To Dr. Kim Stevenson's family and friends,
I am writing on behalf of the Island Health Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine to express our sincere condolences to you on the loss of Kim after his sudden death in April.
Kim was a very important member of our department. He was well respected and a person who we could count on to help others when needed. Kim's temperament and sense of humor endeared him to all OR team members. They were happy and confident when Kim was working with them.
Kim was an excellent clinician and he provided safe care to all his patients. He had the ability to listen to his patients concerns and demonstrated empathy as they nervously awaited surgery. I often witnessed patients smiling when Kim was visiting at their bedside.
Kim's professional interests included obstetric anesthesia and medical/resident education. Kim was our section head of obstetric anesthesia and represented our department during discussions with the department of obstetrics. He attended meetings and collaborated with obstetricians and nurses who were appreciative of his expertise and commitment to obstetric care.
Kim was our site educational representative and greeted medical students when they arrived in the operating room to ensure they had a good clinical experience during their anesthesia rotations. He often mentored medical students individually and he was an enthusiastic teacher. Kim was a role model for students and many have commented that Kim's love for his profession was inspirational and instrumental in their decision to choose anesthesiology as a career.
Kim was a special person and we miss him dearly. We deeply appreciate his exemplary care of patients, his support of medical education as well as his many contributions to our department. We have been fortunate to know Kim and he will remain a positive influence in our lives.
Sincerely,
Dr. Tom Ruta,
Dept Head/Medical Director
Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative medicine