People First award winner: Christopher Dickinson
We’re thrilled to profile Christopher Dickinson. Christopher won the Award of Merit in the category of patient-centred care in this year’s People First Awards.
Here’s what his colleagues say about him:
It’s difficult to encapsulate the job of outreach workers like Chris because the work demands so much flexibility and creativity.
The clients we see at the MMU face many social, economic, and health challenges, and are not accustomed to being treated with respect or listened to in any meaningful way. Encountering someone like Chris who is genuinely interested in your wellbeing, and is ready to support you, can be life-changing.
Congrats, Christopher for the amazing work you do every day, and for being an inspiration to your colleagues!
Job Title
Outreach Worker
Department/Location
Overdose Emergency Response
How long have you worked at VCH?
7.5 months
Tell us what you do at VCH in one or two sentences:
As a member of the Overdose Outreach Team, I connect people to primary care and Opiate Agonist Therapy (OAT). I work primarily in Vancouver’s downtown eastside (DTES) but service the entire VCH region.
What’s your favourite thing about your work?
When I first started at VCH, I was hired to work at the Mobile Medical Unit (MMU). Stationed in the heart of the Downtown Eastside, the site served as an extension of Vancouver’s hospitals and provided medical care to individuals who had recently overdosed.
Looking back on this experience, I feel so incredibly fortunate to have been a part of such a talented interdisciplinary team that sought to support those individuals at the most difficult of times.
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 lived and worked in Seoul, South Korea. I can even read and write basic hangeul.
Three things you always have in your fridge:
Yogurt
Fish Oil
Carbonated Water
Who or what inspires you?
My family, friends and co-workers continue to be the greatest source of inspiration in my life.
Most healthy habit:
I always make sure to get plenty of sleep, even on the weekends.
Favourite vacation spot:
Anywhere close to the beach.
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.
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