The Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences (OAMRS) held its annual awards reception in Toronto on May 23, 2025.These awards celebrate the best in medical radiation sciences, and the OAMRS Awards give professional and prestigious recognition to MRTs and DMSs who deliver exceptional healthcare. Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) had multiple award recipients:

---

Kasey Etreni – 90th Anniversary Diamond Award

Kasey Etreni, a seasoned Radiation Therapist with over 35 years of dedicated service at TBRHSC, is the recipient of the prestigious OAMRS 90th Anniversary Diamond Award. Throughout her career, Kasey has consistently demonstrated excellence in clinical care, leadership, and advocacy. As a Charge Therapist, she was instrumental in implementing streamlined workflows and patient-centered protocols that continue to benefit her department today. Her calm demeanor, strong mentorship, and collaborative spirit have made her a trusted leader among peers and a role model for the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Beyond the walls of the Hospital, Kasey’s impact is just as profound. She has served on numerous boards and committees, helping to shape healthcare policies at both the regional and provincial levels. Now an elected Thunder Bay City Councilor, Kasey continues to advocate for public health, healthcare access, and social equity. Her volunteer efforts with organizations like Camp Quality and local youth hockey teams further demonstrate her unwavering commitment to community service. Kasey’s legacy is one of compassion, leadership, and meaningful change both in healthcare and in the community she proudly serves.

Alexa Chesky – Recent Graduate Award

Alexa Chesky, a recent graduate working at TBRHSC, has already made a meaningful impact in her department. Known for her positivity and adaptability, she not only supports her team by taking on extra shifts but also acts as a knowledgeable preceptor for new students. Her contributions extend beyond the clinical needs, she has helped streamline communication across multidisciplinary teams, improving patient care delivery and departmental efficiency.

Recently trained as an Interventional Radiology technologist, Alexa quickly became an integral asset to the IR team. Her commitment to collaboration, mentorship, and patient care excellence highlights her outstanding promise as a rising professional in the field of medical radiation sciences.

Michelle Opaski – Practitioner of the Year Award

Michelle Opaski, a dedicated Mammography Technologist with 19 years of service at TBRHSC, has been awarded the OAMRS Practitioner of the Year for her exceptional clinical skills, patient-centered care, and commitment to advancing diagnostic imaging services. Michelle is known for her calm, empathetic presence, creating a safe and reassuring environment for patients—many of whom are undergoing stressful procedures like breast cancer screening and diagnosis. Her consistent professionalism and compassion have made her a valued colleague and a trusted caregiver to patients.

One of Michelle’s most impactful roles is her involvement with the Screen for Life Coach program, a mobile cancer screening unit that travels to rural and remote Indigenous communities throughout Northwestern Ontario. Through this work, she helps break down barriers to healthcare access, ensuring vital screenings reach underserved populations. Michelle is also a dedicated mentor, taking the time to train and support new technologists while promoting continuous learning within her team. Her tireless advocacy for equitable care and early detection is saving lives and setting a powerful example of how one healthcare professional can make a lasting difference in both the system and the communities it serves.

---

To learn more and to see other award winners, click here.

The 2025-2026 schedule is now live! To register for a session, click HERE.

We are pleased to invite all staff to take part in our new cultural safety training session titled, “Repairing the Sacred Circle: An Indigenous Cultural Awareness and Education Primer”. 

The session will introduce participants to an insightful way of thinking about truth and reconciliation. It will be a reflective pathway for cross-cultural discussion and an entry point to create the necessary change for awareness and inclusiveness within Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Participants will be introduced to concepts such as colonization, race and racism, common stereotypes, and how these contribute to health inequities for Indigenous Peoples within the current healthcare system.

This is a free training session, there is no cost to attend. The session is 3 hours long and takes place in-person. We encourage all staff (including students, residents, volunteers, and PFAs) to participate and look forward to seeing you there.

If you have any questions, please contact: Annette Klement, Cultural Safety Educator at extension 6937 or TBRHSC.CulturalSafetyEducator@tbh.net.

Sign up today!

Shared on behalf of Jessica Logozzo, Vice President Strategy and Regional Transformation

---

After over 25 years of dedicated service to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, it is with immense gratitude and well wishes that I announce the retirement of Michael Del Nin.

