence, ensuring patients and families receiving leading edge care, close to home. We are incredibly proud of the impact they are making — not only within our hospital, but across Ontario’s health system.”
