November 2025, Vol. 3 Ed. 4

President’s Message

Every day, I’m reminded of the kindness, skill, and commitment that define our community at BC Children’s and Women’s. It’s been inspiring to see so many of you come together at our staff engagement lunches—connecting, sharing, and strengthening the supportive culture that makes our MSA truly special. I’m equally proud of those who have taken the initiative to submit projects aimed at enhancing how we work and care for others; your creativity and dedication are shaping our institution’s future.

As we look forward to celebrating together at our holiday party on December 9th, I hope we all take a moment to appreciate the connections we’ve built and the collective spirit that keeps us moving forward with purpose and joy.

Frontline Faculty Focus

Welcome to “Frontline Faculty Focus”, where we briefly profile members of the MSA, including a few words about themselves. If you’d like to get your mug into the newsletter, please send us an email at engagement@msacw.ca.

Dr. Roanne Preston

Anesthesiologist and Interim Chief Medical Officer BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre (as of October 15, 2025)
BC Women’s Anesthesia

How long have you been at C&W?
21+ years

Tell us about a satisfying moment at work you’ve had recently.
Successfully steered a patient with many medical challenges, booked for surgery at BCWH, to a surgical location much closer to home (to the great relief of her caregiver!) Not a typical success from Anesthesia Clinic.

What’s a work frustration you wish you could solve with a snap of a finger?
Getting changes in medical practice that everyone supports to take less than a few years to happen.

What’s a secret skill you have that most people don’t know?
I’m a cat whisperer 😸

Any hobbies you’d care to share?
I love to pretend to be a chef. In truth, I excel the most at taking whatever is left over in the fridge and pantry and making a tasty meal. I also express creative skills in my garden, which is a bit colourful and wild.

Favourite trip in the past couple of years?
I haven’t travelled much since getting a dog two years ago; we have stuck to driving trips around BC. Our most recent summer trip to Squamish was wonderful. We happened upon a stretch of the Mamquam River where the salmon were swimming upstream—an absolutely amazing, unexpected sight, and it was just us and the dog!

Don’t Miss the November MSACW Engagement Lunch with
Dr. Steven Miller

Join us this November for the MSACW Engagement Lunch and the chance to meet and chat with Dr. Steven Miller, Head of the Department of Pediatrics at BC Children’s Hospital.

The lunch will be held on Thursday, November 27th, starting at 11:30 AM in the MSACW Lounge. This is a great opportunity to connect with colleagues from across departments, share ideas, and strengthen the sense of community that makes the MSACW so special.

Whether you’re a long-time member or new to MSACW, our engagement lunches are a great chance to meet up with colleagues and enjoy a meal together! We can’t wait to see you there!

To keep these lunches going each month, and in light of new Doctors of BC regulations and funding restrictions, we aim to have a guest speaker at most lunches! That’s why we’re actively reaching out to department and division heads, as well as PHSA leadership, to join us as guests.

Our MSACW Project Coordinator, Niki Moshiri, will be in contact with many of you from both BC Children’s and Women’s Hospitals to coordinate these opportunities. If you’re interested in being a guest speaker at one of our upcoming lunches, or if you have suggestions for who you’d like to hear from, please reach out to engagement@msacw.ca. We encourage all members to get involved so we can continue to offer these valuable gatherings!

Register Now: Celebrate the Season with the MSACW Holiday Event
on Tuesday, December 9th

Let’s Hit the Ground Running: Potential MSACW Team for the
2026 Vancouver Sun Run

Get Rolling: MSACW Bike Repair Day Could Be Coming Soon?

As suggested by a member at a recent general meeting, the MSACW is exploring the idea of hosting a Bike Repair Day to help staff get their bicycles in top shape for the season.

Whether your bike needs a quick tune-up, a flat tire fixed, or just some expert tips, this event could be a great chance to roll in, learn, and connect with colleagues.

From quick fixes to full tune-ups, if this sounds like something you want to be part of, please sign up now.

Please note: This form is just to gauge interest. It is not an official registration form for the event. Once we know how many people want to participate, we’ll share the full details, including date, location, and instructions for the Bike Repair Day should we move forward with this initiative.

Brewing Connections: A Latte Fun at the MSACW Engagement Café

Coffee, conversation, and connections—our second MSACW Engagement Café Coffee Shop Pop-Up brought colleagues together in style!

On Wednesday, October 15th, the lounge was brewing with energy as staff gathered to enjoy drinks, pastries and meaningful conversation. What started as a simple idea—bringing people together over a good cup of joe—has quickly become one of our favourite ways to foster connection and engagement across the organization!

Two skilled baristas transformed the lounge once again into a cozy mini café, serving up an assortment of specialty coffees, teas, and hot chocolates. From rich lattes to creamy cappuccinos, there was something for everyone. The pastry table was equally irresistible, featuring an array of buttery croissants, flaky danishes, and a few sweet surprises that disappeared fast!

Throughout the early morning and into the late afternoon, colleagues from different departments and divisions at BCCH stopped by to grab a drink and catch up. It was a fantastic chance to meet new faces and exchange ideas with colleagues you might not see every day!

Feedback from membership has been overwhelmingly positive, with many noting that the café offered a much-needed break from their busy routines while fostering a sense of community. Moments like these remind us how simple gestures like a cup of coffee, a sweet treat, and friendly conversation can strengthen relationships and spark collaboration in unexpected ways.

Bridge Research Consortium: RNA and Healthcare Futures — What role will mRNA technology play in the future of Canadian healthcare?

The MSACW is pleased to share the following initiative with our members on behalf of the Bridge Research Consortium.

Event Date: November 20, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM – 7.30 PM
Location: Djavad Mowafaghian Cinema, Goldcorp Centre for the Arts, 149 W Hastings St, Vancouver

As misinformation, polarization, and political partisanship around mRNA technologies intensify, how can healthcare professionals navigate discussing mRNA vaccines and immunotherapies that are poised to transform how we prevent and treat diseases in Canada?

Healthcare workers and the broader public health community are invited to an exclusive screening of The Messenger, a documentary tracing the origin story of mRNA technology, a 30-year journey from discovery to a critical role during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The screening will be followed by a panel featuring mRNA pioneers and leading experts in public health, medical anthropology, clinical practice, and regulatory affairs. Panelists will demystify recent advances in mRNA science and engage the audience in dialogue about how mRNA vaccines and therapeutics are poised to transform disease prevention and treatment. The profound implications that mRNA technology will have on the future of healthcare in Canada will also be discussed.

This message was shared on behalf of Mary Leong, Strategic Communications Manager at Bridge Research Consortium. 

The Canadian Coalition For Green Health Care

MSA Membership Means Paying Your Dues

Dues for 2025 are now due!