Mother, physician, mentor and advocate. Dr. Megan Cooney balances clinical work, mentorship, advocacy and family, in a career dedicated to addressing challenges of access, equity and cycles of maltreatment.

“My roles each involve meeting people and getting to know them. I learn about their strengths and wonderful stories, while also hearing about – and supporting them – through any struggles they have,” said Dr. Cooney, whose work covers the full continuum of pediatric care and has profound impact on not only her individual patients, but also their families and entire communities.

Dr. Manish Garg, Family Physician, Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority – Pinawa

I was educated in India but moved to the United Kingdom in 2000 to complete my training as a family physician. I lived and worked in the UK for 15 years before my wife and I considered making a move.

As a family physician, having a practice that offers continuity of care and allows relationships to be built over time, is something I cherish. I wanted to be in a place where I could provide care for the whole family, where I could support a small emergency department, look after patients during their time in hospital and then follow up with them in my own clinic after they were sent home.

Dr. Adrian Fung, MB, BCh, BAO, CCFP (FPA), Family Physician, Chief Medical Officer, Prairie Mountain Health

I grew up in Brandon, Manitoba but left the province to go to university in Alberta. When I was accepted to Medical School in Ireland, I knew that I would eventually move back to Canada. I just wasn’t sure when or where.

Behind every service and program area is an administrative professional who works diligently to ensure teams operate smoothly and efficiently. On the Emergency Response Services (ERS) team in Shoal Lake, one of those people is Tina Maynes.

Passionate about her position and helping others, Maynes says that she loves the fast-paced nature of her job and that no two days are the same.

Working as an administrative professional at Health Sciences Centre is something that Michael Pajemolin finds passion and meaning in.

“Even though I’m not on the bedside and taking care of patients, I make sure those who are care givers are taken care of. That makes me excited and makes me feel like I’m on the bigger picture. As long as their needs are taken care of, they can focus on doing their job and taking care of patients,” said Pajemolin.

“Being an emergency dispatcher is challenging but knowing you are a lifeline to someone in a difficult time makes my work meaningful and rewarding,” – Tyne Carmichael, system status controller at Medical Transportation Coordination Centre (MTCC).

When Tyne Carmichael turned 18 she found herself in a situation where she needed to phone 911 for a loved one. Scared, entirely overwhelmed and unsure what do to, she still remembers the voice on the other end of the phone that offered her the reassurance and guidance she needed.

On Tuesday evenings, Max Skorodinsky walks over to the Rehabilitation Building at Health Sciences Centre to volunteer and hand out dinner to patients on the sixth floor. 

“Similar to a waiter at a restaurant, I do my rounds and ask people how their dinner is tasting,” said Skorodinsky who has been volunteering on the RR6 unit for the past year and a half.

International Transgender Day of Visibility with Dr. Wicklow

“My goal is to help kids live their best life. I work with youth and their caregivers to help them make a smooth and successful transition into their identified gender, to promote living their best, fulfilled and happy life.” – Dr. Brandy Wicklow, pediatric endocrinologist, head of the section of pediatric endocrinology and metabolism at Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg, associate professor at the University of Manitoba, and clinician researcher at the Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba.

The Gender Diversity and Affirming Action for Youth clinic (GDAAY) was started by a group of caring and compassionate colleagues specializing in mental health and pediatrics at Health Sciences Centre a large tertiary facility located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Together, the group recognized the need for supports and services dedicated to youth who are navigating challenges and stress caused from a mismatch between their gender identity and sex assigned at birth.

World Autism Awareness Day with Andrew

Andrew Headley, a Project SEARCH intern, carries a bright orange toy fidget popper with him when he steps foot into the linens department at Health Sciences Centre. Being autistic and sensitive to sensory stimulation, it’s easy for Andrew to become distracted in a busy department like Linens. The popper provides a simple way for him to count linens at his job stress free, one of the many ways Project SEARCH enhances accessibility in the workplace.

International Women’s Day with Sheila Bayda, Chief Human Resources Officer, Actionmarguerite

What called me to join the team at Actionmarguerite twelve years ago was the opportunity to work with a community I care about deeply and have always been drawn to. People living in long-term care are captivating in so many ways and have fascinating stories to share. The opportunity to build and evolve a more formal human resources presence was a challenge I couldn’t wait to take on.

“I am proud to be a Franco-Manitoban with a leadership role in our health system. I have a sense of duty and accountability to the Manitoba’s Francophone community, who played a pivotal role in shaping my journey.” – Joel Lafond, Francophone Health Provincial Lead at Shared Health

I grew up in a small Francophone agricultural town in southern Manitoba, St. Jean-Baptiste, on a fifth generation farm. Deeply rooted in the French-Canadian culture as a Francophone living in Manitoba, I always had an affinity for the French language and the Francophone community.