featuring Michelle Jonathan, Nuclear Medicine Technologist and Indigenous Patient Navigator

Michelle has extensive experience as a Nuclear Medicine technologist in both Hamilton and Brantford, as well as working within the Indigenous community on health system transformation.

She is a compassionate advocate and support for Indigenous people accessing Western health care services.

When you were little what did you want to be when you grew up? How does it compare to your current role?

I always had my mind set on healthcare but wasn’t sure of the different careers available. I did a summer (1988) placement at Brantford General Hospital in the physiotherapy department. During that summer I soon discovered that Nuclear Medicine was also a potential career choice. I saw a man wearing a white lab coat carrying a little radioactive box and asked “What’s he doing?” I realized that I needed to do my research into a Nuclear Medicine Technologist career.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career path and why?

My family have been my greatest supporters during my schooling years. Family is so important to me, keeps me well grounded.

What’s your go-to way to unwind and recharge after a busy week?

Enjoying a good breath of fresh air, doing a sport outdoors, or having a good meal surrounded by family.

What’s your favorite way to spend a day off?

Fishing, kayaking, or golfing.

What values or principles do you live by, and how do you see them influencing your work?

I never bring my problems from home to my workplace. I like to greet my co-workers with a good morning! When you start a morning off right the rest of the day will be good, no matter how busy our day could be.

What are your biggest professional goals for the next 5 years?

Having the opportunity to keep giving back. My business partner Colleen Montour [MRI technologist and Indigenous Patient Navigator] and I have developed a business, Haudenosaunee Heath Services. We are collaborating with our local health teams to develop health education relating to diverse health careers and expanding healthcare locally.

What would surprise us to learn about you?

I enjoy humor! I am a funny person, laughter is one of best medicines.

What advice would you have for prospective candidates looking to enter this field?

Get a good understanding of the career, volunteer and find out if its something you would like. Once you have a career goal never give up.

What barriers have you encountered in this field? How do you approach them?

Especially in the Indigenous Navigator position, you follow a patient in their heathcare journey but you can not solve all the external environment issues they face when they visit the hospital. Our team does our best to support patients within our scope of practice.

WATCH: BCHS Indigenous Patient Navigators

Keep an eye on our website for more spotlights featuring a Board member, staff member, or patient, coming your way each month!