Leading with authenticity
Dr. Gillian Kernaghan, MD’82, has carved a unique path throughout her career. Retiring as President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Joseph’s Health Care London, she reflects on her personal and professional journey
By Emily Leighton, MA’13
Dressed in a kilt, knee-high socks and lace-up shoes, Dr. Gillian Kernaghan, MD’82, arrived for her first day of school in Canada. At 11 years old, she had just moved with her family from Scotland, leaving behind everything she knew.
“It was a challenging first day,” she said with a laugh. “There I was with my kilt and Scottish accent, I definitely stood out.”
It’s a fitting anecdote for a physician leader who has carved a unique path throughout her career – from leaving full-time clinical practice as a young mother to being the first and only family doctor to take the helm of St. Joseph’s Health Care London.
“I’m very intentional about the type of leader I am,” she said. “One of my earliest lessons was to be myself, to be authentic and to lead with integrity.”
As a teenager, Kernaghan had her sights set on being a math teacher. But she soon realized medicine was her professional calling, drawn to the people-oriented work and emphasis on lifelong learning.
“We can’t be complacent; we must always strive to improve. My hope is that we listen to the people we serve as to what their needs are, to care for them in body, mind and spirit, and in the context of who they are.”
— Dr. Gillian Kernaghan, MD’82
After graduating with her medical degree from Schulich Medicine & Dentistry in 1982, she completed residency training at the School and started working as a family physician in London.
“I never thought I’d be a CEO when I started working as a family doctor,” she said. “It’s something I grew into.”
Kernaghan volunteered on hospital committees and sat on the board at Parkwood Institute before taking on the role of Vice President (VP), Medical Services at Parkwood, then at St. Joseph’s Hospital, as she helped lead the restructuring of four health care organizations to form St. Joseph’s as it exists today. From 2006 to 2010, she served as the VP, Medical Education and Medical Affairs for St. Joseph’s and London Health Sciences Centre.
One of few women in medical leadership, she embraced her unique strengths. “I came to a place of realization that I could be me and lead being comfortable in who I am,” she said.
In August, Kernaghan retired as President and Chief Executive Officer after more than a decade in the role. Reflecting on her time at St. Joseph’s, she is most proud of the organization’s strategic focus on people – through quality of care and the patient experience, workplace culture and leadership development.
Kernaghan also highlights St. Joseph’s accreditation success in receiving exemplary standing as an organization three times in a row.
She says the community – and the richness of its relationships and partnerships – is fundamental to this success. “Health care is a team sport. It takes all of us to provide the care people need,” she said. “I come to the table as a servant leader, with humility and a true appreciation for others and their contributions.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kernaghan acted as the Regional Lead for Southwestern Ontario, providing leadership to 24 hospitals and the area’s long-term care sector. She worked closely with other leaders to navigate the crisis and adapt to changing needs, focusing on patient care as well as the health and wellness of staff.
For Kernaghan, the experience demonstrated that system change is not only possible, but necessary. “We can’t be complacent; we must always strive to improve,” she said. “My hope is that we listen to the people we serve as to what their needs are, to care for them in body, mind and spirit, and in the context of who they are.”
Twelve years ago, Kernaghan’s husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Her time as CEO paralleled his journey with the progressive, debilitating illness.
The same month she took the role, he went on long-term disability, and he now lives in a long-term care facility. “This experience really defines who I am, and it keeps me anchored in my ‘why’,” she said. “Being a caregiver reminds me why I’m so driven for excellence in health care.”
One of Kernaghan’s favourite memories is from a recent family vacation to Hawaii – jumping off 30-foot cliffs into the Pacific Ocean with her three adult sons.
“I wasn’t going to miss an opportunity to jump into the ocean with my boys,” she said.
True to this adventurous spirit, Kernaghan plans to get outdoors and see more of the world in retirement. “I love to play, to embrace life and try new things,” she said. “I’m most looking forward to spending more time with my family and travelling.”
Her next trip? A nine-day horseback riding trip in Iceland, planned for summer 2022.
As Kernaghan reflects on a fulfilling career in medicine, she is hopeful and optimistic for the future.
“I think about what hasn’t changed. Health care is still about people caring about people. It’s fundamentally about people and the privilege of being invited into their lives.”
