Submitted by Professional Practice (OT), SJCG
We celebrate the recent retirement of Valerie Walser, an exceptional Occupational Therapist. After over 42 incredible years of dedication and countless contributions, Valerie has retired. We wish her a joyful and fulfilling retirement filled with adventure!
After graduating from McMaster University, Val’s career began at McKellar Hospital in Thunder Bay. Val moved and worked in hospitals across Southern Ontario before returning to Thunder Bay in 1988, joining the Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital, where she contributed to inpatient mental health services. Val also delivered services for community-based home care. In 2003, she became part of the team at Port Arthur General Hospital, which later merged with McKellar General Hospital to form the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) in 2004.
Val has extensive experience working in all areas of the Occupational Therapy profession but her greatest accomplishments were her involvement with the flow collaborative for improving patient flow and her work on the cardiology unit at the TBRHSc.
Val continued to thrive throughout her career. Her fondest memories are “of the people I’ve worked with; the teams, the Rehab Department and the wonderful OTs, and of course the epic appreciation parties in the Rehab Department!”
Val has been a valued team member, known for her leadership, mentorship, unwavering positivity, skills, and dedication. Her impact on the organization has been profound, leaving a legacy of excellence and integrity. Val dedicated her years to mentoring new occupational therapists, sharing her vast knowledge and unwavering passion for patient-centered care. Her legacy will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps, shaping a better future for healthcare in Thunder Bay.
Please join us in expressing our sincere gratitude for Val’s contributions to both TBRHSc and St. Joseph’s Care Group. We wish her all the best in this exciting new chapter.
Congratulations Val! You will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.
