We are Niagara Health is a series of stories that celebrates the incredible people working and volunteering in our organization and how they make a difference in the lives of patients and coworkers every day.
When first meeting Dr. Mohammad Refaei and Debbie Audet, it’s hard to believe they haven’t been friends for years.
The reality is that they’ve built a strong bond over the last six months while immersed in Extraordinary Us, a mentorship program that provides equity-deserving physicians and staff an avenue for professional growth and development. The program emphasizes focused goal setting, effective strategies for navigating and accessing resources and advancing leadership skills.
For Audet, a mentee in the program, the experience has been a game changer in how she applies herself as an advanced practice nurse.
“Working with Moe has helped me visualize the great successes that can be achieved when I put my mind to it. It’s with his help, guidance and perspective that I can see there is so much more to come,” she says.
Dr. Refaei, a hematologist at the Walker Family Cancer Centre and Audet’s mentor, had to step into leadership roles early in his career — a challenging journey he says he did without the right guidance. He remembers the profound impact mentorship had on him and wanted to provide the same support to others.
“I wanted to participate as a mentor to give back to the healthcare community and help shape the next generation of leaders within our field,” says Dr. Refaei.
Learning is a two-way street
Through Dr. Refaei’s guidance, Audet has learned the importance of remaining true to oneself as a leader, setting boundaries and handling difficult conversations — areas she had previously struggled with.
“One of the most valuable lessons has been how to better achieve balance in my life in order to prevent burn out and be ready to handle all the other ‘stuff’ life throws at us, both personally and professionally,” she says.
This newfound self-awareness has been instrumental in helping her navigate her career with confidence and resilience.
Recognizing the changes in his approach to work and leadership, Dr. Refaei understands that learning within the program is a two-way street.
“Mentoring has allowed me to be a better listener, and sharpened my leadership skills, particularly in the areas of empathy and communication,” he said. “It has also refreshed my perspective on daily challenges, encouraging a more innovative approach to problem-solving and team management. “
Beyond the profession
The impact of mentorship goes far beyond professional development — it touches personal growth and promotes lifelong learning. This is especially true in the Extraordinary Us Mentorship Program, where the relationship between mentor and mentee becomes a foundation for transformative change.
“I am extremely grateful that I have been blessed with a great coach that I not only confide in with professional situations but personal as well,” said Audet.
Dr. Refaei finds the experience equally rewarding.
"Working with Debbie has provided a unique opportunity to share knowledge and also learn from her own experiences," he says. “I admire Debbie’s dedication to patient care and her eagerness to learn and apply new skills. The Simulation sessions in the Women and Babies department have truly been elevated with her expertise. Her proactive approach to tackling challenges makes her a standout mentee and a vital asset to Niagara Health.
Their relationship, built on mutual respect and trust, has made their time in the program both enriching and enjoyable.
"It’s funny, you start out with these ideas of what this program will look like and then through time, it slowly morphed into something much more important to me," Audet says.
