Kingston Health Sciences Centre Appoints Dr. Doris Jabs to Enhance Breast Health

Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) has announced the establishment of a new position aimed at enhancing breast health services. On March 14, 2024, during an event at Johnson Auditorium at Hotel Dieu, KHSC appointed Dr. Doris Jabs as the first Rose of Hope clinical chair in breast health. This initiative seeks to improve screening, diagnosis, and treatment for breast cancer patients within the Kingston area.

The role is backed by a significant financial commitment, with the Rose of Hope Golf Tournament pledging $1 million over five years. This year, the tournament raised $285,000, marking a substantial contribution toward the chair’s initial funding. Since its inception 27 years ago, the tournament has generated approximately $3.5 million to support women’s health programs at KHSC, which includes funding for Breast Imaging Kingston (BIK) and a commitment for an MRI machine set to become operational in early 2025.

Dr. Jabs, a seasoned radiologist with over 20 years of experience, expressed her enthusiasm for the new role. “It’s so energizing. It’s so incredibly energizing,” she stated in a recent interview. “I have 20 years of ideas that I have been dying to try and get going. So for me, it was just a dream position to be able to have with the support and the momentum of the Rose of Hope because they are a fantastic group of women.”

Initial Goals and Long-Term Vision

Among her immediate objectives, Dr. Jabs highlighted the need to enhance digital accessibility. “We’re definitely needing to reimagine, reinvent, re-create our digital presence,” she noted. “I think, in this day and age with AI and with technology, we need to be more accessible and more visible on our digital platforms.”

Looking toward the future, Dr. Jabs aims to explore the implementation of a nurse navigator role to assist patients, particularly those facing complex health issues, in navigating the healthcare system. Additionally, she is considering the establishment of a rapid access clinic. “It’s a clinic that almost fast tracks you. So the time to diagnosis is significantly less than if you’re put through the routine systems that currently exist,” she explained. Although she acknowledges that developing a rapid access clinic is a long-term endeavor, it remains a priority for her.

Dr. Jabs expressed confidence in her ability to fulfill the commitments associated with her new position, noting the strong support from the Rose of Hope organization. “There is accountability. I have to meet some metrics and make sure that I deliver on my promises. But to know that I have that support and those women behind me makes it so inspiring.”

Community Support and Future Impact

Sherri McCullough, chair of the Rose of Hope committee and a member of the KHSC board, emphasized the importance of the new position in enhancing care for women. “This million dollar clinical chair will result in better outcomes and more survivors,” she stated. “With this announcement of the clinical chair, we will transform the way that care is delivered. It will be much more seamless, women will feel much more supported, and they will have a rapid access clinic, a research nurse navigator — just really enhanced care.”

McCullough reassured the community of their commitment to this initiative, stating, “It’s a five-year pledge for the million dollars that we’re donating to this project, so we will continue to fulfill that pledge, and we will meet any need that comes our way. We very much look forward to next year when we get to see the results of Dr. Jabs’ work in the first year.”

At the core of these initiatives is a focus on patient-centered care. Dr. Jabs stressed her commitment to improving patient outcomes, ensuring that all efforts reflect the needs and voices of those she serves. “I want to make sure that these are patient-centered initiatives, where they have a voice and they’re felt to be empowered, decrease their anxiety, and absolutely make things more accessible,” she concluded.

The establishment of this role marks a significant advancement in the fight against breast cancer in the Kingston region, promising to enhance collaboration and innovation in patient care.