This is an opinion column by Niagara Health Communications Specialist Tiffany Mayer, originally published in the St. Catharines Standard, Niagara Falls Review and Welland Tribune.
Some of the physicians, nurses and allied health professionals who joined Niagara Health in 2024 are: (Top row, from left) Dr. Lindsay Schnarr, Stephanie Dobozi, Dr. Jouseph Barkho. Middle row: Katie Inkster, Dr. Rahil Patel, Dr. Lisa Klotz. Bottom row: Dr. Nicole Jedrzejko, Taylor Morrone, Olivia Clinkard-Palumbo.
Niagara Health recruited some of the best healthcare talent in 2024, including 38 doctors and 1,329 other new hires across the organization, including nurses and allied health professionals.
Although they haven’t been here long, the impact of these physicians, nurses and allied health professionals on patients has been immeasurable. Here are some of their stories.
Dr. Lindsay Schnarr
Geriatric Medicine
During my subspecialty training at McMaster University, I had the opportunity to spend time with the Geriatrics program at Niagara Health (NH). I loved being a part of an incredible inter-professional team. I always hoped to work in a community setting and liked the opportunity to service various areas within the Niagara region. Ultimately, I felt that NH offered the ideal environment, resources and opportunities for me as a new geriatrician.
During a recent inpatient consultation, I collaborated with our nurse, medical student, Geriatric Emergency Medicine Nurse Practitioner and Behavioural Supports Ontario worker. It was incredible to be involved in such great interdisciplinary care. Everybody demonstrated clear compassion and concern for the patient and it was amazing to see how dedicated each individual was to ensuring the best possible outcome.
I’m happy to know that, objectively, I’ve been able to reduce wait times and improve access to care for both inpatients and outpatients. Having just finished training where I worked in different health systems, I’ve been able to bring new ideas and perspectives to our program in Niagara. I hope I’ve been able to provide high-quality, compassionate care to my patients and their families.
Dr. Nicole Jedrzejko
General Surgery
I was a medical student at McMaster University’s Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine - Niagara Regional Campus, where surgery found me. I owe my career choice to the general surgeons in St. Catharines and Niagara Falls, who mentored me and inspired a life of diverse patient care, interesting procedures, great camaraderie, and work-family-life balance. After my training in Vancouver and Oxford, it’s an honour to be back home in Ontario and contributing to the NH community as a surgeon with future students to inspire.
Operating with surgeons who first welcomed me as a medical student, now as their colleague, is a great privilege. It’s a joy to see how their careers have evolved, and empowering to bring some West Coast tricks to procedures. We all never stop learning.
I’ve been here only four months, so let’s recheck my legacy in a few years! In all seriousness, the Hospital Information System (HIS) rollout was serendipitous. I used (the software) during my residency training in Vancouver. I’m always happy to help someone with HIS confidence. I promise it’ll get easier by springtime, then we’ll never look back.
Stephanie Dobozi
Occupational Therapist
I chose to work at NH because I value an organization led by a community of individuals who are dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate, and patient-centered care. I wanted to be a part of a team dedicated to the well-being of others, who strive for excellence in the quality of care they provide, and where the fundamental values of compassion, collaboration and integrity are upheld.
Since joining NH, I’ve had the privilege to advocate for and work towards each patient’s individual goals. I focus on building meaningful therapeutic relationships by creating a safe and supportive environment where patients and their family members feel valued and cared for. I will continue to strive towards making meaningful differences in the lives of patients and their families.
One of many memorable moments I’ve had since working at NH was helping a patient work on a meaningful goal related to independence with meal preparation. The patient expressed that having the opportunity to practise preparing a meal they would regularly make at home was meaningful. I and helped establish hope and confidence in their recovery.
Katie Inkster
Registered Nurse
I completed my nursing consolidation with NH and had a great experience. I returned to work here after my exam and have had a lot of great support from staff and my manager.
Since joining, I’ve been able to connect with family members and patients in some of their most vulnerable moments. My goal is to make patients and family feel supported and heard.
The staff at NH have been amazing with support and guidance. I've spent a lot of my time working in the Niagara Falls Emergency Department, and the staff there have been a great team to work with.
