Show Summary:

Welcome to Healthcare Change Makers, a podcast from HIROC where we talk to leaders about the joys and challenges of driving change in our complex and demanding healthcare organizations.

Today, your host, Ellen Gardner interviews Sarah Downey — the President and CEO of Michael Garron Hospital. Sarah strives for MGH to continue to be an outstanding healthcare provider to the people in Eastern Toronto and is inspiring the community to change the face of health. Join Ellen and Sarah to see change through the eyes of a healthcare leader.

Key Takeaways:

[:46] What motivated Sarah to get into healthcare administration.

[2:05] What was it that drew Sarah to the Michael Garron Hospital?

[3:19] How MGH is maintaining their tradition as a community hospital while becoming a bigger institution.

[5:33] How has MGH developing into a bigger institution affected the formation of Sarah’s own vision?

[7:29] Sarah’s leadership philosophy.

[8:20] How have Sarah’s previous positions and experiences informed her current philosophy?

[9:28] How Sarah stays positive in the face of stress.

[10:40] Overcoming the impact of the winter surge volume at the hospital.

[12:35] Sarah’s take on the Patient Ombudsman’s annual report.

[15:30] The important mentors in Sarah’s life and the lessons she’s learned from them.

[17:22] How Sarah balances her naturally friendly nature with that of her CEO persona.

[18:54] Is Sarah optimistic about the state of our healthcare system?

[19:45] The shift in energy in the hospital after they received a $50 million donation.

[21:34] What Sarah is looking forward to at MGH.

[22:38] Reflecting on how far she’s come.

Mentioned in this Episode:

Michael Garron Hospital

University of Ottawa

Dr. Bob Bell

United Way Fundraiser

Annual Report — Patient Ombudsman

Read More Interviews with Healthcare Leaders at Hiroc.com

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