Series: CVFP Health Team
International Women’s Day allows us to celebrate our achievements, to honour and recognize all of the courageous women who came before us, and pave the way for those who will come after.
March 8th is International Women's Day - a day to recognize the contributions of women and girls around the world who are leading the charge in many areas, including health care, in order to build a better and more sustainable future for all.
The first International Women's Day first took place on March 19, 1911, in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland. That day, over a million women and men attended public events to show their support. Other countries began to observe and celebrate this day in the years that followed. The United Nations recognized 1975 as International Women's Year and began celebrating March 8th as International Women’s Day.
Today we celebrate a few of the many dedicated and compassionate CVFP Health Team members who have chosen the path to health care and are making a difference in our YYC community. We are privileged to share their achievements and personal journeys in their own voices.
I have worked in labor and delivery and orthopedics, but love family medicine nursing best. CVFP has provided me with the ability to work a full scope of practice and be able to support patients though their health journey as part of their medical health home. It can be a joyous experience such as caring for new babies, but also tough and heartbreaking when supporting patients and their families with end-of-life care. Nursing is a rollercoaster and is demanding both physically and emotionally but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
A.J., RN
I truly feel that my journey to being a health care professional was inevitable. In my first university degree I started out in pre-medicine, but then enjoyed psychology so much I completed my Bachelor of Arts, Honours in Psychology with the goal of obtaining a master’s and doctoral degree to become a clinical psychologist. I got distracted with the “internet boom” and completed a digital media program, working as a digital media designer. This just wasn't for me - I wasn’t helping people and because I am outgoing, sitting behind a computer just felt wrong. So, I made the decision to go back to school and I completed the Accelerated Track Bachelor of Nursing program at the University of Calgary in 2005.
Working in Alberta has provided me the opportunity to work to full scope. My role as a Clinical Pharmacist within the Calgary Foothills Primary Care Network has given me the privilege to work so closely with our physicians and health care team. Working in this area has been full of rewards, but what I love most is walking alongside my patients and helping them take positive steps in their health journey.
Amy Chu, Pharmacist
I always knew I wanted to go into health care. In high school, I worked in a busy walk-in clinic becoming an assistant for one of the doctors (basically answering his phone), and even volunteered in a pharmacy. I started my post-secondary education at McMaster University studying Biochemistry, before transferring to the University of Toronto to pursue Pharmacy. After graduating in 2006, I moved to Calgary to complete a Hospital Residency Program and ended up working at the Peter Lougheed Centre before going into primary health care.
Family Medicine is definitely my passion - I am privileged to share in patients’ lives. I enjoy the continuity of care, the variety of skills/procedures/presentations and the teamwork. At CVFP, I am fortunate to work with like-minded individuals who are also passionate about primary health care.
Dr. Julie Croteau, Family Physician
My journey to becoming a doctor began a little differently. I completed a degree in Chemical Engineering and worked as an Engineer prior to finding my path to health care. In 2014, I graduated from the University of Calgary’s School of Medicine and began my Family Medicine Residency. After Residency, I provided care services in community family practices and in acute care settings in Calgary and surrounding areas, before beginning my practice at CVFP.
As an immigrant and internationally educated nurse, the path to becoming a health care professional in Canada has been tough but overcoming these obstacles has made me feel accomplished and happy. Working in health care is my passion. I love serving people; it brings out the best in me personally and professionally.
Sandra, LPN
When I was a child, I wanted to become a veterinarian, dentist or nurse. Since those degrees where not offered at the university where I studied, I enrolled in and completed a Bachelor of Science in Biology. After much consideration, I decided to follow one of my childhood dreams and registered with the school of nursing. I completed my Nursing Degree in 2008 and began working in both acute care and community health settings. I believe that my experience in the Philippines gave me a better perspective on health care. Many of my friends immigrated to other countries to begin new adventures and so, I took their lead and began my own adventure in Canada in 2015. I was hired as a Clinic Aide at CVFP that same year and became a Medical Office Assistant (MOA) in 2016. I acquired my Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) registration in 2018 and presently, I am working towards becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). I am thankful that CVFP has supported me throughout my career growth and development.