It's been an exciting few weeks in Toronto, with the unusually sunny weather, a short week and the blockbuster Toronto Raptors trades. Here at UHN, there is a lot of exciting foundational work taking place across the organization and I am looking forward to watching these ideas bloom into programs, plans and new tools. I know there is a lot going on right now – I want to assure you that we are working hard to ensure that as priorities are being set, current work will be folded into these priorities or placed on hold if necessary. This stage can often feel like we're stuck in a cycle of "hurry up and wait", but the hard work that's taking place right now will bring some exciting changes that will help us continue to transform lives and communities.
Black History Month Closing Ceremonies – happening tomorrow
Throughout the month of February we have been honouring our collective history with events taking place across UHN celebrating Black History Month. The Black History Month Committee has also been hosting the International African Medical Innovators Exhibit by the Canadian Multicultural Inventors Museum, displaying this incredible exhibit at each of our sites. The exhibit will be on display at Princess Margaret tomorrow as we mark the end of Black History Month with a closing ceremony (details below). The event will feature a keynote address from Dr. Kwame McKenzie, a Director at CAMH and the CEO of the Wellesley Institute.
- Tuesday, February 28th, 12-1:30pm: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 7th Floor Atrium
I would like to thank the Black History Month Committee for putting together such a fantastic roster of events. I know tomorrow will be an exciting and engaging way to mark the end of Black History Month and that is because of their commitment.
Strategic Planning Town Halls, coming soon
As we look ahead to prepare for UHN's future, we have been collecting information and ideas to help us program the best route to 2030. Since sharing
this update a lot of work has taken place to help us reach the next inning in the strategic planning process. Throughout March and April I will be hosting a series of Strategic Planning Town Halls at each of our sites. I will be sharing our ideas on the future of health care, what we've been doing to prepare for strategic planning and where we are now. Perhaps most importantly, these town halls will provide a chance for us to chat – there will be a Q and A session after the update, as well as time for us to talk informally after the session. If you have questions about the strategic planning process, our areas of focus, or UHN's journey thus far, please let me know. More details on the Town Halls will follow in the coming weeks.
Dr. Lim – providing excellence through discovery and learning
In case you missed it, last week
UHN News spotlighted Dr. Dawn Lim, an Emergency Medicine physician. Dr. Lim has been taking courses in photography and creative writing, and was kind enough to share her recent
photo essay documenting the Emergency Department by implying human presence without showing people. Dr. Lim told UHN News, "I'm a better doctor when I have time to exercise my creative side. I laugh more. I have more patience. I listen to my patient's stories with more interest." Thank you, Dr. Lim for sharing your story of finding new and creative ways to help transform lives and communities. You can view her photo essay on UHN's Facebook page
here.
Peter
RenewingUHN.ca
