Meet (and pledge!) Dr. Raji Menon, Palliative Physician, and Dr. Celine Lemire, Chief Hospitalist at CCH.   

Sponsored by Seaway Chevrolet, Buick, GMC.   

Raji:  Surgery was my first passion. As a student, I’d visit the library to read about surgeries because it fueled my mind. I trained in India, where general surgeons do everything; I worked in thoracic surgery, then urology. In 2003, I came to CCH as a general surgeon.  

After years standing hunched over for hours a day, surgery became harder on my body. My own physician, Mary Jane Randlett, was the first local palliative care specialist, and she inspired me to give back in a different way. I still see my patients in the hospital, I help palliative individuals in the community and support their families, too.  

Celine: I’m Chief of the Department of Hospital Medicine, supporting patients admitted at CCH.  Our department’s doing well; we have some new faces and we’re attracting team players who care for our patients and each other.  

A small community is an amazing place to provide care because you’ll see your patients again and can help them over time. It’s meaningful to make real connections and impact their lives.  

Raji: Making connections is essential. My patient philosophy has always been about understanding who my patients are as people. If you can make one person’s life better in one day, you’ve lived that day. My profession isn’t about me; it’s about the people I serve, and their families. 

Celine: This is where I belong. CCH is where I work, where I support others, and where I receive support in return. We’re a family, working together as a community, for our community. That matters.  

What project are we dancing for?   

We’re supporting Raji’s former colleagues in the OR to bring another anesthesia system to CCH. So far, CCHF has raised funds for two new units (including Dr. Gary Weinberg’s winning project from last year’s show), but all six Operating Rooms require upgrades, so there’s further to go! 

Why pledge our team?   

It turns out, we’re kindred spirits. We’re ready to surprise the audience and have fun. Between the two of us, we’ve given 30 years to CCH, so please pledge our team! Visit www.cornwallhospitalfoundation.ca to support us today!