When the chance to participate in a six-month research and innovation fellowship presented itself to Wendy Kingsburgh, she jumped at the opportunity. As a social worker for the past 20 years, Wendy was motivated to find innovative solutions and drive improvements within the healthcare system to provide better and safer patient care.
This fellowship would immerse Wendy in the world of quality improvement and inspire a big move—transition her career from social work to quality improvement and patient safety full-time.
Following successful completion of the fellowship, Wendy decided to enrol in IHPME’s MSc concentration in Quality Improvement and Patient Safety (QIPS) to advance her knowledge and practical skills in leading improvement projects. Immediately, through interactions with faculty and meeting fellow learners, Wendy knew QIPS was the right fit.
“The classroom experience was warm, inviting, and thought-provoking for open and honest discussions and debates about our healthcare system,” says Wendy.
Wendy emphasizes all healthcare professionals have unique lenses they bring to the program. Hearing from different perspectives and sharing ideas with learners from diverse professional backgrounds enriches class discussions and collaboration on projects.
“My 20 years as a frontline clinical social worker offered a unique perspective in bringing the social determinants of health to the quality improvement lens,” says Wendy.
Wendy now works as a Performance Improvement Specialist with the Quality Improvement and Patient Safety team at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Wendy works on a variety of initiatives from being a quality coach for various teams to working with community partners on enhancing transitions and supports to patients with responsive behaviours. This includes working with the Odette Cancer Centre in re-designing a new model of care.
“If quality improvement is your passion, this MSc QIPS program is instrumental in paving a path towards achieving your career goals,” says Wendy.
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