Step behind the scenes of Health Sciences Centre and follow the thousands of exceptional clinical and non-clinical staff who deliver and support care to patients every day. Here you will find lively interviews, unique perspectives and intriguing fun facts about Manitoba’s largest hospital.
Read more about the inspiring professionals that make HSC a great place to grow.
Do you know a healthcare professional or HSC staff member who has an interesting role? Send us your nominations at [email protected] and let us shine a spotlight on their amazing work.
- Dr. Helen Pymar, Obstetrician Gynecologist
- Laurie, Nurse
- Florentina Tolaj, Advanced Practice Respiratory Therapist
- Paul Labao, Transport Nurse Clinician
- Ashley Langford, Registered Psychiatric Nurse and Nurse Therapist
- Hanin Abdullah, Volunteer Services
- Melissa Hill, Rehab Assistant
- Dr. Shankar, Interventional Neuroradiology
- Kristina Chan, Nurse Practitioner
- Diana Frailick, Physiotherapist
- Komal Brar, Volunteer Services
- Lisa Tackaberry, Rehab Assistant
- Kali Braun, Physician Assistant
- Stephanie Piper, Physician Assistant
- Brittany Bellman Traegger, Patient Transport
- Jaxson Jewell, Patient Transport
- Lisa Turcotte, Nurse
Dr. Helen Pymar, Obstetrician Gynecologist
Dr. Helen Pymar is an obstetrician gynecologist at Health Sciences Centre’s (HSC) Women’s Hospital.
“Obstetric gynecology requires a lot of pivoting. We often start our days with a plan in mind, but then have to shift focus to a more urgent case. We don’t know what’s coming each day,” she said.
In 2006 Dr. Pymar launched the Early Pregnancy Assessment Clinic (EPAC) at HSC, which treats referred patients with vaginal bleeding and pregnancies that are under 14 weeks. Today she works as the clinic’s director.
“Serving our patients at the EPAC is a collaborative effort and each member of our team is dedicated to providing compassionate care,” said Dr. Pymar. “Our clinic is not very well known, even amongst health professionals, but we hope more people will learn about us and our services.”
After almost 20 years working at the EPAC, Dr. Pymar expressed how much she has loved working in the clinic over the years and remarked on the improvements to their space and the advancements in technology since 2006.
“I really like the new Women’s Hospital and its connection with the other buildings at HSC. It’s been a huge benefit to our clients for us to have access to both our own operating rooms as well as the main operating rooms at HSC. We are fortunate to work in a larger space now in a hospital that continues to improve and modernize its spaces,” said Dr. Pymar.
Laurie, Nurse
Laurie is a nurse who works at the Early Pregnancy Assessment Clinic (EPAC) at Health Sciences Centre’s (HSC) Women’s Hospital.
The EPAC treats patients with vaginal bleeding in pregnancies are under 14 weeks. Patients are referred by either their primary care provider, or health professionals at an emergency department or urgent care centre.
“Our patients are often nervous and worried about the status of their early pregnancies, so we try to make this experience as comforting as we can,” said Laurie. “Our clinic is comprised of a multidisciplinary team so that we can serve our patients with efficient, compassionate care.”
A typical appointment at EPAC consists of an interview, an ultrasound with a doctor, and then a consultation that explains the results.
“We want to make sure you understand everything before you leave the door. We are here to provide support and offer our expertise in early pregnancy,” said Laurie.
Florentina Tolaj, Advanced Practice Respiratory Therapist
Florentina Tolaj is an Advanced Practice Respiratory Therapist with Shared Health’s Child Health Transport Team.
The team based at Health Sciences Centre transports some of the sickest and smallest patients from anywhere in Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario and occasionally Nunavut.
“It truly is a huge honour to do what we do. It’s more than a job. We have the privilege of caring for and treating some of the smallest and most vulnerable individuals in Manitoba,” said Tolaj.
Tolaj graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Respiratory Therapy and was excited to get to work in the province upon graduation. She was most excited to work with newborns.
“I find working with newborns particularly rewarding due to their remarkable response to treatment. Babies and young children are incredibly resilient—despite the challenges they may face, and the difficulties we encounter in providing care, they continue to amaze and inspire us,” she said.
“What often stays with us are the families and communities we serve. It’s the unwavering support we see among friends, family, neighbors, and other community members, all coming together in the face of tremendous hardship, that truly leaves a lasting impact,” she added.
