Suk Ko retires after 33 years in health care

It is with mixed emotions that I extend warm congratulations to Suk Ko, Patient Services Manager, Sub Acute Medicine (SAM) and Family Practice, on her retiring after a 33-year career in healthcare.

Suk immigrated to Canada alone at the age of nineteen and completed a Nursing Diploma at Langara College.  She then went on to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master’s of Science in Nursing at UBC.

Suk’s exemplary career includes roles as a Staff Nurse, Research Nurse, Nurse Clinician, Clinical Nursing Instructor, Nursing Supervisor, Head Nurse and Patient Services Manager.

Most recently, Suk assumed the role of Interim Operations Director for Medicine while seamlessly continuing in her role as Patient Services Manager. Suk has dedicated the majority of her career to patients, families and staff within Vancouver Coastal Health.

Leading the move of Sub Acute Medicine from UBC to VGH in 2007, Suk supported the change in skill mix for this patient population, ensuring all staff felt valued and respected, and that patients continued to receive quality care.  Suk’s advocacy supported quality work environments through initiatives such as de-cluttering, again resulting in high quality patient care.  In all of her areas of responsibility, Suk has worked hard to balance staff retention with encouraging staff to exceed their goals and reach for their own star.

As Suk begins this next chapter of her life, she would like us, in her words, to be happy for her.  Please join me in thanking Suk for her dedication, her unwavering focus on people first and her enormous ability to care.

Melinda David new PSM, SAM and Family Practice

It is with pleasure that I announce Melinda David is the successful candidate to fill the role of Patient Services Manager for Sub Acute Medicine and Family Practice beginning December 16, 2013.  Melinda has worked at Vancouver General Hospital since 1989 in a variety of nursing roles including Neurosciences, Acute Rehabilitation, Nursing Resource Center, Medical Daycare and Cardiology.  She has excelled in leadership positions such as Care Management Leader, Patient Care Coordinator and most recently Patient Care Supervisor.

Melinda graduated as a nurse from Vancouver Hospital School of Nursing in 1989 and went on to complete the BCIT Critical Care Course in 2003 and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from University of Victoria.  Melinda’s expert skills and knowledge are well respected throughout the organization and we are thrilled to welcome her to the Medicine Team.   Please join me in welcoming Melinda to her new role.