May is National Physiotherapy Month

May is National Physiotherapy Month — a time to recognize and celebrate the vital role physiotherapy plays in Ontario’s health care system. Physiotherapists are essential in helping patients improve movement, recover from injury or surgery, manage chronic conditions, and enhance overall quality of life through evidence-based physical interventions.

At Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, physiotherapists are valued members of our interdisciplinary teams. They provide care across a wide range of Hospital areas, including medical and surgical units, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), neurosurgery, the Regional Stroke Unit, Emergency Department, outpatient rehabilitation, hand clinic, Centre for Complex Diabetes Care (CCDC), paediatrics, the lymphedema clinic, hemophilia clinic, and the Rapid Access Clinic.

This month—and every month—we extend our heartfelt thanks to our physiotherapy team for their skill, compassion, and unwavering dedication to supporting recovery, independence, and well-being for patients across our Hospital and community!

Happy Physiotherapy Month to TBRHSC’s physiotherapy team.

Did you miss the Town Hall? Don’t worry — we’ve got a recap for you

This month’s Town Hall took place on Wednesday, May 21st. See below for a video recording of the session and a copy of the presentation slides.

If you have questions you would like answered, please send them to TBRHSC.GroupNews@tbh.net and we will do our best to address them at a future Town Hall.

If you’d like to access a recording or presentation from a previous Town Hall, visit the archive.

Thank you for your commitment to staying informed and engaged.

Internal Medicine Rounds (June 3)

Clinical Problem Solving Rounds

Presented by: Dr. Ali Bidari

Clinical Unknown: A 37 year old female with Recurrent Chest Pain ad Syncopal Attacks

Date: Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Location (In person): Auditorium A (3rd Level)
Time: 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Learning Objectives

  1. Formulate a differential diagnosis for acute chest pain in the setting of normal coronary angiography.
  2. Apply a structured clinical approach to the evaluation and management of acute coronary syndrome.
  3. Develop a systematic approach to the assessment of syncope.

The Department of Internal Medicine Monthly Rounds is a self-approved group learning activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.”

Reflections From the Front Lines (New Episode!)

Reflections From the Front Lines provides our health care professionals with an opportunity to share stories and experiences about their role in providing exceptional care for every patient, every time.

We feature these each month during our Town Hall — a virtual venue designed to keep staff, professional staff, volunteers and leaners informed about what’s happening at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute.

Check out our previous episodes below (or on the Hospital’s YouTube channel), and be sure to tune in to future Town Halls for more stories.

In this episode, we hear from Megan Valente, Coordinator of Volunteer Services. Megan shares a patient story that highlights a new initiative and showcases how volunteers play a crucial role in the patient experience.
In this episode, we will hear from Michelle Opaski, a Mammographer who works on the Screen for Life Coach. Michelle shares a patient story that highlights how bringing cancer screening services closer to home allows individuals to prioritize their health and detect cancer early.
In this episode, we hear from Nikki Cooper, and Kelti Matson – both Registered Nurses from the Peritoneal Dialysis Renal team. Nikki and Kelti have a patient story that highlights how providing education, compassion, and respect, along with cross-department collaboration, allowed for exceptional patient care.
In this episode, Lyllian Stavropoulos, Co-ordinator of Specimen Collection and Dispatch in Laboratory Services at our Hospital, shares a patient story with us.
In this episode, Ashley Hill, a Registered Practical Nurse in the Emergency Department, speaks about her experience with the cultural safety training called, Repairing the Sacred Circle. Repairing the Sacred Circle was designed, developed and launched by N’doo’owe Binesi at St. Joseph’s Care Group in 2022 with the support and guidance of the Ogichidaa Onaakonigewin – Elders Council.
In this episode, we hear from Dr. Laura Power, an ObGyn at our Hospital. Dr. Power provides us with a look into the interprofessional and comprehensive care available at the Maternity Centre for patients in Thunder Bay and across the region.
In this episode, Mike Heerema, the Critical Care Staffing and Wellness Coordinator in our Intensive Care Unit, tells us about the Tokens of Love initiative for patients and families.
In this episode, we hear from Jessica and Jolene from the Regional Cancer Program at our Hospital.
In this episode, Danielle McLean, a Registered Nurse from the Intensive Care Unit at our Hospital, shares a patient story with us.

Active Commute Challenge June 2025

TBayOnTheMove’s Active Commute Challenge (ACC) is coming up this June! We’re encouraging everyone to choose sustainable commuting options such as walking, biking, public transit, or carpooling throughout the month.

Planning a sustainable commute involves several key steps to reduce your environmental impact while keeping your commute practical and efficient.  Check out TBayOnTheMove’s How to Plan Your Sustainable Commute.


Your Health Space e-Learning Series

The Your Health Space e-Learning Series is a FREE hybrid learning experience tailored to the needs and experiences of health care staff. From now until September 30, learners will have access to three self-directed courses and beginning in July, weekly live skill-building sessions focused on improving mental health literacy and strategies to manage and mitigate the effects of stress in the health care workplace.

Learn more about YHS e-Learning through this 1-minute video.

To learn more about this offering or to register, please CLICK HERE.

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development (May 21)

May 21 marks the observance of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. This day honors the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions that contribute to building a more inclusive society.

Initiated by the United Nations, this day emphasizes the importance of bridging cultural differences, promoting dialogue, and supporting peace, stability, and sustainable development worldwide.

This day is an important opportunity to reaffirm our Hospital’s commitment to respecting differences, and fostering a safe and inclusive environment for patients, families, and staff. Embracing cultural diversity enhances the care we provide, and strengthens the bonds within our community.

To learn more about World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, please go to the United Nations Website at: https://www.un.org/en/observances/cultural-diversity-day

Let’s celebrate our differences and work together toward a more inclusive future!

Celebrating National Biomedical Engineering Week (May 18-24)

During National Biomedical Engineering Week (May 18-24), we acknowledge the important role of Biomedical Engineering Services in Ontario’s health care system.

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC)’s Biomedical Engineering Technologists and Technicians use their knowledge and training to maintain, repair and help with the selection of medical devices and health technology used for patient care at TBRHSC and in Northwestern Ontario.

As an integral part of the patient’s health care team, we thank all Biomedical Engineering Technologists and Technicians for their hard work and dedication!

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s Biomedical Engineering team.
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