Quarter Century Plus Club 2015 celebration hosts close to 500 MUHCers!

It was a packed house during the Quarter Century Plus Club celebrations held Wednesday in the Research Institute Atrium at the Glen. The McGill School of Music Sphere Trio played as nine senior managers greeted the close to 500 attendees and a team of other managers floated through the crowds as waiters serving food and drinks. Club members were also treated to personalized photos and gifts for their dedicated years of service. 

During the event, President-Director General Normand Rinfret, who celebrated 35 years himself this year, acknowledged and highlighted our amazing staff and physicians who have been with the MUHC for 25-30-35-40-45-50-55 years.  

“I have had the privilege to work at the MUHC for over three decades and we have all observed the transformations that we have been through over the years,” said Mr. Rinfret. “Today’s celebration is just for you – you are our honourees!” 

Mr. Rinfret expressed his gratitude for everyone’s hard work, professionalism, dedication, flexibility and inspiration. “The MUHC would not be the nationally and internationally renowned institution that it is without your unique and special contributions day in and day out,” he went on to say. 

“The value of your contribution is immeasurable!” said Joanne Brodeur, MUHC director of Human Resources, who also made sure to thank La Capitale for financing, and the HR team for organizing, the event.

For the full Quarter Century Plus Club list, click here.

We talked to a few of the Club members during the event. Here is what they had to say:

	Judy Lamotte, 35 years, administrative agent in the Medical Multimedia Department: I just love it—it’s great, I feel like I am part of a big family after 35 years. I just think it is an awesome place to work and I am proud to be here at the Glen now. I think the highlight of my career has always been my day-to-day interaction with patients. Being able to help them with patient appointments, going with them for pictures to bring comfort and an ear to listen…I was always that frontline person. Being able to help—that is my career highlight.
	Anick Desy, 25 years, medical secretary in Medical Genetics: I like working at the MUHC very much. Every day my job is interesting—I love it. We speak with families who have genetic problems and they share a part of their lives with us….it is a specialty that requires this interaction with patients that I think makes what we do very special.
	Mark Gold, 25 years, Transport: I like participating and communicating with patients. The Vic was a home and the Glen is becoming a home. The RVH was a close-knit community but we are getting there at this new site. It will take about another six months of participation I think. I plan to stay until I retire.
	Dr. Hans Zingg, 30 years, endocrinologist: My main activity has always been research related to hormones. I am not involved in research anymore but I still see patients at the Montreal General Hospital in the Endocrine Clinic. I have good memories about the increased relevance of the Research Institute (RI). When I first came here I was the Director of the RI at the RVH. Then, it was just a little add on… a necessity to get money but it had barely any relevance. Now look at this new building. I am so happy to see the RI become a real relevant entity. And wow… what an entity!
	Ellen Seguin, 25 years, nurse manager of Medical Ambulatory Services: I started at the MGH, went to the RVH and then the MCI and now I am at the Glen! All to say, I have seen a lot. My passion has always been ambulatory care so I am grateful for the last 11 years I have been able to work in this area. My highlight is being a manager. If I am a good manager and care for my team well they do a good job for the patients and they are able to care for the patients the best they can, which is what we are all about. I am looking forward to the redevelopment of the MGH.
	Judy Ellerton, 30 years, administrative assistant in Medical Affairs/Professional Services: It just hit me this morning... I said, Judy you have been here for 30 years, that is your entire adult life. The gift better be good!  My favourite thing about working at the MUHC is the people. It’s the people I have known and worked beside for these past three decades that have made it so amazing. I take pride in my work and hope that this has someway benefitted the patients, their families and our staff. Would I work at some aluminum company for 30 years? Not likely!
Olga Lengyel and Linda Karim (sisters), 35 years, PABs in the Medical Cluster Clinic and Gynecology and Obstetrics (respectively): In 1979 we started as kids and just worked our way up. Once we hit 10 years we said we are not going to leave! We are both at the Glen now so we can still have lunch together. There are so many highlights but the friendly people and family environment and the familiarity we have with our patients are great. We go the extra mile for our patients and they appreciate this very much. That makes us feel good.
	Dr. Jean Morin, 45 years, medical examiner with the Ombudsmen Service: I started in July 1968 as a cardiac and thoracic surgeon at the RVH. I did active surgery for 40 years and now I am retired from active clinical practice. I have stayed, quite simply, because I like the place! And I like my work so I keep working. Just being part of this institution is the highlight of my career. I went to medical school in Quebec City and I did not train here—I trained in the US. Having never had any association with the RVH or McGill, they both opened their arms and accepted me from day one. For that, I am very grateful.
	Vivianne Korah, 25 years, Supportive and Palliative Care: It’s the group that makes my job very interesting. It’s also the nature of my work.  It’s what we do… we are caregivers. And I’m passionate about giving compassionate care.
	Dr. Andrew Mok, 35 years, obstetrician-gynecologist: I have worked here since 1979… So now it’s actually 36 years! It seems long but time goes by pretty fast when you love what you do!
	Sylvie Ducharme, 35 years, Clinical Nutrition: I retired in June after working 32 years at the Montreal General Hospital and three years at The Neuro. A highlight of my career was the ice storm in 1998, during which we faced many challenges. At that time, I was in charge of the cafeteria at the General. It was quite an experience!