Now president and CEO of the Montréal West Island Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre (IUHSSC), Lynne McVey originally started her career as a nurse and completed her master’s degree in nursing. As an active McGill member since 1985, she received the Global impact award as a McGill alumnus and a fellowship in Health Care Administration at the Wharton Business School of the University of Pennsylvania. This definitely played a role in her becoming CEO of the Montréal West Island IUHSSC.
In fact, during her academic career, Mrs. McVey felt strongly called to a more concrete type of involvement and eventually felt the need to further her expertise; this would allow her to eventually become a health care executive. Among the positions she occupied are those of Director of Clinical Operations and Nursing at the Jewish General Hospital and Executive Director of the Douglas Mental Health University Institute.
“As an undergraduate student in Physiology at McGill, I was very fortunate to be offered a position as a research assistant on a large epidemiology study”, says Lynne McVey. “Collecting data on hundreds of newborns in the homes of their parents taught me that there are critical moments when young families need professional support in order to prevent illness and to cope with unexpected symptoms. The Direct Entry Masters Degree in Nursing program at McGill provides that kind of professional training. I chose to enroll in that program and to become a nurse. Additional training and a Fellowship in Health Care Administration at the Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania prepared me to further my career as a health care executive, a CEO and now Associate President Chief Executive Officer."
Her nursing experience and associate professor role in the Ingram School of Nursing at McGill University have undoubtedly played an important part in her impressive trajectory and in her being appointed president and CEO of the Montreal West Island IUHSSC. It was always her conviction that nurses play an important role and that they need to be involved in the processes of decision-making and in the creation of policies.
"No matter what position I hold in the health care system, I am always mindful to proudly add the letters ‘RN’ (registered nurse) at the end of my signature. […] Nurses who choose career paths in health care administration and who compete for and are appointed to CEO and/or senior government positions have a real opportunity to be involved in policy making. […] We have not yet reached maturity in rallying around members of our profession who achieve these positions. Building consensus is imperative amongst administrative, clinical and university stakeholders in order to then influence and lobby for policymaking that will position the important role nurses play in saving lives. I believe we have much to learn from our physician colleagues in this regard."
In fact, Mrs. McVey’s vision has always been one of building connections amongst the various health care professions with the goal of forging stronger communities and thus increasing the quality of services rendered. Furthermore, she is known for creating bridges for her students into the world of health care and she ensures to convey this vision in her teachings. Her involvement at McGill is marked by a conviction and concrete support for initiatives like “Proud to Teach” and “Made by McGill” as well as her role as professor in the Masters Program with eight articles published by her students. In synthesis, she truly believes in McGill University’s vision and in the efforts that are brought forth to better our health care system and community.
"My vision is twofold. First, I see nurses as true partners at policymaking tables and in the taking care of patients. Inter-professional education at the University level is a promising way forward to achieve this goal. Thanks to the combined leadership of Dean Eidelman, MDCM, and the Associate Deans and Directors of the Faculty of Medicine schools including Anita Gagnon, RN, PhD, there are currently many efforts underway at McGill to put this into place, which is very exciting. Secondly, I see nurses “leaning in” to achieve CEO and senior government positions in our publicly funded health and social services system. I see all members of the nursing profession rallying around these leaders in order to influence policy leading to a future where we may ultimately witness a nurse being elected as Minister of Health and Social Services in Quebec!"
Lynne McVey carries all of these convictions and experiences into her leadership. Grateful for all she has learned while studying at McGill, she now translates the theory into an immeasurable commitment. She is convinced of our privilege, here in Quebec and Canada, and truly believes in the value of our health and social services system.
"As a citizen of Quebec and Canada, over the years I have come to understand the value of our publicly funded health and social services system, which is a national treasure whose preservation requires investment and for each one of us to make a decision to support it, every single day. This support is provided either through the taxes we pay or through the decisions we make on how we receive our health care when needed."
Our publicly funded health and social services system is the backbone of our democratic society and the envy of citizens from other countries around the world. It is the privilege of working to preserve this national treasure that provides meaning, and motivates and sustains me as a health care administrator. Knowing that a patient and their family are receiving life-saving care without the additional burden of potential personal bankruptcy to afford that care motivates me on a personal level."