Meet Hadia Bilal Ahmad, Registered Nurse at Michael Garron Hospital

Tell us about yourself!

Hi, my name is Hadia Bilal Ahmad, and I’m a Registered Nurse (RN) in Michael Garron Hospital (MGH)’s Stavro Emergency Department (ED). I started working as a nurse at MGH in 2022, however I have been volunteering at the hospital since I was in high school.

What motivated you to join MGH?

I’ve been motivated to join the MGH community since I was in high school. At this time, I became involved in the hospital’s after-school volunteering program and realized that MGH is my second home. This hospital is home to a warm, kind and helpful community, including our staff, physicians and volunteers.

I share the same core values as MGH – such as compassion, respect and integrity – and I see our community turning those values into actions. Because of the warmth that I felt from everyone around me, I realized I wanted to be a part of this community and offer my support to patients over the long term.

I’m proud to say that I grew up here. There is no place like MGH, where every staff member you meet shares a smile with you.

What types of learning, mentorship or professional development opportunities have you had the opportunity to pursue since joining MGH?

I have had many opportunities at MGH, going back to when I was a volunteer:

• As a volunteer, I had the honour of receiving two Carswell Family Foundation Volunteer Scholarships, which are awarded to MGH volunteers who are pursuing post-secondary education.
• During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to become a screener, which helped me through the toughest and most isolating days of the pandemic.
• I had the opportunity to be a part of the team that organized Toronto Vaccine Day at the Scotiabank Arena, where a record-breaking total of 26,771 vaccines were delivered in a single day. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
• I’m part of the Emerging Leaders Program at MGH, a staff program which has allowed me to develop my leadership skills.
• I had the opportunity to organize a mock Code Blue activity for high school students as part of MGH’s participation in Health Professions Week event.
• I was recently selected for the Toronto Academic Health Science Network’s (TAHSN) quality improvement fellowship. This fellowship will allow me to focus on a challenge at MGH, find a solution to improve it, and apply the measures of change. This experience will allow me to learn more about the quality improvement process. I am looking forward to working on my project for this fellowship.

Can you share your career path at MGH?

2012-2020: I volunteered at MGH to gain experience working in a healthcare environment.

2020-2021: I was hired at MGH as a COVID-19 screener. At the time, I was looking for an opportunity to serve the community during the pandemic. I’m happy that I was able to assist and help reduce the number of COVID-19 cases, while promoting the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

2021-2022: I was hired as a unit clerk in MGH’s ED.

2022-Present: I now work as an RN in the ED. I am looking forward to continuing my education in the coming years. My hope is to eventually complete a master’s degree in nursing to become a nurse practitioner.

What motivates or inspires you?

I get inspired by those around me. Every day in this job, I meet new people, including staff, physicians, volunteers and patients.

I’m particularly inspired by my colleagues in the ED, without whom I would not be able to work each day. Everyone brings a piece of themselves to work, which makes it more special. I love to give positive feedback to my colleagues because I feel like, with our intense jobs, we need to hear kind words, praise and words of affirmation.

I’m also inspired by the patients that come to our ED. In this job, it’s important to listen, understand and provide patient-centered care. I love making those around me smile as I want to create a positive space for everyone. Sometimes, even a simple hello can make another person feel accepted and welcomed, and sharing a smile can bring positive energy to everyone.

If you could share one memorable moment from your time at MGH, what stands out to you?

There are many memorable moments from my time at MGH. However, for me, the most special moments happen while developing long-lasting relationships with my fellow volunteers and co-workers.

At MGH, I have met some amazing, wonderful and outstanding individuals who inspire me, motivate me and make me believe anything is possible when you work hard. Being able to build relationships is an important aspect of any workplace, and this is something that comes naturally at MGH.

I’m looking forward to meeting many more amazing individuals at MGH in the years to come!