Vancouver Acute Vice President Gail Malenstyn did not plan her leadership journey; indeed, she describes herself as a reluctant leader over the past 15 years. That was one of the learnings VPSA members heard when Gail was our Dinner with Leaders guest on June 25th. The evening was hosted by Dr. Mahyar Mohammadi of VPSA’s Community Building & Wellness Task Group, which had invited Gail to speak. This was the latest in our long-running series where members have the chance to connect with health authority leaders.

Gail recounted that she was born and raised on a 325-acre dairy and potato farm in Richmond. The family business, she noted, was male dominated and, as interested as she was in the farm and how it ran, her ideas were not always welcomed. She recalled a visit from a vet attending a heifer in labour. That was the moment that sealed her career path; she was determined to become a nurse and, in her words, she never looked back.

After training, she joined Shaughnessy Hospital where she worked on the high acuity ward. She soon took a three-month critical care course and some leadership courses. When Shaughnessy closed in 1993, she was offered a position at either St. Paul’s or Richmond Hospital. She chose the latter and joined its ICU team.

At 27, Gail was a mother to three children when her dad died, and she had to step in to take his position on the family farm. Her uncle had a significant stroke two years later and it fell to Gail to care for him and do his side of the farming work too. She changed her nursing shifts to many evenings and nights.

“There were no managers and fewer resources available on those shifts, so I had to learn to solve problems and think outside of the box,” recalled Gail.

Gail became a patient care coordinator, then a supervisor, an acting manager, and then a director. A year before the pandemic, when Vivian Eliopoulos became the chief operating officer for Richmond Hospital she appointed Gail as its VP. When Michelle de Moor retired last June, Vivian asked Gail to cover Vancouver Acute as its VP as well for a couple of months. When the financial situation became strained, that temporary position became full time and Gail remains VP for both Vancouver Acute and Richmond.

Gail is enjoying her work with VA and sees it as a great opportunity to bring things that work well from each community of care to the others.

Following the overview of her career, Gail welcomed questions from members.

Regarding the change from a clinical to a leadership role, Gail responded that she loved being a nurse and that it was a privilege and honour to be in intimate moments with patients and their families. As a patient care coordinator, she would be annoyed by poor nursing practices and enjoyed controlling the care on her floor and creating a culture and setting expectations. As a manager, she enjoyed working with physicians, allied health staff, and families.

Asked about a typical day, Gail said that each one is chaotic. She has 35 direct reports who she tries to meet one-on-one every two weeks. She also works closely with the senior medical directors, her financial team, professional practice, and HR. On top of that, she also meets regularly with teams for such projects as the redevelopment of Richmond Hospital. She meets with her Vancouver Community counterpart, Bonnie Wilson, every week.

Gail is aware that the decisions she makes have an impact on frontline medical staff. She struggles with a budget that means there is not enough OR time and that there is no funding for additional beds. Trying to figure out how to fund the right beds in the right units is one of her bugbears.

Gail maintains an open-door policy, and she tries to get out to visit all the areas for which she is responsible. She is at VGH on Wednesdays and Thursdays. On Mondays she might be at VGH or Richmond. She goes to UBC Hospital about once a month. Her VA office is in the administration area at VGH.

“My office is always open or stop me in the hall,” she said. “I love to hear from everyone and to hear suggestions. That’s when I do my best work.”

When asked what leadership skills she recommends to clinicians, Gail commented that leadership is an ongoing journey and that it involves adapting and empowering others. She advices that you need to be self-aware and know your values and what you stand for. Her core values are trust, transparency, consistency, fairness, and honesty. Gail is also a believer in learning from mistakes. During her commute, she often reflects on what she did well that day and what she could have done better.

Member feedback

Six out of the 25 VPSA members who attended this session completed a post-event survey. Here are some of the highlights:

• 83 per cent agreed (somewhat or strongly) that they now have a better understanding of Gail’s role and how it provides support to and engages with medical staff.
• 83 per cent felt they had an opportunity ask their questions.
• Survey respondents suggested Chief Medical Information Officer Dr. Eric Grafstein as well as mid leaders from various departments as potential Dinner with Leaders guests.

Ideas for other events?

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