Two long-serving physicians on their decades of caring for patients, how much has changed and the legacy of St. Joe’s
At St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, two physicians – Dr. Michael Achong and Dr. Janet Farrell – have contributed to shaping the hospital’s culture of care through decades of dedicated service. Together, their contributions reflect the essence of what it means to practice medicine with humility, purpose and heart.
As we mark Doctors’ Day, this is an opportunity to reflect on the legacies of physicians like Dr. Achong and Dr. Farrell—whose commitment to patients, colleagues, and learners has left a lasting impact on the St. Joe’s community.
Dr. Michael Achong has been at St. Joe’s a remarkable 50 years. He arrived at St. Joe’s in 1975 after completing his medical training at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland and at Carleton University in Canada. Originally from Trinidad, Dr. Achong was recruited to Hamilton to help improve prescribing practices through his specialty in internal medicine and pharmacology. What began as a clinical role soon evolved into a career that would span generations of students and colleagues. Among them: Dr. Janet Farrell.
Today, Dr. Farrell is chief of anesthesia, a full-time clinician, a clinical professor at McMaster University and a passionate educator of residents, undergraduates and allied health professionals. Dr. Farrell has been at St. Joe’s for 41 years, and through her tenure as chief of anesthesia, she has led the department through numerous challenges, deepening her understanding of the complexities involved in delivering high-quality healthcare. Dr. Farrell’s special interests include optimizing the patient experience throughout their hospital journey, supporting patients and families in resolving concerns with compassion and efficiency and strengthening team dynamics within the operating room environment. She credits her most meaningful career moments to the “people moments.”
“I have spent a long time gaining the knowledge, wisdom and compassion to be a good doctors,” she says. “I continue to learn. We meet a lot of vulnerable and frightened individuals, and it is truly rewarding when a patient tells us that we made a difference.”
The patient experience has remained central to both physicians. For Dr. Achong, clinical work is still his greatest source of joy, even as he nears retirement. “I pride myself in looking after people. I enjoy clinical work, being bedside with patients,” he says. Dr. Farrell echoes this human focus. “It is a great privilege to walk with patients in their happiest and saddest moments. To lend a warm hand and an active ear.”
Throughout their careers, both have been steadfast teachers – guiding and shaping future generations of doctors. “As part of our teaching role, we meet learners who find the operating room a challenging space. It is a great privilege to be role models to the next generation of physicians,” says Dr. Farrell. “We have to look after not just the patients. We have to look after our young trainees,” adds Dr. Achong.
Looking back, Dr. Farrell shares advice for her younger self and those just beginning their journeys in medicine. “Slow down a bit and savour more. Speed up a bit and take a few more chances. Enjoy more vacation time. Appreciate your friends and family even more.”
Understandably, both physicians have witnessed incredible changes over their careers – from the evolution of technology to the growing complexity of care. Yet, amid all the advancements, their shared values endure: connection, kindness, and a commitment to caring for the whole person. “Each person comes with their burdens, their worries, their joys, and their own lived experience,” says Dr. Farrell. “We cannot know where deep scars are hidden.”
As Dr. Achong prepares for retirement, his reflections are clear-eyed and full of gratitude. “St. Joe’s has been good to me,” he says. “It’s been a good run. No regrets.” And as Dr. Farrell continues to guide her department forward, she honours the same legacy, one of listening, learning, and leading with compassion.
Bios:
Dr. Michael Achong
Dr. Michael Achong has dedicated nearly 50 years to clinical excellence, medical education, and compassionate care at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. Originally from Trinidad, Dr. Achong studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh before moving to Canada in 1970. After completing his internship and specialty training in internal medicine and pharmacology in Montreal, he arrived in Hamilton in 1975 with a mandate to improve the quality of prescribing practices—and continues to serve patients and mentor future physicians at St. Joe’s. Dr. Achong is slated for retirement this year.
Dr. Janet Farrell, chief of anesthesia
Dr. Janet Farrell is a full-time clinician at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, a clinical professor at McMaster University, and a passionate educator of residents, undergraduates and allied health professionals. During her tenure as Chief of Anesthesia, Dr. Farrell has led the department through numerous challenges, deepening her understanding of the complexities involved in delivering high-quality healthcare. Dr. Farrell’s special interests include optimizing the patient experience throughout their hospital journey, supporting patients and families in resolving concerns with compassion and efficiency, and strengthening team dynamics within the operating room environment.
Dr. Farrell holds a bachelor of science (honours biology) and completed both her medical degree and anesthesiology residency at McMaster University.