“Dream Big. Work Hard.”
Words Dr. Shaghayegh (Sherry) Rezaie lives by and uses to describe her seven-year journey to becoming a family doctor, hospitalist and researcher at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH), Toronto East Health Network.
After emigrating from Iran in 2010 where she worked as a family physician, Dr. Rezaie's new journey began. Although doubt crept in at times, she says “I knew practicing medicine was my passion and I wasn't going to give up.”
Her dream was realized last year when, after receiving her Certification of the College of Family Physicians (CCFP), she joined Dr. Paula Williams' family practice at 840 Coxwell.
Dr. Rezaie is now committed to being part of this hospital and community. “I always say MGH is my second home. I owe the people here and I want to serve them.”
First Canadian work experience
It all began when she enrolled in MGH Volunteer Services' English as a Second Language (ESL) program for health care professionals and subsequently obtained a volunteer position in the Fracture Clinic; her first Canadian work experience.
She still looks back on her volunteer days fondly saying, “I'm proud of being part of Volunteer Services and of the work I did as a volunteer. In fact, I still have my volunteer badge and showed it to my daughter just the other day.”
While working in the Fracture Clinic, she was fortunate to notice a Research Rounds flyer while helping a patient into the elevator.
Always passionate about research and believing that “without research there is no future for evidence-based medicine,” Dr. Rezaie attended rounds. Her passion was re-ignited.
She met Heather Sampson, Research Manager, was invited to observe at the Research Ethics Board and was introduced to Dr. Louise Rose, Research Director in the Progressive Weaning Centre (PWC) and Dr. Ian Fraser, Chef of Staff and Clinical Director of the PWC. Their shared interests led to the offer of a position as a Research Coordinator and involvement with research projects in mechanically vented patients, a delirium study in the ICU, smoking cessation project and the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) randomized control trial.
“This all happened around the time of the Persian New Year; I felt it was a gift from my new country.”
Clinical observerships then followed, offered by Dr. John Abrahamson and Dr. Peter Economopoulos in hospitalist medicine and Dr. Paula Williams in family medicine.
After passing the required medical exams Dr. Rezaie was accepted into a family medicine residency program in Manitoba; moving there in December 2013. She then worked in a clinic and hospitalist practice in Thompson, Manitoba.
“Being in such a remote place with no specialists to refer to, I learned how to use resources efficiently and do much more than one would in an urban setting. Travelling to outlying communities and remote northern reserves, I also learned so much about aboriginal health and their unique challenges.
Coming ‘home' to East Toronto
Then, she returned to MGH and East Toronto with her young daughter.
“I came back because everything was so positive; everyone is welcoming, caring, supportive and passionate about the work they do. I've never seen a hospital as patient and staff friendly as MGH and I'm proud to be part of an institution that is so open and welcome to innovative ideas.”
“I also love the population we care for, and appreciate that we welcome patients from all backgrounds and treat everyone the same. This is very meaningful to me coming from a country where I didn't really find equity.”
Today, Dr. Rezaie is giving back.
She partners with Dr. Williams as a community family physician; continues her involvement in research at MGH; serves on the MGH Research Ethics Board; and does hospitalist care for Complex Continuing Care Alternate Level of Care (ALC) and chronic ventilation patients.
“There is so much we can do in family medicine around management of chronic diseases like COPD, hypertension and diabetes that have such a huge burden on our system. More importantly, family doctors are on the front line to take initiatives in preventative measures such as smoking cessation in the community. I believe primary care is the key to ensuring safe and quality care during transitions between the hospital and community. Perhaps this will require making wise choices for medications, investigations and procedures, which is my current area of interest as part of the Choosing Wisely program.”
Dr. Rezaie will continue to be involved in research and is excited by the possibilities presented by MGH's unique populations, especially as they connect to family medicine.