People First award winner: Sophia Goksoyr

We’re thrilled to profile Sophia Goksoyr. Sophia won the Award of Merit in the Unsung Hero category in this year’s People First Awards.

Here’s what her colleagues say about her:

“Sophia is definitely an example of putting people first in the work she does everyday. Her professionalism, empathy, diligence and creativity not only benefits our patients and families, but these characteristics are so contagious others around her are empowered to do the same.”

Congrats, Sophia for the amazing work you do every day, and for being an inspiration to your colleagues!

 

Name 
Sophia Goksoyr (My last name is Norwegian. I am not Norwegian. I married a Norwegian).


Job Title
Social Worker, MSW, RSW


Department/Location
Intensive Care Unit


How long have you worked at VCH?
6 years


Tell us what you do at VCH in one or two sentences:
I make sure people’s psycho-social needs are met, particularly in the aspect of death and dying.


What’s your favourite thing about your work?
I had a patient share an amazing, unbelievable story with me, and it was ALL true! (highlights: riding a bull, shaman, jungle, gangrene.)


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 love board games. Not Monopoly or Connect 4, but really nerdy ones, like Munchkin, Saboteur, Dominion.


Three things you always have in your fridge:
Eggs, yogurt and pickles. I think this is because these are the last three things eaten?


Who or what inspires you?
I’m inspired by people who go through such extreme challenges, have lived through major adversity and are still able to be kind, thoughtful, supportive and caring.

I’m also very inspired by my ICU team. They are the most amazing group of supportive, caring, hardworking staff I have ever worked with! I also want to shine the light on my Manager, Jackson Lam. I don’t think I could have come so far if he had not been so amazing.


Most healthy habit:
Running and hiking, but also being very conscious of my love for pastries… does that count?


Favourite vacation spot:
Currently, camping at Twenty Mile Bay, Harrison Lake.


Suggest someone for People in Profile

Do you know someone at VCH who you’d like to see profiled in VCH News? Send your suggestion to news@vch.ca and we’ll follow up with them. Don’t worry, we won’t tell them you suggested them. It’ll just be our little secret.