Q and A with an Education Champion: Dr. Irene McGhee

Dr. Irene McGhee joined the Sunnybrook Department of Anesthesia in July 1990. Along with her colleagues, Dr. McGhee was recently award Best Poster Presentation at the 2015 Sunnybrook Education Conference for the project “How One Individual, You, Can Improve Communication on AD HOC Teams Anywhere”.

We caught up with Dr. McGhee to learn more about her experience with education at Sunnybrook.

1. What do you like the most about your job? 
   I like the contact I have with patients and being part of the team that cares for them. Collaboration is the key to providing the best quality care and I am always working towards making those connections with others.
   
   
2. How are you involved in education at Sunnybrook?
   I was the Sunnybrook Postgraduate Anesthesia Resident Coordinator for 15 years. Most recently, I have been involved in ASPIRE (Advancing Safety for Patients in Residency Education) – part of the CanMEDS 2015 curriculum redesign. During this project, I developed “I START-END”, a communication tool created to improve performance on interprofessional teams. This is my current educational research focus.
   
   
3. How does it feel to receive an award for your work as an education researcher?
   It is terrific. I am thrilled that others appreciated our work. Spread - sharing knowledge and research findings - is key to moving ideas forward. I am grateful to be part of the Sunnybrook culture that recognizes this.
   
   
4. What advice do you have for other educators, preceptors or mentors or education researchers at Sunnybrook and beyond?
   Find what really matters to you and surround yourself with people of a similar mindset. The energy will grow and provide the motivation to carry you forward through the many challenges change will bring. And never give up.
   
   
5. What’s one thing you have learned through conducting education research?
   Everything takes longer and costs more than you think. Keep an eye out for education research grants and be sure to apply. Co-workers, friends & family that support you are key to maintaining the perseverance you will need. 

Are you a Sunnybrook education researcher? Check Sunnynet for funding support opportunities or email education@sunnybrook.ca