Dr. Jouseph Barkho
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
I came to NH because it provides all of the components of a complete and fulfilling career and I am grateful to have this opportunity. Clinically, NH has allowed me to pursue excellence in all aspects of plastic and reconstructive surgery, including cancer reconstruction, aesthetic surgery, hand surgery, peripheral nerve surgery, pediatric plastic surgery, burns and complex wounds, and trauma.
The Niagara Health Knowledge Institute has accelerated my research through biostatistical support. Teaching future physicians and surgeons is my passion, and through the Niagara campus of McMaster and the plastic surgery residency program, this passion has been realized. Finally, as I settle into my practice, I hope to contribute to my community by pursuing leadership opportunities within the organization.
In these first few months, I’ve fostered a psychologically safe environment to work and learn with my colleagues. With my patients, I have the privilege of positively impacting their lives through the care I provide on a daily basis. This impact is reciprocal, and I’m constantly made a better surgeon through the influence of my colleagues and patients.
My most memorable moments are when I collaborate with other surgeons. Whether it be working with a general surgeon to develop a unique plan for breast reconstruction, or working with an orthopedic surgeon to save a limb from amputation, I get to share my knowledge and learn from my brilliant colleagues to achieve the best possible outcome for our patients.
Dr. Rahil Patel
Mental Health and Addictions
Joining NN last summer was a full circle moment for me as someone who grew up in Niagara Falls. It was not long ago that I was spending my Wednesday afternoons volunteering at the Niagara Falls Hospital. After completing my medical training, returning as a physician has been quite surreal and I am grateful for all the support from my mentors and peers at NH and beyond.
The most memorable moments of my time here so far are the wonderful therapeutic connections I’ve made with inpatients, who have sought to follow up with me as outpatients and allowed me to become a part of their recovery journey long term. As I continue with my role in the department and the Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine clinic, I hope to continue providing evidence-based care for our community members with compassion and understanding as we face the substance use crisis.
Dr. Lisa Klotz
Family Medicine with special interest in Stroke Medicine
As a family physician with additional fellowship training in stroke medicine, one of my biggest goals is to provide high-quality care to people who have experienced strokes. I’m passionate about helping this vulnerable population, and it was apparent from the start that the stroke team at NH is greatly invested in this as well.
Our stroke neurologists provide incredible specialized care in this community, as do the stroke nurse practitioners, nurses, and therapists involved in the acute and rehabilitation periods of a patient’s journey. There remains a gap, however, in the longer-term follow-up as these patients transition back into the community after time in hospital. Since joining the Stroke Prevention Clinic at NH, I’ve had the opportunity to fill this gap by providing ongoing access to stroke care, helping patients manage their symptoms, as well as decreasing their risk for future strokes.
I’ve had a number of memorable opportunities since joining Niagara Health during which I’ve been able to connect patients with services in the community to help them live independently, to reduce the effects of their symptoms, and to lessen their fears through reassurance and guidance. These experiences have been incredibly fulfilling for me, and I look forward to helping many more patients achieve their best quality of life after stroke.
Taylor Morrone
Respiratory Therapist
I did my clinical placement and worked as a clinical extern at NH, so choosing to come here after graduating was an easy decision. My dad works here as well, which made my decision easier. The staff have always been friendly and made it a great learning environment, which I wanted to be part of.
Since joining NH, I’ve learned how effective teamwork positively impacts a patient’s stay, whether short- or long-term. Staff here have been kind and welcoming, and that has made working together in critical situations easier with a better outcome for patients.
A memorable moment happened when working a night shift and a baby delivered at 24 weeks was brought into our Emergency Department to be resuscitated. As a new grad, I wasn’t fully comfortable with working with babies yet, and with the help of another respiratory therapist and the nurses and physicians, we worked together to save the infant.
Olivia Clinkard-Palumbo
Occupational Therapist
I came to NH because of the community. All team members work together to provide quality care for each patient. They do whatever they can to support patient’s needs and that is a team I want to worth with.
I have noticed positivity in every interaction I have, whether working alongside my colleagues or working with patients to grow and meet their goals. In the process, I’ve gained so much knowledge and developed personally.
Seeing patients make improvements has been memorable. I love celebrating the successes of patients as they grow in strength and independence. I have met so many wonderful people and heard so many amazing stories, which I look forward to continuing in my role.
