Melanie Kohn shares her story, reflects on experiences that led her to Michael Garron Hospital

Today (June 12), Melanie Kohn steps into the role of President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH). In her words, she shares her personal reflections on the experiences that led her to this culminating moment in her career.

‘I wanted a job that mattered to me’

At a young age, I had a passion for learning and knowledge. I was determined to set goals and follow my heart. My mother is famous for telling people that I took kindergarten seriously.

My first job in a hospital was at University Health Network (UHN). I had just completed an undergraduate degree in Political Science and Psychology from York University, with a joint diploma program in Corporate Communications from Centennial College.

I wanted a job that mattered to me – where I could apply my skills in a meaningful way. My first step was to find a field and organization that I believed in and that had special purpose. At the time, my late father was a patient at the hospital. I was fortunate to have an opportunity to work on the redevelopment project for the Toronto General and Western Hospitals. I quickly discovered that the physical infrastructure of a hospital is the manifestation and vision of the care you want to provide to a community.

Suddenly, my purpose was clear. I wanted to build and operate hospitals.

When people walk into a hospital, they are often nervous and scared. Entering a calm environment, where patients can look out a beautiful window or walk through a welcoming, light-filled hallway with their family makes a world of difference. The East Toronto community has felt the impact of this type of transformation with the opening of the Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre.

From there, I pursued a Master of Business Administration from McMaster University specializing in Health Services Management. I spent more than a decade working in progressive hospital leadership roles, mostly at St. Michael’s Hospital, while also earning a PhD from the University of Toronto, Institute for Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, in Knowledge Translation and Organizational Management.

As my career progressed, my goals remained the same – to lead work that helped foster and create welcoming, caring and respectful experiences for patients and families – and to remove barriers so that those providing care could do their best work every day.

For almost seven years, I worked as a public servant in progressive leadership roles including Assistant Deputy Minister, Mental Health and Addictions Division, and then the Hospitals and Capital Division at the Ministry of Health. These are non-partisan positions responsible to the elected government of the day, with our work touching all Ontarians. Together with my team, we funded programs and services, informed policy-making and provided evidence-based advice to leaders.

So, why Michael Garron Hospital and why now?

It feels like coming home.

It is the passion and genuine connection that people feel for this community that inspired me to join this organization. At MGH, people are part of something bigger than themselves.

One of the values that struck me most in MGH’s new Strategic Plan – great care inspired by community – was courage.

It takes courage to change and transform systems while consistently demonstrating compassion for others, particularly in high-pressure settings.

MGH is a place where courage lives and thrives. In my new role as President and CEO, I hope to cultivate a safe environment where individuals can continue to be courageous and are valued for their integrity.

I am deeply grateful to be back in a hospital setting, where I can be close to the delivery of excellent care and collaborate with outstanding leaders and highly skilled professionals to make a difference for those who live, work and receive care at MGH and across East Toronto Health Partners, the Ontario Health Team the hospital is a part of.

In the coming days and weeks, I look forward to connecting with, listening to and learning from the amazing people that make up this community.

With sincere thanks,
Melanie

Melanie Kohn
President and CEO
Michael Garron Hospital

5 fun facts about Melanie

1. On your TV:
   Whatever my household is watching! Sports and cartoons. But if I have a few minutes to myself, Barefoot Contessa or The Home Edit.
2. Favourite food:
   Cheese pizza. I can never resist a slice (or two!)

3. Summer hobby:
   I love taking weekend drives and exploring farmer’s markets with my husband and children. I love the fresh fruit and vegetables and seeing all of the flowers in bloom.

4. Soundtrack of your life:
   The Rose by Bette Midler. It’s a song about life, the hardships and the beauty of it. It’s also a song that was special to my grandmother.
5. One thing people may be surprised to learn about you:
   I was a dance teacher for many years and taught several forms of dance through high school and university.