Mike has been an integral part of our organization since 2004, where he began as the Manager of Decision Support. In this role, Mike was pivotal in shaping data-informed strategies that guided the decisions of the organization, and notably numerous projects within the Cancer Centre. Mike progressed into the role of Director of Decision Support and then took on Strategy, which culminated in his current role as Director of Strategy and Performance. Mike’s growing responsibility is a testament to the value he has brought to the organization and his strategic insights and acumen. Mike has supported countless corporate initiatives over the years, and has an irreplaceable corporate knowledge bank that is called upon regularly by peers. More recently, Mike has been integral to the creation, implementation and ongoing guidance of Strategic Plan 2026, our inaugural joint Strategic Plan between TBRHSC and TBRHRI. His ability to bring together the right data at the right time to drive meaningful conversations, is unmatched.

Beyond the many corporate projects that Mike has been involved in, even more impressive has been the leadership and collegial support he has provided to his team and colleagues. Mike will be missed not only for what he did, but for how he did it. Mike is an exemplar of people-centred leadership. His sound and limitless advice, and collaborative approach, has helped shape the culture of our team and will leave a lasting impact.

Throughout his leadership roles, Mike has brought a steady approach, thoughtful leadership and a quiet but unmistakable impact on everything he touched. Whether guiding complex initiatives, supporting colleagues, or navigating the ever-changing world of healthcare, Mike has done so with professionalism, integrity and a calm sense of purpose.

Please join us in thanking Michael for his many contributions and wishing him all the best as he begins this new and exciting chapter which will see him and his wife move to the beautiful West Coast to be close to his son and extended family.

Mike’s last day will be August 8. We will share further details on celebratory activities for Mike in the coming weeks.

Recruitment will commence shortly.

Thank you to all those who participated in week 3 of Pride Trivia!

Below you will find the answers to last week’s questions. Click here for the final week of trivia, and a chance to win prizes.

Question 1: What does 2S stand for in the 2SLGBTQQIA+ acronym?

Answer: 2S in the 2SLGBTQQIA+ acronym stands for Two-Spirit. The term Two Spirit is a culturally specific identity describing Indigenous individuals whose gender, spiritual, or sexual identity includes both male and female spirits. The term honors gender and sexual diversity and emphasizes the ability of Two-Spirits to navigate both worlds and hold male and female responsibilities in their communities. While the concept of Two-Spirit individuals has existed among Indigenous Peoples for generations, the term niizh manidoowag, meaning “two spirits,” was first proposed in 1990 by Elder Myra Laramee.

Question 2: True or False: The Stonewall Uprising was a gay rights protest that started on June 28, 1969?

Answer: TRUE. The Stonewall Uprising, also known as the Stonewall Rebellion, or the Stonewall Riots, was a gay rights protest that began on June 28, 1969 and lasted approximately 6 days. It was named for the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in New York City, and the site of the uprising. In the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, police raided the bar, leading to several days of violent protests. It was considered a turning point for the gay rights movement, and the first gay liberation march took place the following year on the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising.  

Question 3: The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia is observed annually on May 17. What is the significance of this date?

Answer: On May 17, 1990, The World Health Organization (WHO) removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders, marking a significant step toward greater equity for the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia is therefore observed annually on May 17 to honour this significant event.

Question 4: Why is Pride Month celebrated in June?

Answer: Pride Month is celebrated in June each year to honour the Stonewall Uprising—which took place in June of 1969—and its contributions to advancing 2SLGBTQQIA+ rights.

We would like to inform you that piling activities related to the cardiovascular surgery (CVS) construction project are scheduled to resume on Thursday, June 26, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., with work anticipated to last ten (10) days barring no unforeseen circumstances.

During this phase, steel piles will be driven into the ground using heavy machinery.

What to Expect:

• Noise: Pile driving will generate noise due to the use of impact equipment. This can be expected throughout the workday.
• Vibration: Vibrations may be noticeable, particularly in close proximity to the construction site. While the most significant effects will occur near the pile-driving area, surrounding zones may also experience some degree of vibration. The project team has worked closely with key departments and will continue to monitor conditions to minimize any disruption to clinical operations.

We kindly ask that you communicate this information to your staff, patients, and visitors so they are aware of the upcoming work and potential impacts.

If noise or vibrations begin to significantly affect critical clinical functions, please contact the TBRHSC CVS Project Management Team:

• Aaron Bruno 
• Daniel Sedano 

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we complete this essential phase of construction. Thank you for your continued support.

It is Stroke Awareness Month and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is celebrating 10 years of Code Stroke. We are highlighting the dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to provide timely and effective care for stroke patients. Meet the Switchboard team.

---

---

What is your position at the hospital?

