SITE NAME
SickKids® | The Hospital for Sick Children
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Role
Section Head; Cardiomyopathy & Heart Function Program
WHAT MADE YOU JOIN ACTION?
I would describe the reason with the word “Community”. Running a VAD program in children, you quickly realize that though they are low frequency events, they require a lot of resources and teamwork from the heart centre. But to do it really well, means you have to be able to leverage the experience from the broader VAD community. We’ve learned a lot from the other ACTION sites and no doubt, we will continue to learn more.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ACTION MEMORY?
Not sure I can pick just one. Every ACTION meeting that I have been to so far has been engaging and amazing learning opportunities. They represent contact points with ACTION leadership, who truly listen to ideas and suggestions to take the network to the next step. From brainstorming ideas in hotel lobbies to hearing case discussions in conferences, they’ve all been worthwhile.
WHY IS ACTION IMPORTANT TO YOU?
ACTION is not just another registry. Beyond providing data for analysis, there is the engagement from the community to move the needle forward and provide better care for our patients and their families.
WHAT PROJECT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT MOVING FORWARD IN ACTION?
The initiative to take ACTION global is one that truly resonates. How we approach advanced heart failure care in North America may be very different in other regions of the world, especially in areas that may be just emerging with VAD care in children. The learning opportunities with this initiative are endless and may create more innovative ideas.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?
“Do. Or do not. There is no try.” — Yoda
WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION, AND WHY?
Malaysia – my wife and I went there for an anniversary trip (too many years ago now). We traveled to Langkawi, Penang, and Kuala Lumpur and the natural beauty, ocean side resorts, and big city attractions of the country really made for the perfect destination for us. Would love to go back with the whole family in the future.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BOOK, AND WHY?
The Lord of the Rings trilogy is my all time favorite. Hard to tell explain why. Perhaps it’s the journey of characters that are not your typical heroes or the detailed descriptions of places and events.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
I worked summers in Toronto for Parks & Recreation. Being outside, cutting grass, taking care of sports fields was a lot of fun. I think about doing that job again in a post-cardiology retirement.
WHO IS SOMEONE IN YOUR LIFE WHO INSPIRES YOU?
My kids. I have a 17-year-old daughter and an almost 15-year-old son and each day I get a glimpse into the individuals that they are becoming and it pushes me to be better.
WHAT’S ONE THING OTHER ACTION MEMBERS WOULDN’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
Whether it is watching a Raptors game or playing pick-up with a bunch of old guys like myself, I just love basketball.
