Monique Catala

Job Title
Public Health Nurse – Immunization and Communicable Disease

Department/Location
Central Community Heath Centre, North Shore

How long have you worked at VCH?
Since 1999

Tell us what you do at VCH in one or two sentences:
I give a lot of vaccines. I give recommendations on which vaccines people need, and I provide information and education about immunization and communicable diseases. I’m also quite involved in harm reduction and naloxone training.

Editor’s note: for information about staff flu campaign, visit www.vch.ca/staff-flu.

What’s your favourite thing about your work?
When I was given flowers from a homeless person because she was so happy with my care. That made my day!

Which True North goal does your work contribute to the most?
Promote better health for our communities

One thing we might be surprised to learn about you:
I’ve had many interesting pets over the years including two snakes and a tarantula. I currently have two domestic rats named Una and Georgie.

Three things you always have in your fridge:
Nothing particularly exciting. Right now I have fresh eggs I collected yesterday from my parents’ farm.

Who or what inspires you?
I’m inspired to make my community a healthier place for all.

Most healthy habit:
I love painting! I’m currently in painting classes and do acrylic on canvas.

Favourite vacation spot:
Anywhere sunny with a beach.