Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation is proud to recognize our 2024 Champions of Philanthropy.
By demonstrating their philanthropic commitment and making important contributions in support of the Foundation’s mission, the following members of Royal Columbian Hospital have distinguished themselves by encouraging their peers to give, inspiring their networks to engage and making their own charitable gift.
2024 Recipients
Dr. William Siu is an Interventional Radiologist at Royal Columbian Hospital, where he has worked since 2000. He began his career at RCH as a resident from 1994-1995 and later served as a member of the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation board. Dr. Siu obtained his medical degree and Radiology Residency Specialty training from the University of British Columbia, including a neuroradiology fellowship at Vancouver General Hospital, where he developed his expertise in stroke imaging and interventional procedures.
Dr. Janel Casey, the Local Department Head of Psychiatry at Royal Columbian Hospital and Regional Division Head of Adult Psychiatry for Fraser Health, has been selected as a 2024 Champion of Philanthropy. Dr. Casey led the redevelopment of the Mental Health and Substance Use Wellness Centre at RCH and continues to provide vital leadership as part of the RCH Foundation’s Mental Health Task Force. A 2023 ‘BC Business Woman of the Year: Community Builder runner-up, she has been a tireless advocate for mental health services and donor engagement. Watch to learn more about her remarkable impact on patient care and philanthropy.
Janet Savard has been a dedicated healthcare professional at Royal Columbian Hospital for nearly two decades. From 2005 to 2021, she worked in Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care (CSICU), providing essential care for post-operative cardiac patients. She then served as the Cardiac Interventional Triage Coordinator from 2021 until September 2024. Currently, Janet is the Structural/TAVI Triage Coordinator, managing the triage of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) procedures.
In addition to her professional contributions, Janet is a regular supporter of the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation. She also leads donor tours, offering insights into the hospital’s work and impact, helping to strengthen the connection between donors and the hospital.
Dr. Elena Vikis, a colorectal surgeon at Royal Columbian and Eagle Ridge Hospitals since 2012, has been named a 2024 Champion of Philanthropy. A leader in transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS), Dr. Vikis has performed more TAMIS procedures than any other surgeon in Canada, helping to revolutionize the treatment of rectal cancers. She has also co-organized Canada’s first congress on TAMIS and shared her expertise at conferences across North America and Europe. Beyond her surgical contributions, Dr. Vikis actively supports Colon Cancer Canada, advocating for increased awareness and better outcomes in the fight against colorectal cancer.