Dr. Akshai Iyengar immigrated to Canada from India in 1987 when he just nine years old. His family, like many immigrants, had to start from the ground up—but they were never alone.
“We got help from our community and I learned how important it was to give back,” Dr. Iyengar recalls.
Bringing that spirit with him, Dr. Iyengar has been part of Queensway Carleton Hospital for over 15 years, currently serving as Chief and Medical Director of the Department of Critical Care Medicine and Medical Director of Quality and Patient Safety. He understands deeply the critical role QCH Foundation and its donors play in patient care. That’s why he has been a committed monthly donor for 13 years.
“Giving back to the people or organizations that have supported you is essential,” he says. “I donate because I believe in this hospital, in the care we provide, and in the people who provide that care.”
Working in the ICU, Dr. Iyengar witnesses every day how important ongoing donations are to the hospital’s success. “The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is not an easy department to run as technology and care changes rapidly,” he explains.
“We rely on donors to fund the life-saving equipment and upgrades to medical devices in the ICU. Some of the smallest equipment we use in the ICU can have the biggest impact on patient outcomes,” he confirms.
“I give monthly because I believe that consistent support is the strongest way to stand behind our hospital and the people we serve.”
Looking to the future, Dr. Iyengar shares his optimism and vision for QCH’s growth: “Our community is growing rapidly, especially in Ottawa’s west end. As a result, the hospital needs to expand the Emergency Department and the in-patient areas. This growth will help us serve the increasing needs of our population.”
Yet, no matter how much QCH expands, the hospital’s down-to-earth culture and community spirit remain strong. “QCH is a larger place than when I started here 15 years ago. But even with all the growth, QCH has strong links to community, and continues to foster a strong culture of caring which is what makes our hospital so special.”
For Dr. Iyengar, monthly giving is not just about donating— it’s about ensuring that quality care continues for everyone who walks through QCH’s doors.
“Monthly donations are easy and convenient,” he says. “They spread out your support over the year, and you know your gift is making a difference every single day.”
Dr. Iyengar asks others to consider monthly giving as a powerful way to give back. “The hospital has given so much to me personally and professionally, and giving back through monthly donations feels like the right thing to do. Every cent goes toward improving patient care—and that’s something we can all be proud of.”
Join Dr. Iyengar in supporting QCH