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“At the end of the day, a patient is a whole person who needs holistic care. And that is what we offer in the complex medicine clinic,” explained Osler Nurse Practitioner Chris Varughese.
Very early in her career, Chris recognized the need for a more coordinated approach to caring for patients with complex, coexisting conditions. In 2018, she took the first critical steps to make it happen and led the launch of the complex medicine clinic at Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness.
Seven years later, what began as a concept on paper has evolved into a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, dietitians and clerical associates who, together, provide coordinated care for medically high-risk adults who have visited the Emergency Department or been treated in hospital for conditions such as congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, hypertension and cirrhosis of the liver.
From the start, she knew that to be successful, silos had to be removed, and care needed to be streamlined under one roof and centered around the patients’ individual needs and values. Fortunately, Chris is the type of person who sees challenges as opportunities, doesn’t accept the status quo, and was determined to bring her plan life.
For her, Collaboration was—and remains—key. “It definitely takes a village to bring together the personalized care needed for each patient,” she said, especially when dealing with a particularly vulnerable and often socially disadvantaged patient population. “Working as a team is crucial. It is not a one-person act.”
Hearing her speak those words, it is clear why Chris was chosen to be Osler's 2024-25 Values Champion for Collaboration, an award given to an Osler team or team member who believes we are stronger together and works across boundaries, actively partnering with others to create better outcomes.
“The act of collaboration empowers patients, empowers health care providers, empowers the community and empowers the health care system to reach that shared goal of timely access to care at the right place at the right time,” said Chris.
Chris was nominated for the award by Pharmacist Hina Marsonia on behalf of the entire team, who say they are inspired by Chris every day.
“Chris consistently provides excellent quality care, approaching each patient with compassion and treating them as if they were her own family member,” said Hina. “Working across boundaries with other community stakeholders to keep the patient out of the hospital and prevent hospitalization is something Chris has a passion for and continues to advocate for.”
As someone who tries to keep things low-key and stay out of the spotlight, Chris said she was surprised to learn about the award. “When I first found out I couldn’t believe it,” she said. When the shock wore off, she said it was “heartwarming” to know the nomination came from her friend and colleague, Hina. “There were a lot of emotions. It really does feel good to know there is appreciation for the work that you do.”
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