Brockville doctor honored with King Charles III Coronation Medal

On March 26, Dr. Harvinder Chawla, who specializes in pediatric care at Brockville General Hospital (BGH) was recognized for her exceptional contributions to healthcare with a King Charles III Coronation Medal. This distinguished honour celebrates more than five decades of Dr. Chawla’s dedicated service to her patients and the community at large.

In a press release issued April 2, BGH detailed that the intimate ceremony was led by Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. Dr. Chawla was surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues, all of whom gathered at the hospital to pay tribute to her career and lifelong commitment to her field.

The King Charles III Coronation Medal was established to commemorate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on May 6. In Canada, these prestigious medals are awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the country or achieved accomplishments that brought credit to Canada.

“Dr. Chawla has been a pillar of our medical community since 1975,” said Julie Caffin, President and CEO of BGH in the press release. “In 2022, a plaque was mounted in the hospital’s Women and Children’s unit to acknowledge her longstanding commitment to working with some of the youngest members of our community.”

This was not the first time in recent history that Dr. Chawla was recognized for her impact in the local medical field. In June 2024, Dr. Chawla was celebrated at the BGH staff long-service awards for 50 years of practice in the community. 

At the ceremony last week, MPP Clark shared, “I’m honoured to present a King Charles III Coronation Medal to Dr. Harvinder Chawla in recognition of her more than 50 years of providing exemplary healthcare to children, women, and families in our community. Dr. Chawla has cared for generations from the same family – literally the grandchildren of the children she once helped deliver.”