Scholarship Recipients Further Education to Support Patient Care

The Laboratory Services team at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) plays a critical role in offering safe, quality health care to patients and their families.

These professionals are adept at conducting a range of procedures and tests on biological specimens, which help physicians diagnose and treat patients. With advancements in science and technology, the field of Laboratory Medicine is constantly evolving, making it crucial for laboratory staff to pursue ongoing education and training to stay current. Through their pursuit of advanced certifications, training, and job performance, these health care professionals demonstrate their commitment to providing exceptional patient care.

Dr. Douglas Rathbone, a highly esteemed physician and former coroner in Thunder Bay, placed significant emphasis on continuing education. To honour his legacy, his wife established an endowment with the Health Sciences Foundation in his memory through her generous donation and memorial donations.  The Dr. Douglas Rathbone Scholarship Fund provides financial support to Laboratory Services staff at TBRHSC to pursue relevant continuing education courses or professional development. The recipients of this award will enhance their knowledge and skills, ultimately improving patient care.

In 2023, there were 10 successful recipients of the $500 scholarship: Lisa Morin, Point of Care Coordinator, Christina DeLeo, MLA (Medical Laboratory Assistant), Amanda Thompson, MLA, Stephanie Briand, MLT (Medical Laboratory Technologist), Lea Poulin, MLA, Deanna Hicklin, Quality and Safety Compliance Coordinator, Ashley Sippala, MLA, Stacy Tetlock, MLA, Rachel Brisson, MLT and Alyssa Sabatini, MLT.

“Although I have been a Medical Laboratory Technologist for 27 years, there is always more to learn. I joined the Point-of-Care Department in September 2019,” said recipient Lisa Morin MLT, HBScMLS. “This department oversees 3500 operators and over 150 instruments throughout TBRHSC and its affiliated sites, which includes St. Joseph’s Care Group. I will be using my Rathbone scholarship award towards a Point-of-Care Specialist Certificate Program, which is composed of eight courses. I am very grateful for this opportunity to broaden my knowledge of Point-of-Care Testing.”

The Dr. Douglas Rathbone Scholarship is a testament to the legacy of this accomplished physician, and its impact will be felt for generations to come. With this scholarship, TBRHSC staff will be able to enhance patient care while continuing to develop themselves professionally.

“It is important to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field of Laboratory Medicine. Our Lab staff at TBRHSC consistently strives for personal and professional growth, and their commendable efforts are truly appreciated,” said Georgia Carr, Manager of Laboratory Services at TBRHSC.

Recipient Deanna Hicklin, Quality and Safety Compliance Coordinator said, “The TBRHSC Laboratory offers many types of continuing education and encourages all staff to participate regardless of position. Being awarded a Rathbone Scholarship will support additional independent continuing education learning opportunities for me. This will allow for professional growth and support my role at the Laboratory as Quality and Safety Compliance Coordinator. Thank you for this opportunity.”

We extend congratulations to the 10 recipients of the Dr. Douglas Rathbone Scholarship, and encourage everyone to learn more about Laboratory Services at TBRHSC by visiting https://bit.ly/TBRHSC-Lab-Services.

Endowments create meaningful legacies while providing stable, dependable funding for programs, equipment and services at TBRHSC. For more information, please contact the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation at (807) 345-4673.