Paul Labao, Transport Nurse Clinician
Paul Labao is a Transport Nurse Clinician with Shared Health’s Child Health Transport Team. The team transports pediatric patients within Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario and occasionally Nunavut.
“I think it’s the coolest job in the world,” he said.
The team, based at Health Sciences Centre, can be called at a moment’s notice to help. The team also may reach a child in need by plane, helicopter, ambulance or stretcher service.
“Just being able to help and be there when you’re really needed, at a critical moment of this child’s life and making a difference is so rewarding.”
The team triages an average of 2,500 calls a year. Of those calls, about 700 are deemed critical and the team will be brought in.
“In any situation given to use we are prepared. We are also very honoured that we are called upon during these very difficult and stressful situations. I think the most rewarding part of the job is being there when you’re most needed.”
Ashley Langford, Registered Psychiatric Nurse and Nurse Therapist with the Adult Eating Disorder Program
Ashley Langford is a Registered Psychiatric Nurse and Nurse Therapist with Health Sciences Centre’s Adult Eating Disorder Program.
She is passionate about her work and the opportunity it provides for her to help a population in need of highly specialized services.
“An eating disorder takes a lot from people so my role involves helping people who are struggling to reclaim their life. I have the opportunity every day to help people walk through their recovery and walk towards hope and healing.”
Working within a program located at Manitoba’s largest hospital offers Langford (and her colleagues) the ability to consult a wide range of specialists to develop the best possible plan for her patients.
“I am happy to be working at HSC. There is so much knowledge and experience within these walls. I trust that if I need to consult with someone or if I need to try something different within my role, there are people I can go to who have so much more knowledge and experience than I do that can help me with that.”
It’s work that Langford finds both challenging and rewarding.
“Regardless of what field of health care you choose, at the end of the day our hope is to be able to provide patients with a glimmer of hope during those really tough, vulnerable moments.”
Hanin Abdullah, Supervisor of Volunteers
Hanin Abdullah is a Supervisor of Volunteers at Health Sciences Centre (HSC). In her role, she manages the hospital’s clothing depot, which provides gently used adult clothing and accessories to patients in need.
“Patients come in through our emergency department and sometimes it’s a life and death situation where their clothes are soiled for whatever reason – a car crash or another accident, and they need new clothes when they leave the hospital. It can happen to anyone,” she said.
HSC staff are able to access the clothing depot to find the right items a patient may need when they are discharged. Hanin and her team of volunteers diligently stock and organize the clothing depot with donations dropped off at Volunteer Services.
“Both the public and staff will bring in donations and our volunteers will help us sort through those donations,” she said.
If you are interested in volunteering your time at the clothing depot, you can apply through online: Opportunities – Health Sciences Centre
To support patient programming by donating clothing, contact Volunteer Services at 204-787-3533 or [email protected].
Melissa Hill, Rehab Assistant
Melissa Hill is a Rehab Assistant at Health Sciences Centre, working with occupational therapists and physiotherapists to help patients recovering from burn injuries or surgery.
“[I find it] fulfilling that we get to work with people and help them to recover from whatever injuries or illnesses that they have had come into their life and make a difference,” said Hill.
“Being a part of someone’s recovery, there is that sense of satisfaction of helping others.”
Last year Hill celebrated two decades of working at HSC!
“I was at Children’s for the first part of my career and the bulk of it has now been here in Burns and Plastics. I am absolutely in love with it. There are certainly positions closer to home – I drive an hour in and an hour home – but I just love what I do, the patients I care for and the team I work with, it’s worth the trip for me.”
Rehabilitation care at HSC is making strides in technology and innovation, with the recent introduction of 3D scanning and printing as well as fabrication of custom silicone therapy devices.
“We are always trying to up our game and give our patients the best experience and incorporating these things into our job has led to a shortened treatment when we are trying to develop things for them custom made.”
Hill is also the group coordinator for HSC’s Burn Support group, a monthly activity-based program for burn survivors. Together with herself and occupational therapists, patients are able to create meaningful crafts and artwork while sharing about each other’s journey of recovery.
“It has been such an important and joyful addition to my work. I research and prepare activities, then collaborate with the occupational therapists to facilitate success for group members. If members face physical barriers, we may design and 3D print adaptive aids or grade the task to ensure all are able to enjoy the activity to its completion. What makes this group so fulfilling is that burn survivors are able to express themselves creatively and also connect with others who have walked in their shoes – they support each other in their struggles and victories.”
