Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation is proud to recognize our 2025 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.
2025 Recipients
Dr. Zameer Hirji, Dr. Zameer Hirji, Interventional Radiologist at Royal Columbian Hospital, has been named a 2025 Champion of Philanthropy. Known for his dedication to patients and colleagues alike, Dr. Hirji has played a pivotal role in advancing care through his work on the hospital’s redevelopment project. His leadership in integrating advanced imaging technologies has helped ensure that patient care remains at the centre of every decision. Beyond his demanding clinical schedule, Dr. Hirji has contributed countless hours to shaping the hospital’s future. His work will have a lasting impact not only on Royal Columbian but across the wider healthcare community.
Dr. George Medvedev, Dr. George Medvedev, Neurologist at Royal Columbian Hospital, has been named a 2025 Champion of Philanthropy. Dr. Medvedev has been part of Royal Columbian Hospital for 19 years and brings over a decade of experience in the clinical practice of Neurology. His work spans both inpatient care in the regional trauma and stroke centre, as well as outpatient care in acute neurology, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Medvedev is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia, where he teaches medical students, interns, and residents. He also has a strong interest in the medico-legal field and contributes through his involvement with the Canadian Society of Medical Evaluators.
Dr. Sukh Brar, Anesthesiologist and Cardiac Intensive Care Physician at Royal Columbian Hospital, has been named a 2025 Champion of Philanthropy. Throughout his career, Dr. Brar has taken a visionary approach to patient care, from leading innovative efforts in blood conservation for cardiac surgery to advocating for improvements in healthcare across the province. We would also like to sincerely thank Dr. Brar for his valuable service on the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. His dedication, advocacy, and insight have made a lasting impact on both the Foundation and the hospital community.
Sheila Finamore, Executive Director at Royal Columbian Hospital, has been named a 2025 Champion of Philanthropy. With more than 35 years of experience in healthcare, Sheila began her career as a registered nurse in Medicine, Surgery, Oncology, and Emergency before moving into leadership roles. She also taught emergency nursing at BCIT for a decade. Sheila has served as Executive Director of Burnaby Hospital and Community Services, and since 2019, she has led Clinical Operations at Royal Columbian Hospital, the Fraser Health Cardiac Network, and the Royal Columbian Hospital Redevelopment. Known for her passion for excellence in patient care, strategic leadership, and ability to build collaborative partnerships, Sheila continues to drive innovation and improvements across the health system.
Lifetime Achievement Award
With a career defined by innovation, collaboration, and compassion, Dr. Arun Garg, this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and a 2017 Champion of Philanthropy, has dedicated his life to improving health outcomes and advancing culturally responsive care. A visionary leader in laboratory medicine and a passionate advocate for South Asian population health, Dr. Garg has been instrumental in shaping initiatives that bring communities and healthcare systems closer together. As the founding program medical director of the South Asian Health Institute and founder of the Canada India Network Society, his work has inspired meaningful change both locally and globally. His legacy is one of connection, building partnerships, empowering communities, and creating pathways for better health for all.