University Health Network

Administrative Professionals Day is a moment to recognize the colleagues who help TeamUHN succeed every day. Across care, research, and education, administrative professionals keep UHN organized, welcoming, and focused on what matters most, our patients. Wyeth, who recently joined UHN as an admin at the Deep Brain Stimulation Clinic, brings a unique background in journalism and veterinary medicine. Wyeth supports complex scheduling, coordination, and document review behind the scenes. “This work is a true team effort, and the level of care and collaboration makes it possible to do it well," says Wyeth. Thank you to Wyeth, and to all administrative professionals who help make care possible.

Earth Day is an opportunity for TeamUHN to celebrate anincredible culture of sustainability as we strive for a Healthier World. We are thankful for the dedication of the 700+ staff who volunteer for UHN’s Green Team, the many departments and teams that take the environment to heart as part of their daily work, and the guidance of the Energy & Sustainability team (formerly Energy & Environment). These sustainability champions are at the forefront of delivering patient and planet-centered care, research, and education at UHN.

This week is National Volunteer Week and UHN is recognizing the volunteers who help shape care beyond medicine. Through the Inpatient Visiting Program at UHN's Toronto General Hospital, patient‑visiting volunteers like Ferdinand “Reke” Avikpe provide emotional and non‑medical support by connecting with patients. In enhancing the patient experience alongside clinical care, volunteers help reduce isolation and support emotional well‑being for patients during their hospital stays. "I love interacting with patients and have made really valuable connections," says Reke. "I've met people from different walks of life, different races, different experiences, and I always love to learn from them and to share my own experiences as well." Read more about Reke's work and UHN's network of 600 compassionate volunteers: https://bit.ly/4u0hAVU

The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation's Carry the Fire Podcast returns for season 2! 🔥 Hosted by legendary broadcaster Lisa LaFlamme, the new season features ten episodes that spotlight the groundbreaking advances at UHN’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and the extraordinary patients, researchers and doctors behind them. Special guests include musician Ryan Gullen of The Sheepdogs, Olympic ice dancer Piper Gilles, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Dakota Joshua, as well as everyday Canadians who are helping to create a world free from the fear of cancer. Learn more and listen to their incredible stories: https://lnkd.in/ew4iissG

We are excited to open the doors of 522 University Avenue. The acquisition of the 15‑storey building, made possible by The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, was made to support the rapidly growing needs of cancer care, research, and education. This month, we welcome the Department of Supportive Care (DSC) at UHN’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre to their new space. By bringing people and programs together to one central hub, the DSC is building a more collaborative environment to support patients, families, and caregivers with compassion, expertise, and connection — every step of the way.

Did you know that more than 300 million people worldwide, including three million Canadians live with a rare disease? At UHN, genetic testing is helping clinicians identify disease‑causing variants, improve diagnostic accuracy, and guide decisions about monitoring, prevention and treatment. By uncovering the underlying genetic causes of complex conditions, genomic testing can also shorten long diagnostic journeys for patients and families. Read more: https://bit.ly/4tQA3nR

During Medical Laboratory Week, we celebrate the medical laboratory professionals at UHN like Danielle, whose expertise, precision, and dedication help deliver answers that matter. Dani is a Medical Lab Technician in the Core Lab at UHN's Toronto General Hospital. Her work helps ensure test results are accurate, reliable, and ready when patients and care teams need them. "There's also a lot of different benches that you can work at in the lab, and being able to do a different task each week excites me," says Dani. Thank you to Dani, and the UHN laboratory community for the essential contributions you make behind the scenes.

Congratulations to Dr. David Shultz, Clinician Investigator at UHN's Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, on receiving an Expanding Theories award from The Brain Tumour Charity. 🎉   This funding will support Dr. Shultz's research improving how brain tumour DNA is detected in blood samples—an approach that could help advance less invasive methods for monitoring tumours after treatment.   The Expanding Theories program supports early-stage research exploring innovative approaches to understanding, diagnosing, and/or managing brain tumours.   🔗 Learn more about Dr. Shultz's project and other award recipients here: https://lnkd.in/dURFGTjm   #ResearchFunding #BrainTumours #CancerResearch University Health Network

Check out this month's UHN on the Go! ➡️ Humber River Health is the eighth cancer program in Canada to formally join UHN's Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Care Network ➡️ The Adaptive Fashion Alliance, Canada officially launched with an event that brought groups together to share their thoughts on what the future of adaptive fashion should look like. ➡️ UHN’s Department of Supportive Care celebrated their move to a new space at 522 University Avenue, which is intended to enhance collaboration and teamwork. ➡️ Colleagues at Toronto Rehab's Musculoskeletal Multisystem Rehabilitation Unit joined forces to host a lively Zumba class in celebration of a patient's recovery. Read more: https://bit.ly/41uVBue

Being diagnosed with cancer as an adolescent or young adult comes with challenges that extend far beyond treatment. Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Awareness Week, which takes place from April 6-10, is an opportunity to recognize the unique needs and challenges faced by young individuals who are diagnosed with cancer. At UHN’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, the AYA Oncology Program delivers personalized, supportive care tailored to individuals between the ages of 15 and 39. Integrated services such as the music therapy program, led by Dr. SarahRose Black, have a profound impact on cancer patients as they navigate their hospital stay. Watch Tiffany, an AYA patient at UHN’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, provide a special musical performance in collaboration with Music in the Atrium.