Rose has been a tireless advocate for our hospitals since 2008 and has served as Chair of our Presidents’ Council since 2020. Over the years, she has devoted her time and energy to serving on committees, volunteering at countless events, and generously supporting the exceptional care St. Michael’s Hospital and Providence Healthcare are known for. We spoke with Rose about her passion for healthcare, her vision as Vice Chair, and more.
Q: What inspires you most about the work of St. Michael’s Hospital?
I am completely inspired by the hospital’s founding principles of health equity and caring for our neighbours.
As someone raised in Toronto, I strongly believe that quality healthcare is the foundation of any thriving community. We are so lucky to have a place like St. Michael’s in our city. As a large urban hospital with a purpose rooted in these principles, it is incredibly committed to ensuring everyone has access to the care they need, when and how it counts.
I’m also inspired by the hospital’s global leadership in research. Everyone at St. Michael’s shares a belief in the power of research to deliver the very best care. It’s very hard to be at the centre of a big city and help our community in all the ways we want and need to, without being on the leading edge of research, which is exactly what we’re doing.
Q: What’s one thing that might surprise people about St. Michael’s Hospital and Providence Healthcare?
People are often surprised to learn that St. Michael’s is one of just two hospitals outside of the United States to be verified as a Level 1 Trauma Centre by the American College of Surgeons. We also have one of the highest trauma survival rates in North America, which speaks volumes about the team’s dedication to delivering the best possible care in the worst possible moments.
And Providence is just filled with inspiring stories. They admit some of the most complex patients with the lowest functional independence measures in the city and discharge them with the highest measures. It’s unrivalled.
Q: What’s the biggest change you’d like to make as Vice Chair?
Healthcare is changing around the world, and Canada is no exception. It’s changing because of advancements in AI, shifts in public-private partnerships, and other factors that are out of our control.
What’s always on my mind is how to stay ahead of these changes. Where do we need to invest to make sure we’re not just great today, but the day after and well into the future?
We also need to continue mobilizing our incredible community around the work of St. Michael’s and Providence. Many people don’t realize that all equipment in our hospitals, and the majority of our research, is funded entirely by our donors.
An analogy I once heard that struck me is that if you were to turn the hospital upside down and shake it, everything that falls out is funded by donors. A big part of my job as Vice Chair will be to make sure everyone in our community knows just how much we rely on donor support. I also want to find meaningful ways for people to invest in the incredible work that happens at our hospitals.
Q: What’s your St. Michael’s moment that cemented your connection to the hospital?
I had no choice—I was born there!
I’ve also had family members experience some serious health complications and receive incredible care at St. Michael’s. That’s what inspired me to champion healthcare as a cause—because I’ve seen time and time again what a difference quality healthcare can make to someone’s life and the health of our communities.
Q: What’s a fun fact you’d like to share about yourself?
There are a few! I’m a first-generation Canadian, the eldest child of Italian immigrants. I have three daughters, three stepdaughters and an American husband. I love every type of sport, including Pickleball! And I like to get things done!
Q: Is there a quote you live by?
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
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