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Over 1000 Employees Celebrate 25-years or more of Service

Over the next week, the ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ Health Centre pays tribute to over 1000 employees who have dedicated 25-years or more of service to the MUHC. Throughout the week of November 17, Coffee Parties will be held at each MUHC site to pay homage to the doctors, laundry personnel, nurses, social workers, cooks, therapists, technicians, cleaners etcetera who are distinguished members of the MUHC's Quarter Century Plus Club. The celebrations will culminate with a reception at the Royal Victoria Hospital site's staff lounge on November 19 for employees who have reached career milestones of 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 and even 55 years of service.

"The MUHC is very fortunate to have such dedicated people. Those receiving service awards come to work each day – to shoulder their responsibilities, to give to their jobs the benefit of their knowledge and commitment and to share their hard-won experience with their colleagues. They earn and re-earn every day from all of us the recognition and respect that is so rightfully theirs," says Mr. Barry Scott, member of the MUHC Board of Directors. "On behalf of everyone at the MUHC and on behalf of all patients I sincerely thank these individuals for their devotion and hard work."

"The tabloids, television shows and the media in general are more likely to shine the spotlight on celebrities such as movie stars, musicians and athletes. Unfortunately, they are ignoring the world's real heroes," says Dr. Hugh Scott, executive director of the MUHC. "They are ignoring the people who have devoted their lives to caring for others. I want the Quarter Century Club members to know that their work is recognized and appreciated by every infant, child, adolescent or adult who walks through the MUHC's doors seeking help. Thank you for everything you have done. Thank you for making the MUHC what it is today."

Among this year's celebrants are:

25 years of service: Marcus Arts was named Director of Neurophotography at the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital in 1997. His service to the Neuro as a medical photographer spans over 27 years, during which he has distinguished himself in a wide variety of positions including Web Database Manager, Web Master, Web Programmer, Audio Visual Coordinator, Video Editor, and Graphic Illustrator. He played a key role in the creation and implementation of the audio visual and video conferencing systems of the state of-the-art and award-winning de Grandpré Communications Centre at the MNI. His expertise is widely appreciated as a very important resource at the Neuro and he regularly contributes to the organization's extensive teaching and research projects.

30 years of service: Gisèle Belanger, head nurse Intensive Ambulatory Care at The Montreal Children's Hospital of the MUHC. Ms. Belanger began her nursing practice at The Children's upon graduating from Cégep du Vieux Montréal. She began developing an expertise in ambulatory care, providing care at home for children with complex chronic health conditions. In addition, she was a pioneer in treating and caring for Quebec children afflicted with HIV. She has also been instrumental in developing the hospital home ventilation program and home IV antibiotic program that allows children to receive treatments at home rather than in the hospital. She pushed for the 'virage ambulatoire' before it was the fashion and is now doing yeoman work developing the hospital's network and outreach partnerships.

35 years of service: Jane Trecarten, administrative assistant Research Institute of the MUHC. Trecarten is a dedicated and well respected member of the Research Institute. She began her career working with one of the RI's prominent investigators, Dr. Albert Aguayo. Throughout the years, she has provided her insight, experience and professionalism.

40 years of service:Dietetics Technician Maria Quintal was a teenager when she began working a The Montreal General Hospital Site in the Department of Dietetics in July 1962. She may not have known it at the time, but Quintal was embarking on a 40-year journey that would take her through a wonderful evolution of both personal and career growth. Quintal began her career as a dietary helper in the Food Services Division. Always looking for challenges she went on to obtain certification as a Food Service Supervisor. She had a strong passion for patient care and acting on this Quintal successfully completed the training program to become a nutrition technician. Quintal is known for her energy, enthusiasm and cheerfulness. She treats her patients with warmth and caring that goes beyond expectation. She is always going that extra mile to make a difference for those in her care. Her efforts have won her praise from the staff, family members and of course from the patients themselves.

45 years of service: Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Anthony R.C. Dobell obtained his medical degree from ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ in 1951 and went on to complete an internship at The Montreal General Hospital. He played a central role in the establishment of cardiac surgery at ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ and particularly at The Montreal Children's Hospital where he was the Surgeon-in-Chief from 1974 to 1992. Dr. Dobell's contributions to cardiac surgery in general and to pediatric cardiac surgery in particular are too numerous to mention. He is a pioneer, a scientist, an outstanding surgeon as well as a great teacher. Dr. Dobell established the MUHC's excellent pediatric and adult cardiac surgery programs. He has been a leader and role model in clinical excellence and in the scholarly pursuit of excellence in cardiac, thoracic and vascular surgery. Generations of cardiac surgeons have trained at the MUHC under Dr. Dobell's direction. Dr. Dobell possesses tremendous human qualities and is revered by his patients, colleagues and students. He always reminded those interacting with him that in today's world of technology and innovation one should not forget the patient as a human being. It is not surprising that the title of his presidential address to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons in 1982 was "The Human Touch." In 1997, he was awarded the Order o Canada. Dr. Dobell is an outstanding role model, who continues to inspire future generations of surgeons.