Dr. Jai Shankar, Interventional Neuroradiologist
Dr. Jai Shankar is an interventional neuroradiologist at Health Sciences Centre, treating vascular diseases of the brain and spine.
“I would call myself a specialized plumber of the brain and spine,” said Dr. Shankar. “We do everything a plumber would do for a home plumbing system for the brain and spine plumbing system.”
Dr. Shankar specializes in treating people who have had a stroke by pulling out the blood clot that is causing the stroke, while being guided through the patient’s arteries using very precise X-ray imaging.
“Imagine a patient coming to you, they can’t speak and can’t move one hand and leg,” he said. “Then immediately after treatment they can tell you stories and move their hands and legs. That’s one of the most gratifying things I do for work in my life.”
Dr. Shankar is proud to work at HSC, treating stroke patients from across Manitoba, Eastern Saskatchewan, Northwestern Ontario and Nunavut.
Kristina Chan, Nurse Practitioner, Minor Treatment Clinic
Kristina Chan is a nurse practitioner at the Minor Treatment Clinic at Health Sciences Centre, providing care to patients with non-urgent injuries or illnesses.
The majority of patients who visit the clinic are referred from the Emergency Department, which helps streamline care based on the patient’s needs.
“What I like most about working here is being able to support and care for patients and to be part of their recovery process,” she said.
“Since we are pulling patients from the Emergency Department, the patients with less acute issues are sent here to the Minor Treatment Clinic and seen quicker, treated sooner and discharged faster. This allows for the beds in the emergency to be available for patients with more critical needs.”
Working alongside a multi-disciplinary team in the Minor Treatment Clinic, Chan is excited and proud of the impact they make on patient care.
“We have nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, clerks and nursing assistants here. Everyone works hard to make sure patients have efficient and individualized health care.”
Diana Frailick, Physiotherapist
Diana Frailick is a physiotherapist at the Health Sciences Centre in the new Acute Stroke Unit.
“We offer a full range of services for stroke recovery patients, including specialized teams and equipment supporting intensive rehabilitation,” she said.
“My work is very goal-centered, ensuring patients make as much progress as possible in the early days following a stroke before they are discharged or transferred. We focus on helping patients return to regular activities and daily living, which can happen in our state-of-the-art gym, fully functioning kitchen or in the patient rooms.”
Each day coming to work brings new opportunities to support patients.
“The most rewarding part of my work is the patients. Seeing them show their family, friends or even other health care professionals some of the gains they have worked so hard for is an incredible feeling,” she said.
“Whether we are celebrating big or small achievements, the goals are limitless.”
Komal Brar, Volunteer services, Book cart
Komal Brar spends between 5 and 10 hours each week volunteering at Health Sciences Centre delivering reading materials to patients.
At the start of each shift, she takes care to organize the book cart by title, genre and most popular materials before heading out to visit patients on dozens of units – where she eagerly waits to hear about the books they have read since her last visit.
HSC is a special place for Komal. Fond memories of meeting her mother – who works at the hospital – and exposure to the atmosphere of the hospital have fueled her own passion for health care. Komal encourages students and those who may be interested in health care to consider starting as a volunteer to help them explore a number of career opportunities.
When asked what inspires Komal to volunteer, she said “The role is very fulfilling and encouraging when you can help other people and put a smile on their faces. That’s what motivates me to volunteer.”
Learn more about volunteer opportunities by visiting Volunteers – Health Sciences Centre.
Lisa Tackaberry, Rehab Assistant
Lisa Tackaberry, a dedicated Rehab Assistant for the past 10 years, embraced a new chapter in her life by returning to school at the age of 40. Her remarkable journey led her to join HSC in 2015, where she initially contributed to the orthotics department before transitioning into her current role in direct patient care in 2016.
When asked to define her profession in one word, Lisa describes it as “helpful.” Her role embodies both behind-the-scenes work and personalized patient care. Lisa devotes a lot of time to configuring wheelchairs for individuals with spinal cord injuries or stroke.
Lisa’s commitment to assisting people goes beyond the boundaries of her profession by designing innovative tools to aid her clients in rebuilding their lives following an injury.
