Thank you to our amazing Respiratory Therapists
For the past six and a half years, Julie Fortin has dedicated her career to the Montreal Children’s Hospital (MCH) as a respiratory therapist. Yet, this path began as a second career choice, one that quickly turned into a true calling.
“I have always had a passion for helping people and being close to the public,” she shares. “I decided to try respiratory therapy and I immediately fell in love with it.”
During her studies, Julie completed several internships in different hospitals, but it was her time at the Children’s which became a turning point. She discovered her passion: working with premature babies and teenagers, and seeing them grow.
Today, Julie is part of the neonatal and pediatric transport team, an essential mission that extends her reach far beyond Montreal: RTs from the Children’s travel across Quebec to help babies and teenagers in respiratory distress.
Her fondness for premature babies is clear. She recalls a small one with severe muscular and respiratory difficulties: “She spent almost a year with us. I supported her family through some very difficult times, including a major surgery. Recently, I saw her mother again at the hospital, and her daughter is doing so much better now. It’s so heartwarming to hear, knowing that we are still remembered.”
What does ‘We are the MUHC’ mean to you?
| “Beyond the human stories, I take pride in working in a hospital that’s always at the forefront of innovation,” answers Julie. “We’re up to date with training and equipment. We often have professional development days and the opportunity to take courses. We are encouraged to keep improving.” |
More than 50 pediatric respiratory therapists in critical care work throughout the hospital — in the Emergency Department, the NICU, the PICU, and on the neonatal and pediatric transport teams.
In addition, 20 RTs work in anesthesia; another five in the sleep laboratory and two in the pulmonary function clinic, providing diagnostic testing for a variety of breathing disorders to patients in an ambulatory setting.
On the adult side, 218 respiratory therapists work across the MUHC, demonstrating the strength and scope of this professional network.
“We give our all for our patients. The work is deeply fulfilling and my colleagues are amazing. We support each other, grow together, and that’s truly priceless.”
