Karin I. Alzner

Job Title
Administrative Secretary

Department/Location
GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre

How long have you worked at VCH?
At VGH, since February 2001. At Shaughness, during 1990-93.

Tell us what you do at VCH in one or two sentences:
I support two very busy Patient Services Mangers, Chris Palmer & Carol Chao & their approximate 500 clinical and nursing staff.

• Staffing changes: booking interviews, hires, transfers, maternity and other LOA’s, retirements.
• Computer access requests, modifications/removals, maintaining E-directory, absence reporting, internal phone lists, distribution lists, master employee list, E-Pro special order purchases, maintenance requests, office moves, keys. Supervise switchboard, patient driver and now clerical support. Support the Ethics Committee and maintain their distribution list.

I love checklists! Only way I stay organized. 🙂

What’s your favourite thing about your work?
A favourite memory that I give thanks for is the gift of proximity to spend with a loved one. While working at VGH, I was able to spend my breaks and time after work with my baby brother’s wife Janet as she started her many years healthcare journey of emergency visits and surgeries. Quite fortuitously, I was working at GF Strong when she had her liver transplant and came to GFS for recovery. I could visit her on every break and after work. Sadly, she passed days after discharge.

Which True North goal does your work contribute to the most?
Provide the best care

One thing we might be surprised to learn about you:
I was born in the Old Grace Hospital 2 blocks away from where I now work at GF Strong Rehab Centre. The site was redeveloped into townhouses. My two children were born at the new Grace hospital. (Women’s and Children’s).

Three things you always have in your fridge:
Unsalted butter, assorted hot sauces, sesame oil.

Who or what inspires you?
My son Karl inspires me. He maintains his good nature, positive outlook and drive to always put in the hard work. Even when he is in pain, injured, broken, dealing with the inevitable family and life stuff that happens. He never uses those as an excuse and still goes to work every day. I marvel.

Most healthy habit:
Sleeping.

Favourite vacation spot:
Any sandy beach with warm sun. Stockholm or Prague at Christmas.