Kali Braun, Physician Assistant, Internal Medicine
Kali Braun has been working at HSC Winnipeg for a little over a year. In May 2022, Kali joined the HSC team, working in Internal Medicine as a Physician Assistant.
Prior to becoming a PA, she completed a master’s degree in medical microbiology and worked as a researcher.
What attracted Kali to make the transition from medical research to a career as a physician assistant? She says she was pulled to the opportunity to provide direct patient care.
Most days, Kali works in the same unit, responsible for approximately 10 patients. Kali says the most rewarding aspect of her job is being able to contribute to the continuity of her patients’ care. She enjoys being able to remain with her patients throughout the duration of their treatment, building a relationship that gives them a sense of familiarity, that can result in a better overall experience for them.
Kali is truly passionate about her job and the opportunity to learn from a remarkable group of medical staff who value her presence and the care she provides.
Stephanie Piper, Physician Assistant, Vascular Surgery
Stephanie Piper is a Physician Assistant. Like others in her field, Stephanie is trained in a number of different medical specialties, but currently works in the area of vascular surgery at HSC.
It’s a dynamic professional world, where no two days are the same and monotony, according to Stephanie, is non-existent.
A typical workday kicks off early in the morning with patient rounds which involve Stephanie visiting each patient under her care to assess vital signs and speak with other members of the care team. Each day presents unique challenges, opportunities for growth, and exciting encounters with new individuals.
When asked about her ideal health care superpower, Stephanie doesn’t hesitate, quickly identifying “unparalleled communication skills” which she says are a fundamental skill for all healthcare professionals.
Stephanie is grateful for the exceptional team she works with, crediting them for making her job so special and her unit and HSC workplaces that she cherishes.
Brittany Bellman-Traegger
Brittany Bellman-Traegger works as a Patient Transport professional at Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg. Like other professionals in her field, Brittany’s main responsibility is to ensure the safe transportation of patients and urgent patient-related items across the campus. This includes items such as oxygen, tubing, narcotics, supplies, blood products, specimens, medical records, and equipment.
In the daily operations of the hospital, Brittany plays a vital role in facilitating smooth movements and transfers. Her dedication to the job stems from her passion for health care, as she aspires to become a nurse.
Brittany’s favourite part of each day?
Building relationships with patients and providing a helpful service that both eases on other health care providers and creates a welcoming environment for frequent visitors, such as dialysis patients who consider HSC their second home. Working as part of a large team dedicated to caring for others, Brittany believes her role is ideal for those interested in healthcare and looking to gain valuable experience in a hospital setting, as well as individuals who simply enjoy helping others.
Jaxson Jewell
Jaxson Jewell, a dedicated Patient Transport professional, plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth and safe movement of patients and essential items within HSC. From oxygen to medical records, Jaxson handles a wide range of items, always ensuring their timely and secure transport.
Beyond the logistical aspects of his work, Jaxson’s career in healthcare has left a lasting impact on him and has even influenced his future career planning as he works towards a profession in IT in so he can continue supporting healthcare from a non-clinical perspective.
Jaxson understands the value of his role at a place like HSC, the province’s largest tertiary hospital where he is able to build support and build relationships with patients who frequently access services at the hospital, like those receiving dialysis treatment who consider the facility their second home.
Jaxson feels fortunate to have found a job that he genuinely loves and encourages those who are interested in a career helping others to look for opportunities in Patient Transport.
Lisa Turcotte, Manager of Health Services, Adult OR
“I make every effort to ensure my patients feel understood, respected and supported throughout their surgical journey. Our team relies upon close teamwork and collaboration across a wide variety of professions including nursing, surgeons and anesthesiologists.
We have a huge responsibility here. Our patients are vulnerable and we really speak for them. It’s work to be proud of.
It’s this collaborative spirit that creates high-functioning and efficient operating room environments where we can work together for our patients.”
Fun Facts
Career Opportunities
Looking for career opportunities? Visit Current Opportunities – Health Sciences Centre and learn about how you can grow your career at HSC Winnipeg, a Shared Health facility, where you will touch the lives of patients from every corner of Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario and Nunavut. HSC Winnipeg provides specialized support for trauma, transplants, burns, sexual assault nurse examination, neurosciences, complex cancer care, neonatal and pediatric care.
HSC is a fast-paced, dynamic environment for working, learning and research in Manitoba’s largest health-care facility. Here you will find welcoming and supportive work environments with mentorship and training programs to help you advance your career.