Switchboard communications

What role does your team play in Code Stroke?

During Code Stroke, Switchboard will page physicians, answer pre-alerts, complete the overhead page and checklist.

What is unique about your team’s role?

Switchboard’s role is unique as we are the first point of contact during a Code Stroke.

How does your team impact stroke patient care?

Switchboard is the first point of contact in Code Stroke when the Hospital response is initiated.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your profession as it relates to Code Stroke/stroke care?

It is rewarding knowing that we are helping to save lives. We can feel a sense of pride in our jobs and see the visible impact of our role.

Congratulations on your retirement Bill!

Bill Dyer started at Port Arthur General in September 1980 as a dishwasher. Around 1993, he transferred from Port Arthur General to McKellar Hospital as a porter for five years. Then eventually made the move into Sterile Processing department transferring over to Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre when it opened, and ending his career into retirement July 2025.

He plans on enjoying life to the fullest and stress free. He would like to say thank you to all supervisors, managers, and his co-workers over his 45-year career, along with all the supports from various departments.

We wish Bill the best in his new chapter of retirement. Job well done Bill!

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) and Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute (TBRHRI) are pleased to present this progress report on the third year of our Strategic Plan 2026, showcasing our achievements and dedication to advancing care, health research, and innovation in the region.

Strategic Plan 2026 focuses on five strategic pillars: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; Patient Experience; Staff Experience; Research, Innovation and Learning, and Sustainable Future. 

Each year, a strategic priority is highlighted through video showcasing impactful initiatives that align with our vision. This year, we focus on Patient Experience—demonstrating our ongoing commitment to compassionate, patient-centred quality care that meets the unique needs of patients and families throughout Northwestern Ontario.

“The third year of our Strategic Plan 2026 can be summarized by our philosophy — patients at the centre of everything we do,” said Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott, President and CEO at TBRHSC and CEO at TBRHRI. “Ultimately, health care is about people — the people we care for, the people who work on the front lines and behind the scenes, helping people day in and day out.”

As we build our organizations to further advance patient experience, we are enhancing patient feedback approaches; implementing technology to support patient autonomy; building research infrastructure to expand cancer trials and exploring how embedding research within health care teams can support system-wide improvement. These are just a few examples of initiatives that will make certain we are providing a positive experience for patients and their families.

“Together, efforts support a positive experience for patients and families, cultivating an environment where there is empathy, compassion and respect in every encounter and supporting our vision of exceptional care for every patient, every time,” said Patricia Lang, Board Chair for TBRHSC.

As we move on to the fourth year of the plan, both TBRHSC and TBRHRI will continue to accomplish the 26 initiatives aligned to the five Strategic Directions, and build on the successes to date. Through steady progress, our goals will be reached across all strategic pillars to ensure quality care is provided to patients and families. Care that is supported and advanced through research, innovation, and education.

“At Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute, our work is shaped by the specific needs of patients and families in Northwestern Ontario,” comments Dr. Andrew Dean, Board Chair for TBRHRI. “By focusing on local challenges and integrating patient perspectives into our research, we remain committed to advancing health research that is locally grounded, clinically relevant and responsive to the communities we serve.”

View our Year Three progress for Strategic Plan 2026 by exploring the latest annual reports for 2024-2025:

• TBRHSC Annual Report
• TBRHRI Annual Report

To view the Patient Experience video, click here.

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day. It is a time to celebrate the incredible heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, who have called this land home since time immemorial. Celebrating Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island presents a valuable opportunity to embrace their culture and take pride in their identity while challenging stereotypes and gaining a deeper understanding of their rich culture.

It’s also crucial to acknowledge Canada’s past and the ongoing impact of colonization, racism, and stereotypes on the health of Indigenous Peoples within the health care system. By observing this day, we have the opportunity to stand in solidarity and raise awareness about the challenges and triumphs facing Indigenous communities. We encourage everyone to use this occasion to deepen our understanding, challenge misconceptions, and foster a more inclusive and compassionate community. We invite everyone to take part in the cultural activities and celebrations planned across the city to learn more about Indigenous peoples who have helped shape this country.

Fort William First Nation will be hosting a free Pow Wow on June 21. See poster below for more details:

To learn more, click here.
Canadian Museum for Human Rights: Indigenous History and Human Rights
The Canadian Encyclopedia: The Indian Act – A Summary
Historica Canada: Residential Schools in Canada
Indigenous Corporate Training: Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action
CBC Books: 25 books that highlight beauty of Indigenous literature