Looking Forward to 2020

CHI’s KT Team Shares Their Goals for the Next Year

by Carly Leggett

This time last year, we introduced you to our Knowledge Translation (KT) platform here at the George & Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation (see our Who’s Who post from 2018 for the deets on each of our team members). As one of the seven platforms that make up Manitoba’s SPOR SUPPORT Unit, our KT team grows and evolves in a constant pursuit to advance the science and practice of knowledge translation and patient-oriented research.

This year we thought we would take some time to look forward to 2020 with a check-in of team member’s goals for the year to come. Spoiler alert: a somewhat surprising horticulture theme has emerged from within the KT landscape….

Carolyn Shimmin, KT Patient and Public Engagement Lead

“My professional goal this year is to continue to work on finding ways to champion, create and uphold space for voices traditionally less heard in health research, so that they have a say in research decision-making. Personally, I want to continue to find ways to be more fully present in my everyday life, to gently bear witness to others’ stories and to love and forgive myself so I can encourage other women to believe in themselves and their dreams.”

Patrick Faucher, KT Multimedia Lead

“I hope to read at least six books this year. But I have a toddler at home. So really, this could go down to the wire. And I print paper like a newspaper tycoon — my new office plant watches me all day long. The guilt is unbearable. I’m trying desperately to cut back.”

[Editor’s note: We commend Pat for his insight and dedication to self-improvement and will support him in any way we can!]

Patricia (Trish) Roche, Knowledge Broker

“I’d like to develop more evidence-based practical resources for incorporating patient and public engagement into health research projects (think templates and flowcharts!). I’m also pushing myself to compete in a powerlifting meet. It’s all about balance!”

Amanda Osorio, Training and Events Coordinator for CHI

“My goal professionally is to continue to grow in the areas I’m passionate about and, personally, to make a greater impact in the lives of children in rural areas @amorporlosninos2015.”

Leah Crockett, PhD Student

“My professional goal this year is to defend my thesis proposal and get rolling on my thesis. Personally? Hmmm, well I’m going to try not to break any bones!”

[Editor’s note: Leah had a run-in with a bad patch of ice last winter that led to a few painful months. Our fingers are crossed for a safe and healthy year ahead.]

Masood Khan, Research Coordinator

“My goal for this year is to ask more questions and given the diversity of our team, learn from their expertise in many different disciplines. I also want to explore Canada with my wife!”

[Readers: Where should Masood go? Feel free to send us tips or tell us why your home town/city/province is worth a visit!]

Alex Korall, Post-Doctoral Fellow

“I moved from Vancouver to Winnipeg two years ago to work with Kate. My goal for this year is to make at least one new friend, and to pick up a new winter activity.”

[Readers: Any winter sport tips for Alex? Or nominees for friendship!?”]

Alexie Touchette, Master’s Student

“My goal for the year is to finish my Master’s project which explores current fall prevention program design in community-based exercise programs in Canada. Once I’ve obtained my degree, I hope to work in reducing the research/practice gap, and help create evidence-based treatment plans and programs to improve physical and cognitive health at the population level.”

Mercy-Anne (Mercy) Magundayao, Communications Specialist for CHI

New to our team this year, Mercy joined the CHI team as Communications Specialist in April 2019. Her five-year experience working at a local B2B technology consulting company gave her an edge for digital marketing. Additionally, prior to joining CHI, she followed her passion for philanthropy. Mercy led all of Manitoba’s fundraising efforts as Development Coordinator at a nationally recognized non-profit health organization, and continues to volunteer for various non-profit organizations, including leading the Filipino Kidney Health Initiative for the Kidney Foundation — Manitoba Branch. Mercy holds diplomas in Web & Print Production, Public Relations and Strategic Communications, and Marketing Management from the University of Winnipeg PACE program. Looking ahead to 2020, Mercy says:

“Besides keeping my plants alive, my goal for the year is to take each day one-at-a-time. Being in a new environment can be quite daunting, so it helps to have a welcoming and supportive team at CHI!”

Ogai Sherzoi, Knowledge Broker

Returning from maternity leave this past spring, Ogai is a Knowledge Broker with a focus on patient and public engagement in health research, facilitation, and building community networks. Ogai holds a Masters of Social Work from the University of Manitoba, including a Child and Youth Care Diploma, Human Ecology in Family Social Sciences, and a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW). She is also a registered social worker (RSW) through the MB College of Social Workers. Ogai has vast experience working across different settings and in a variety of roles — project coordinator; practicing therapist providing counselling services to children and youth; youth treatment program coordinator at Addictions Foundation of Manitoba; and hospital social worker in children’s and women’s at HSC. She is interested in and has conducted arts-based qualitative research to enhance mental health and well-being of diverse communities.

“Professionally my goal is to provide support that flourishes authentic relationships and meaningful engagement in health research. I strive towards building research capacity in communities so that individuals can empower themselves, have their voices present, and work towards healthful policies and services for all. Personally, I want to continue to practice mindfulness and being present in the moment (self-care).”

Carly Leggett, Manager & KT Practice Lead

“2020 is all about continuity and sustainability. Some of my major projects are transitioning or winding down while others are beginning to find their stride as they leave their pilot phase and move towards their sophomore season. So for me, it’s about sustaining the impact and lessons of the former, while continuing to grow and expand the latter. On the personal front….well, everything that I just said, but applied to a 2 year old and a 4 year old!”

Looking to connect?

Interested in learning more about the Centre for Healthcare Innovation? Visit https://chimb.ca/ or our Knowledge Translation team page to see what specific services we offer.

Trying to tie a name to a face? Visit CHI’s Our People page.