Meet Patricia: Helping with a SMILE
The cochlear implant program at SickKids is one of the largest paediatric centres for cochlear implantation in North America. And Patricia is proud to be a part of it.
As the information coordinator, Patricia has a wide range of responsibilities including: providing administrative support to a very large multidisciplinary team; coordinating appointments and surgery dates; being a liaison between other departments in the hospital; and supporting children with significant hearing loss and their families when they visit the department.
What does she enjoy most about her role?
“I was so surprised and very honoured to be recognized”
“I love helping families and watching the children in our program develop their speech and language after receiving their cochlear implant,” said Patricia. “It is very rewarding to be there every step of the way.”
She also enjoys the amazing camaraderie and work ethic of the cochlear implant team. “We have a very close team that works well together and is so supportive of one another.”
Recently, Patricia was acknowledged for her work ethic through the SMILE program. The SMILE program provides SickKids families and staff with the opportunity to acknowledge and thank staff members through a donation to SickKids. The staff member receives a SMILE pin along with a personalized note as to why they were honoured.
“I was so surprised and very honoured to be recognized.”
Patricia loves being able to help others, whether it’s her team, the families or other staff members. She enjoys making those around her laugh, but is also there to give hugs, a supportive ear or inspirational words when needed.
“Knowing that I’m helping families get through a difficult time keeps me motivated.”
Patricia also takes great pride in the fact that she works at SickKids and is helping to make a difference. Knowing that SickKids had such an excellent reputation for helping children, she was thrilled when she received the opportunity to be part of it.
“It is very fulfilling to know that I work at one of the best children’s hospitals in the world,” said Patricia. Whenever I tell people that I work at SickKids, everyone has a story to tell me about how SickKids has helped their child or friend or neighbour.”
If you know a staff member at SickKids, like Patricia, who has brought positivity, comfort or brightness to your day, say thanks by honouring them with a SMILE. A donation through the SMILE program supports the highest priority needs of the hospital as well as the Staff Continuing Professional Development Fund, which provides full and part-time staff at SickKids with opportunities to advance skills, reach new milestones in their careers and increase their knowledge and expertise. SMILEs make a difference, so please consider giving one today.
