September as the ‘Other January’?

For some, September feels more like the start of a new year than January. Kiki Ferrari, Osler's Chief Operating Officer, is definitely one of those people. She’s even been known to wish her colleagues a happy new year at the start of those first few September meetings.

‌We dug a little deeper into why she feels like September is the ‘Other January’ and how this mindset influences her approach to work, especially as Osler moves forward with transformational initiatives and prepares for what is historically the busiest season in health care – fall and winter.

Why does September feel more like the start of a new year to you than January?

Since I was young, September has always felt more like the start of the new year to me because of the association with going back to school. Either I was starting school or, when I had children, it was getting them ready to go to school. I recognize that the start of the new year varies for different cultures, both here in Canada and around the world, but education and school beginning in September is pretty much universal.

I think the change of season from summer to fall – that noticeable shift in weather – also plays a big part in September feeling like a new year for me. Summer is an important time of year for us as Canadians and, to me, when it’s over, there's a sense of closure, followed by that newness that comes with the start of fall.

Did you look forward to school when you were younger?

I loved school - especially math. For me, the privilege of education was ingrained in me by two parents who never had the opportunity to go to school. Even now, I view education as an important part of myself and I continue to take courses and look at new learning experiences. I even recently learned to play the guitar!

Osler is currently embarking on many important new initiatives (e.g., the transformation of Peel Memorial into Brampton’s new hospital, planning for future development at Etobicoke General, the creation of a Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre, partnering with Toronto Metropolitan University on a new School of Medicine, etc.). Is there something you’re particularly excited about?

I'm excited about it all! I like that so many things are happening at Osler and that we're broadening ourselves overall as a health system. On a personal level, I feel a close connection with the Cancer Care Centre because I lost my sister to cancer, and I know cancer affects so many people.

I'm excited that Osler continues to evolve so that we can continue to deliver on our Vision of patient-inspired health care without boundaries. I think that is a good thing for us as an organization and the communities we care for.

How would you finish this sentence: “September makes me feel …”

Joyful and stressed at the same time!

Joyful for new beginnings. Who doesn't love that – the thought of starting fresh? However, September is also the start of the seasonal respiratory season, which is when we begin to see cases of influenza, COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses rise in the community and in our hospitals. So, there's anticipation and some stress around that as well.

However, Osler is well prepared for this expected increase in patients coming to us. Our teams work diligently and proactively every year to get ready for this season and ensure our communities continue to have access to the care they need when they need it.

To support ourselves and our health care system, there are also things we can all do to stay healthy. I encourage everyone to take measures to protect yourselves and your loved ones - get vaccinated, wash your hands well and often, and stay home if you’re not feeling well. If you do get sick with the flu or COVID-19, and are concerned about your symptoms, talk to your doctor about your treatment options and make sure you know where to go for care based on your symptoms.

Do you have new or good habits that you are planning to start or restart this September?

I probably have the same resolution every September and January and it’s, ‘How can I be a better person? How can I be a better listener? How can I be kinder to other people?’ For me, that's my goal in life, just to get better as a person. As I get older, that has become more and more important to me.