Making a difference on the frontlines: Meet Krithika Balasubramaniam, Respiratory Therapist

Krithika Balasubramaniam is a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) working at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) since 2007. She recently shared her experiences working on the pandemic frontlines, what keeps her motivated, her outlook for the future, and why, despite the unprecedented stress and hardship, she still finds the inspiration to do what she does.

This is her story, in her words.

I always knew I wanted to take care of people.

My passion for healthcare started at the age of nine – navigating my dad's cancer journey. He was diagnosed with leukemia in his 40s and given six months to live. I felt helpless and heartbroken.

For years, he was in and out of hospitals for stem cell transplants, chemotherapy, tests and follow-up appointments. With the help of incredible healthcare teams and his strong will power, he lived another 25 years. His journey had a huge impact on what defines good patient care for me.

Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) is a special place for me. My son was born here and my father passed away here. This is the community I live in, work with and care for – this is my home. 

Contributing to the community that you live in

After completing a Bachelor of Science, I did my respiratory therapy degree at the University of Manitoba, graduating in 2005. For a year, I worked at St. Boniface General Hospital in Winnipeg.

When I got married in 2006, I moved to Toronto to be with my husband. I worked at Ajax Pickering Hospital for a year and then was offered a full-time position at MGH – a 10-minute commute from my home! I love caring for the community I live in. I know the communities that surround MGH and feel I can offer even better care when I am familiar with someone’s culture and background.

MGH is where I have spent the bulk of my career. My colleagues are now my second family. There is a real sense of belonging here and a strong commitment to patient-centered care.

Being a respiratory therapist has taught me many life lessons – life is fragile, short and unpredictable

Every patient deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, especially when they’re in their most vulnerable state.

When we treat patients, we care for the whole person, with a focus on both their physical and emotional well-being. I know firsthand the difference that a kind and supportive healthcare professional can make to a patient who may be feeling fearful and concerned about their future.  

What I love about being an RT is that we work across the entire hospital. We encounter every type of patient – from newborn babies to the elderly and everyone in-between. We often see the sickest of the sick and are there for all of life’s milestones – from when a baby is born and takes its first breath, to when a patient is taking their last.

We have encountered patients with many different medical issues, but never in my life did I expect to experience what we as healthcare workers saw in the last few years.

COVID-19: Navigating the largest healthcare crisis in our lifetime

COVID-19 was horrific for everyone, including frontline healthcare workers. It was and still is a reminder of how truly short life is. We saw so many people, young and old, die in front of us.

Like many of my colleagues, I was worried for my family. I always wore a mask at home and isolated in a separate room and only started hugging my family again in February of 2022.

During the beginning of the pandemic, family members were not allowed to visit their loved ones in the Intensive Care Unit. Patients tearfully said goodbye to their families on virtual calls as their condition worsened – with us there, holding their hands.

This was an emotionally exhausting period for all of us and one that will be etched in our memories for a lifetime.

I know we can survive this

If you asked me if I would do it all over again – I would. Taking care of people is my calling and I know many of my colleagues feel the same.

Across the hospital, everyone is committed to do the best that they can for patients. Patient-centred care is woven into the hospital’s DNA.

For me, MGH is a special place to work because of our community. The personal connections have a lot to do with it. I have built close relationships with a lot of the nurses, doctors and, of course, my co-workers.

We are so fortunate to have a really strong team of RTs. We are always here for each other and faced some incredible challenges together.

We’ve come out stronger now. More than ever, we are a caring community and we will continue to be here for our patients and families.