Dr. Natasha Ovtcharenko combines expertise and compassion to provide exceptional care as a critical care physician in the ICU.
Discipline, focus and the ability to navigate challenges with resilience - these are qualities that Dr. Natasha Ovtcharenko, critical care physician at Niagara Health, embodies as she prepares for long-distance runs.
Just like running requires meticulous preparation and mental endurance, practising critical care medicine demands quick thinking and collaboration in high-pressure situations.
Dr. Ovtcharenko found her stride in medicine at Niagara Health in 2022. While specializing in critical care at McMaster University’s Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, she was captivated by the collaborative spirit of the group of physicians on service while completing an elective in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Marotta Family Hospital in St. Catharines.
“When I first came to Niagara Health, I was struck by how closely the physicians worked together,” she recalls. “I saw a supportive environment where everyone shared a common goal of providing the best patient care. This team-based approach is what drew me to practise at Niagara Health.”
Critical care medicine focuses on the diagnosis and management of life-threatening conditions that require comprehensive and continuous monitoring and treatment. Critical care physicians like Dr. Ovtcharenko work in ICUs, caring for patients with severe or life-threatening illnesses and injuries. These physicians are often at the forefront of patient care, utilizing advanced technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Running towards excellence in critical care
Q: Why did you decide to pursue critical care as a specialty?
A: Initially, I was drawn to surgery, fascinated by the immediacy and hands-on nature of the operating room. However, as I explored different specialties during my training, I found my true calling in critical care. This field offers a unique blend of post-operative care, internal medicine and emergency response – essentially a little bit of everything. The collaborative environment is invigorating; we work as a cohesive team, drawing from various specialties to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
Q: What does a day in the life of a critical care physician look like?
A: My day begins with multidisciplinary patient rounds with our nurses, pharmacists and respiratory therapists. Rounding with the entire care team is vital; we not only assess our patients but also communicate closely with their families. Often, the person who is ill isn’t aware of their surroundings, making it crucial for us to provide updates and support to loved ones. The toughest cases – those that challenge our skills and emotions – are particularly significant, as they push us to deliver evidence-based care while navigating the complexities of critical illnesses.
Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?
A: Each time a patient leaves the ICU, I am reminded that everything we do truly makes a difference. The ICU Survivorship Speaker Series initiated by my colleague Dr. Joyce Lam highlights stories of patients who have successfully overcome their illnesses. Knowing that my work contributes to these recoveries brings immense satisfaction.
Q: How important is research in the ICU?
A: Research plays a crucial role in our practice. The interdisciplinary approach we adopt in patient care extends to our research efforts. Bringing clinical trials into the ICU gives patients access to the most recent advances in critical care. By participating in research, we help pave the way for better health equity, treatments and outcomes.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring ICU physicians?
A: For those looking to pursue a career in critical care, I encourage you to focus on the fundamentals of every specialty – what I call the ‘bread and butter.’ Enjoy the day-to-day challenges and learning process that comes with it. Embrace the complexities and find joy in the small victories. This journey is demanding, but the impact you can make in patients’ lives is profound.
To learn more about current physician opportunities at Niagara Health, visit NiagaraHealth.on.ca/Physician-Recruitment or contact Medicalaffairs@niagarahealth.on.ca.
