This spring, Dr. Lynn Mikula, a general surgeon and experienced hospital administrator, began her role as President & CEO at Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC). With a new leader at the helm, many residents across the region have been curious about her perspective on the current challenges in healthcare and what the future holds for patient care at PRHC.
In the debut episode of the new “Heart of Healthcare” video series presented by the PRHC Foundation and hosted by Lesley Heighway, Foundation President & CEO, Dr. Mikula discusses these topics and more.
“Heart of Healthcare” is a unique project that delves into the personal stories of individuals in Peterborough and the surrounding area who are helping to shape the landscape of healthcare for thousands of people from across the region.
Each episode features a discussion with a PRHC doctor, staff member, patient, donor, or friend of the Foundation about their efforts and dedication to reimagining care at our hospital — from state-of-the-art technology to world-class patient care.
“I’m excited to invite viewers on this journey with me, where each episode uncovers more of the compassion, determination, resilience, and groundbreaking innovation sparking the transformation of healthcare at PRHC,” says Heighway. “Our guests’ unique, personal stories are a testament to the vital role world-class care close to home plays in all our lives, and I think they’ll inspire others to want to make a difference in their own way.”
Set against the backdrop of a favourite local setting, Beavermead Park, Dr. Mikula talks about her journey from the operating room to hospital leadership, her first 70 days on the job, and her thoughts on the key factors affecting healthcare delivery today.
“I love this hospital, and I love this community,” she says. “All the way along, as I would take on leadership roles with progressively more responsibility, I never lost sight of what it was all about, which is patient care and making sure that we’re in a position to offer the most amazing patient care to the people that we serve.”
Acknowledging the profound impact of the pandemic on healthcare, Dr. Mikula stressed that the world has undergone irreversible changes. The demands on healthcare providers have surged, with exhausted workforces, demographic shifts, and increased healthcare needs.
Dr. Mikula believes that creativity, innovation, and transformation are essential to overcome the obstacles in the healthcare industry. Partnering with the PRHC Foundation and its donors has made great care possible at PRHC. Continuing that partnership will mean the hospital can continue to invest in state-of-the-art technology, bringing groundbreaking new services in cardiac care, surgery, and stroke intervention.
“We want to be able to provide that care right here,” she says, highlighting the hospital’s commitment to keeping care close to home for the hundreds of thousands of people in our region. But it’s not just about technology and procedures; it’s also about attracting the best medical professionals, she adds. Focusing on innovation is a powerful draw for skilled physicians, attracting them to Peterborough and contributing to the hospital’s — and region’s — continued success.
“There are the things that we all look for when we’re applying for a job: a good place to live, a good community. But physicians, in particular, want to know that the hospital is committed to investing in the future,” she says. “They’ve been trained on the latest and greatest techniques, and they want to bring them here and practice those latest and greatest techniques.”
Dr. Mikula’s leadership style involves actively engaging with the hospital staff regularly. She values their perspectives and encourages meaningful interactions through open forums. Despite the challenges they’ve faced, she says she’s inspired by the staff’s unwavering commitment to patient care.
“One of the questions I ask [the staff] is, why do you work here? They say ‘I stay because I love my team, I love this hospital and the people I work with. I stay because I have that commitment to patient care’,” she says.
Dr. Mikula expressed deep gratitude for donor contributions and said many of the hospital’s advancements, like new technology, programs and treatments, wouldn’t have been possible without their support.
“When I think about being a donor myself, I’m grateful to be able to donate to a Foundation that has this vision for the future, and that is literally building the future of healthcare in this region.”
VIDEO: Heart of Healthcare – Episode 1
Watch the full interview with Dr. Lynn Mikula and Lesley Heighway above.
Upcoming episodes will be available at prhcfoundation.ca and through the Foundation’s social media and Vimeo channels.
This branded editorial was supplied by the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation. If your organization or business is interested in a branded editorial, contact us.
