If you had told me three years ago if I would be working in Winnipeg as a clinical psychology resident during a global pandemic, I’m not sure which part I would have been most surprised by.
I spent the last 5 years in Toronto at the soon-to-be-renamed Ryerson University, working toward my PhD and learning how to administer effective evidence-based treatments for patients with mental health concerns. I never expected to be calling this city home again after spending 5 years in “the six,” yet here I am, stationed primarily at Victoria Hospital and working with both and in- and out-patients.
What surprises me the most now is how much I love working here. Because I had completed all of my training in downtown Toronto at large mental health centres, I had never felt the unique kind of joy that teamwork in a community hospital brings.
At Victoria Hospital, psychologists are part of the team, rather than considered a siloed specialty program. We are valued and respected. The sense of community in the face of a pandemic overwhelms me. I have been treated so kindly here, and in turn, this makes me excited to continue my learning every day.
I want to extend a heartfelt gratitude to everyone who works here – from the COVID-19 screeners at the door, whose smiling faces make me light up, to my clinical supervisor who works alongside me every day – you embody what it means to show up for the team, despite all of the adversity we have faced. You are all heroes.
Bev Fredborg
Clinical Psychology Resident, Victoria Hospital
To support the well-being of staff at Victoria Hospital and ACCESS Fort Garry, please make a gift today to our COVID-19 Critical Response Fund.
