Ccfp Gillian Kernaghan

Experienced executive healthcare Leader, retired President and CEO, Board member, Educator and facilitator

Gillian Kernaghan is an experienced healthcare leader who served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Joseph's Health Care London from 2010 to 2021.1 2 She is a highly accomplished physician executive with a background in family medicine and extensive experience in healthcare administration.

Career Highlights

Dr. Kernaghan began her career as a family physician in 1984, joining the medical staff of St. Joseph's, Parkwood Hospital, and London Health Sciences Centre.2 Prior to her role as CEO, she served for 17 years as the Vice President, Medical for various hospitals in London and led the medical staff through a complex restructuring process that merged four hospitals to form St. Joseph's.1

Education and Certifications

Her educational background and certifications include:

MD (with Honours) from Western University
CCFP (Certification in the College of Family Physicians)
FCFP (Fellowship in the College of Family Physicians)
CCPE (Canadian Certified Physician Executive)

Leadership and Contributions

Dr. Kernaghan has made significant contributions to healthcare leadership and administration:

Served on the Ontario Hospital Association Board
Chaired the Catholic Health Association of Ontario
Co-Chaired the Canadian Health Leadership Network (2014-2018)
Past President of the Canadian Society of Physician Executives (2010-12)
Member of the Premier's Council on Improving Healthcare and Ending Hallway Medicine
Co-Chair of the Southwestern Academic Health Network

Academic Appointments

She has held several academic positions, including:

Associate Professor, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University
Adjunct Professor, Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University
Faculty member, Physician Leadership Institute, Canadian Medical Association

Awards and Recognition

Dr. Kernaghan has received notable awards for her contributions to healthcare:

YMCA Women of Excellence Award in Health, Science and Technology (2015)
Studer Group Fire Starter Hall of Fame Award (2017)
Canadian Society of Physician Leaders Excellence in Medical Leadership Award (2018)

Currently, Dr. Kernaghan continues to be involved in healthcare leadership, serving on the boards of Supply Ontario and Ontario Health, and as a faculty member of the Physician Leadership Institute at CMA Joule.3 4