We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.
Name: Marlis Gauvin
Job Title: Director, Medical Program Transformation
Years of Service: 14 total (5+9 with a gap in between)
Worksite: Community Health & Services Centre
Community: Kelowna
Ancestral Territory: “Syilx” (Saay-ilks) / Okanagan Interior Salish
Favourite Quote: "In a world where you can be anything… be kind." -Unknown
“I’m proud of the impact I’ve had in coaching and mentoring peers and colleagues during my career, and then celebrating their successes with them. My true joy in work comes from building strong relationships and helping others discover their own potential.”
While there have been quite a few moments of personal success over the years for Marlis Gauvin, she’s most fulfilled when she sees a complex project through to completion or helps launch an innovative program.
Participating in Interior Health’s Core LINX leadership program and completing a certificate in project management through Okanagan College also helped Marlis develop her skills as a leader.
As Director, Medical Program Transformation, Marlis has enjoyed leading some complex and fascinating projects. She is primarily focused on working directly with our medical and operational leaders to help find sustainable service models and medical staff compensation solutions to support those models of care. Her team of project leads is currently engaged in redesign projects for Infectious Diseases and Oncology Services, as well as supporting emergency response to wildfires. In previous roles, Marlis also led our Laundry Transition project, and co-developed and launched our NAVIG8 Physician Leadership Development program.
“I appreciate working for an organization that has supported me in my journey to take on increasingly challenging and rewarding roles throughout my career. I am fortunate to have worked alongside and learned from so many truly talented and exceptional mentors, leaders and teams.”
Marlis is driven by a desire to make a difference. The individuals she works with and their focus on finding the best possible solutions to complex situations inspire Marlis. For her, it’s rewarding to work closely with our physician partners and leaders, and know that her team's work helps support the delivery of exceptional care. She also enjoys opportunities to volunteer as a parent in her community and, most recently, through the Patient Voices Network after the unexpected loss of a family member.
Something others may not know about Marlis is that she’s a host parent for international high school students. Marlis has made lasting connections with families from a variety of countries. (“I’m still working on my Spanish and Japanese.”)
Marlis was born in Saskatchewan but relocated to Kelowna at the tender age of one, growing up in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. This worked out well for someone who loves the outdoors – Marlis is fortunate to live where she can mountain bike, hike, camp and kayak all within a few minutes of home. In fact, Marlis is also a bit of an adventure enthusiast. She loves to whitewater raft, scuba dive, and snorkel with the occasional sea turtle or dolphin.
Marlis also describes herself as “a lifelong learner, a voracious reader, and probably a bit of a nerd. I enjoy live theatre and music, and have the lyrics to way too many songs taking up real estate in my head.”
A single mom with three incredible kids – “by far my greatest accomplishment in life” – Marlis is working towards earning her Masters of Business Administration degree virtually through Cape Breton University.
With life starting to move forward after the pandemic, Marlis can’t wait to be able to have big family gatherings to celebrate birthdays and holidays again, and to finally celebrate her daughter’s wedding with their extended family. She’s also excited about the idea of being able to travel again.
“This pandemic has certainly taught me to appreciate the value of gathering with family and friends when we can.”
Marlis' nomination keeps the We Are IH loop going:
“I would recommend Peggy Scott, Project Lead, Medical Transformation, or Linda Reynolds, Director, Physician Compensation, who have both been with IH for many years and have vast experience in what they do." - Marlis Gauvin
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