It’s clear upon meeting Dr. Bill Wong that he’s the kind of person who puts people at ease.
“I’ve just always wanted to help,” Dr. Wong says modestly.
His smile is kind, and he has an easy laugh. You can feel the warmth of his full attention when you’re with him—a rare quality for someone so busy and who wears so many hats in his professional life.
When asked about his greatest achievements, he talks about the support of his hospital staff and administration, as well as his engagement in the community—not the impressive positions he currently holds as Program Chief and Medical Director of Anesthesiology; Physician Lead in the Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit; or chair of the Pharmaceuticals and Therapeutics Committee at Trillium Health Partners. Nor does he speak of the formal accolades he has received for his work.
As an anesthesiologist, part of Dr. Wong’s role is to provide care to the donor during organ retrieval surgeries and ensure that the recovery team can focus on the surgery to retrieve life-saving organs.
Outside of the operating room, Dr. Wong continues to be a devoted champion for donation and transplantation—so much so, that in 2021, he received Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN)‘s Provincial Donation Champion Award for his work in cultivating a culture of donation at his hospital. When asked about the award, he spoke highly of the leadership at Trillium Health Partners for helping to facilitate an environment where success is possible.
“The one thing I want to emphasize is the importance of hospital leaders,” he says. “[Trillium Health Partners] has been so supportive, and that really helps establish a foundation of caring for our patients and community.”
The success of this leadership has been apparent, as Trillium Health Partners has gone on to receive the Provincial Eligible Approach Rate Award from TGLN for three years running since Dr. Wong received his Donation Champion Award in 2021. This award recognizes hospitals for demonstrating leading practices by facilitating a donation discussion with eligible patients or their families at end of life.
In addition to his Donation Champion Award, Dr. Wong has also received numerous physician and innovation awards—notably the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario Council Award, which honors outstanding Ontario physicians who demonstrate excellence and come closest to meeting society's vision of an “ideal physician.” The Chief of Staff at Trillium Health Partners has noted that Dr. Wong is widely acknowledged for elevating the standard of practice at the hospital. He also helped establish the policies and procedures for the medical assistance in dying (MAID) program at the hospital, helping to support quality end-of-life care for all patients.
Dr. Wong started his academic career studying architecture but quickly realized he had a different calling, for which countless patients are grateful. He leads his practice with compassion and caring for the whole person, and this makes all the difference. “It’s about the patients and families and making sure they feel supported and cared for. I just want to do what is needed to give the best care we can,” says Dr. Wong.
Dr. Wong continues to embody the spirit of commitment and dedication to his patients and we are privileged to continue celebrating his incredible work.