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.
Drew Meller, Physiotherapist
Drew Meller is a physiotherapist specializing in spine care at the Manitoba Spine Assessment Clinic at Health Sciences Centre. Meller is part of a cutting-edge team transforming how spine care is delivered across the province.
“We generally see five to six patients in a day and each patient appointment assessment takes about an hour,” she explained.
“To have everyone under the same roof and to be operating in an integrated way makes things more efficient for the patient. It allows for better communication between all the care providers involved and really improves the overall experience for the patient.”
During the assessment, Meller and her fellow physiotherapists take a detailed subjective history where they ask patients about their symptoms. This is followed by an objective assessment where the physiotherapist will review their imaging that has been done to give them a better understanding of what’s going on with their spine. This is followed up with a thorough and individualized care plan that is generally not surgical.
The clinic brings together spine surgeons and specialized physiotherapists under one roof to deliver comprehensive, coordinated care.
Dr. Perry Dhaliwal, Neurosurgeon
Dr. Perry Dhaliwal, a neurosurgeon at Health Sciences Centre (HSC), is at the forefront of spine care in Manitoba, dividing his time between operating rooms and the newly launched Manitoba Spine Clinic.
His days are fast-paced and filled with patient consultation, complex diagnoses, and delicate surgeries involving all areas of the spine.
Dr. Dhaliwal played a pivotal role in the opening of the new Manitoba Spine Clinic at HSC — an initiative he’s deeply passionate about.
“What sets this clinic apart is our province-wide approach to triaging care,” he explained.
“We’re working to ensure every patient receives the most appropriate and comprehensive treatment as quickly as possible. Not everyone needs surgery and not everyone will benefit from physical therapy. Our goal is to coordinate care for that patient so they get the care they need as efficiently as possible.”
Despite his demanding schedule, Dr. Dhaliwal finds purpose and fulfillment in caring for his patients.
“The most rewarding aspect of my work is being able to garner the trust of a patient with their spine concerns. Being able to communicate with them, explain their problems, and facilitate solutions is a tremendously rewarding experience.”
Dr. Alysa Almojuela, Neurosurgeon
Dr. Alysa Almojuela is a dedicated neurosurgeon at the Health Sciences Centre (HSC) Spine Clinic, where each day presents a new challenge and the opportunity to make a difference in patients’ lives.
“A typical day for me varies greatly from week to week,” she explains. “I have designated surgery days at HSC, alongside several clinic days each week where I see a mix of new patients, consults, and follow-ups.”
Having completed her undergraduate degree, medical school, and residency training in Manitoba, Dr. Almojuela was thrilled to launch her career here.
“Winnipeg and the HSC community truly feel like home to me. There are definitely a lot of exciting developments at HSC in respect to new technology and continuous improvements in patient care,” she said.
Dr. Almojuela takes pride in Winnipeg’s contribution to enhancing spine care for patients across Manitoba.
“We’re now incorporating a lot of new technology, which is driving momentum to make spine care more efficient. These advancements are helping to improve things day-to-day.”
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.
Many 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.”
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.
