Were you always doing this role? Tell us a little about your journey at Dynacare?
After almost 30 years working as a Cytotechnologist, I became the first cytotechnologist in Ontario to be successfully cross- trained as a Pathology Assistant. This transition was only possible with the help and vision of the managers and directors at Dynacare. This next chapter in my career is one I am certainly most proud of.
What is the greatest benefit of working at Dynacare?
People matter at Dynacare. The organization places great importance on developing its people and presenting rewarding opportunities for career and personal growth. My own career transition as an Assistant Pathologist is an example of that. You’re never too old to learn a new skill so when the opportunity to be cross-trained in Histology arose, I signed up immediately.
Dynacare developed a unique cross-training program that paired me with a Pathologist Assistant and other members of the Histology department. The program was intensive and involved multiple departments and organizations, including the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) and the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO). After passing several levels of review, I became a fully trained Pathologist Assistant.
When you tell people about your job, what’s one thing that surprises them, or gets them excited about the work you do?
I don’t think people realize what happens to their sample once it leaves the doctor’s office, and how much work goes into achieving the result for a specimen. They are surprised to hear that a person in the lab does the diagnosing, and not a machine. Explaining what I do to others gives me great satisfaction as I realize, through my work, I can make a difference in someone’s life.
What do you love about your job?
My co-workers are like my second family. We celebrate the successes of our families together and we are there for each other during the not so happy times, as well. Having the opportunity to interact with such great people is another motivation for me to come to work every day.
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What motivates you to come to work to Dynacare every day?
Coming to work every day is exciting for me. The fast-paced nature of my work in IT keeps me interested and motivated. From taking care of operational business needs to leading IT projects, there are not two days alike in my role!
The people at Dynacare are another reason I enjoy working in this company. They are dedicated and talented individuals with a shared passion for making a difference in peoples’ lives. Dynacare values diversity and what employees have to offer. It also fosters a culture of recognition where people feel valued and appreciated.
How has your career evolved at Dynacare?
My career has expanded in ways I could have not imagined on my early days at Dynacare. I started out working in the lab’s specimen processing department. Through hard work and dedication, I became the supervisor of this department. Later, I was promoted to Quality Assurance Manager in charge of lab accreditations. As Dynacare continued to grow, and new business needs emerged, I was promoted to a new corporate role managing referral testing. This role was complex as it required lab expertise, project management skills, understanding the IT side of client integration plus the ability to establish partnerships with hospitals.
From there, I branched out to the IT department as Project Manager for Business Connectivity - a big jump, indeed! In IT, I have held multiple roles leading to my current job as Director, Digital Solutions and Integration Services. Today, I lead the strategy development of enterprise projects and integration with other clients.
My journey at Dynacare is a true example of the rewarding growth opportunities this organization presents to its employees. Dynacare has evolved from a purely lab services provider into a national health and wellness solutions leader, and with that evolution, great opportunities arise to those who actively seek them and work towards those goals.
What has been your recipe for a rewarding career at Dynacare?
The key to my success at Dynacare has been learning the business inside out, taking advantage of new opportunities and expanding my network to other areas in the organization. I started at the front-end of the lab and today I am leading and managing systems that enable business growth.
Along my career, I could have taken new opportunities to work somewhere else. Yet, I took my dad’s advice to stay at Dynacare and work my way up here. It was the best career advice I could have ever received. My journey at Dynacare is a living proof of that!
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What was your most memorable moment in your Dynacare journey?
I remember a fellow employee telling me “You get what you put in”. Knowing where I want my career path to go, this has become my work ethic at Dynacare ever since.
In my short time here, I’ve already had the opportunity to transition into a permanent position at one of our Laboratory and Health Services Centre (LHSC) and then, explore a pre-management role as a Team Lead. It’s inspiring for me to see that Dynacare empowers individuals to not be limited to a specific role, but also encourages them to move forward and take on new challenges.
In my current role I have also expanded beyond the lab area to act as a Brand Ambassador for Dynacare Plus, our digital health and wellness management portal. I enjoy attending conferences and events to present live demonstrations of this digital tool. Putting a different skill set into action is nothing short of exciting!... and when I do it I make sure I bring my customer relationship magic to connect with the conference audience in a meaningful way.
What do you love most about your work at Dynacare?
Waking up in the morning knowing that I will have a chance to play an integral part in someone’s path to their wellbeing, is a fulfilling experience.
For me, one of the most exciting parts of working at an LHSC is the direct communication between Dynacare and their customers. It gives me great satisfaction to know that I can be a bridge in their journey to better health and wellness.
Also, there are great programs to recognize employees and celebrate their success. This recognition comes from the ground up rather than the top down. I think this is the kind of recognition that resonates more with people and goes a long way within the organization.
What advice would you give a job seeker who’s thinking about applying for a job at Dynacare?
Dynacare is a diverse company where values, personality and moral principles count. Skills can be taught and learned, but customer service, compassion and understanding need to be part of your core. In my view, those are key attributes that will help you thrive at Dynacare.
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