Happy National Physicians' Day and International Day of the Midwife

Professional Staff Features:

In recognition & celebration of National Physicians' Day on May 1st and International Day of the Midwife on May 5th, we sat down with a few of our professional staff members to ask them what their role in healthcare means to them.

Dr. Marta Cybulsky

Dr. Cybulsky joined the Brant Community Healthcare System in 2024 as an Obstetrician.

What aspects of practicing at BCHS are you most proud of?

I’m excited to be working in a center that serves a very diverse population, with quite a substantial catchment area, and in particular, some areas and populations of Ontario that are very much under-served. I’ve always wanted to be part of a community hospital that has learners, as I love teaching and being able to get students involved, especially in a field I’m passionate for.

What really drew me to BGH was all the positive things I’ve heard about the OBGYN group and the collegiality amongst the different hospital departments. I can see first-hand how supportive my colleagues have been thus far. I’m proud to join a team that works together so cohesively, and that prioritizes the quality of care that is provided to their patients to the health of the community at large.

What does being a physician mean to you?

As a physician early on in my career, I try to use a holistic approach to manage a patient’s symptoms and treat their condition. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each patient should be at the center of their treatment plan and needs to feel empowered to make changes to their own health.

I try to understand as best I can what is most bothersome for a patient and to validate what they are experiencing. I have found that compromising on a treatment plan, and finding the course of action that the patient is comfortable with proceeding is key to help them and make progress.

What do you enjoy most about being a physician?

I love the patient population I get to work with. Unfortunately, women’s health is not always the top priority when health policy is created and implemented, but being in this field allows me to push for change and make small steps towards improvement.

I’ve been humbled by how grateful many gyne patients have been for the care they received. More often than not, they do not have a life-threatening condition, but rather one that substantially diminishes their quality of life. Managing and treating their condition goes such a long way to make them happy.

From an ob perspective, I always cherish that I am able to be a part of the moment a patient becomes a parent and meets their newborn for the first time. It’s very humbling realizing how much trust patients have given me and how rapidly they do so.

What would you like to say to your fellow physicians and staff at BCHS?

Thank you for welcoming me to your team and to your family. I’m really excited to be here, and looking forward to meeting the rest of you!

Dr. Scaria George, MD, MRCP (UK), FRCPC

Dr. George joined the Brant Community Healthcare System in 2018 and is currently our Head of Service for the Division of Hospital Based Internists at Brantford General Hospital.

What aspects of practicing at BCHS are you most proud of?

I am honoured to be a member of the BCHS community. Observing the profound impact our healthcare team has on the lives of our patients is truly inspiring. This success is a result of comprehensive strategies we implement, beginning with our leadership, extending through the collaborative efforts of our staff, and finally down to the level of patient-provider interactions. Collectively, BCHS is dedicated to providing the highest quality of healthcare to community members when they need it most.

What does being a physician mean to you?

Being a physician is not just a career for me; it is a way of life that allows me to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. From a young age, I witnessed my own family grappling with health issues, which deeply instilled in me a deep empathy for those facing medical challenges. This personal connection fuels my dedication to healthcare every day. I strive to honour those experiences by providing compassionate, informed care to my patients. Moreover, being a physician grants me the privilege of applying science and knowledge to solve complex health problems while continuously learning and growing in my field. I take great pride in keeping up with the latest medical advancements to ensure my patients receive the best possible treatment. In this role, I not only treat illnesses but also advocate for my patients' overall well-being, aiming to improve not just their health but their quality of life.

What do you enjoy most about being a physician?

I find great satisfaction in the intellectual challenges of diagnosing and treating patients, assisting them on their healthcare journey, and witnessing the positive impact I have on their lives. Additionally, I deeply value the lifelong that comes with being a physician. each day presents new challenges and opportunities for growth, keeping me engaged and passionate about my work. This continuous development is not only about staying current with medical advances but also about understanding the unique stories and needs of each patient. It is this combination of science, personal interaction, and the chance to make a meaningful difference that truly enriches my experience in the medical field and keeps me engaged and passionate about my work.

What would you like to say to your fellow physicians and staff at BCHS?

To my fellow physicians and staff at BCHS, I extend my deepest gratitude for your dedication, compassion, and steadfast commitment to patient care. Your professionalism and ability to work as a team inspire me daily, and I am truly honoured to collaborate with such exceptional individuals. Thank you for your relentless efforts. Each day, your hard work enhances the lives of our patients and strengthens the fabric of our entire community. Let's continue to support and uplift one another as we face challenges and joys inherent in our noble profession. Together, we can continue to make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve, ensuring that every individual receives the care they deserve.

Danielle Halashewski

Danielle joined the Brant Community Healthcare System in October 2017 and is currently the Head of Service for the Division of Midwifery.

What aspects of practicing at BCHS are you most proud of?

I am very proud to say that in the past year I have become the Head of Midwifery Services at BCHS which has been a very rewarding experience. Interprofessional collaboration between community midwives and the Obstetrical department is a vital part of client care. As the Head of Service, I look forward to continuing to improve those relations and contributing to the Obstetrical department at BCHS as a whole. Ever since I knew I wanted to be a midwife, I have wanted to work within the Brantford community. I’ve been here most of my life, so providing care in my community is such an honour. 

What does being a midwife mean to you?

When I think of what being a midwife means to me, so many things come to mind; support, teacher, choice, trust, skill, compassion, patience. The word midwife actually means “with-woman” and for me what that means can be different for each person I provide care to. Midwifery means providing individualized, client-centred care throughout their pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Midwifery care is ever evolving.  It means recognizing when to observe and encourage a person to follow their natural instincts, as well as when to offer/provide intervention as concerns arise in a way that is respectful yet safe. 

What do you enjoy most about being a midwife?

My favourite part about being a midwife is the “I DID IT” moment my clients have right after their baby is born. Midwives help people through some of the toughest yet most rewarding experiences of their lives. Pregnancy, birth and postpartum all have various triumphs and challenges and walking alongside my clients, I get to witness it all firsthand. Midwifery is a very unique and rewarding career. 

What would you like to say to your fellow midwives and staff at BCHS?

We have a wonderful group of midwives in our community who work hard to uphold the values of midwifery.  It is a pleasure to work with the Midwives of Brant, the rural midwives in the Norfolk and Haldimand communities, as well as the Indigenous midwives.  We have worked hard for many years to establish good relations within our Obstetrical Department and I am grateful for the opportunity to provide care within BCHS and work with many skilled physicians and nurses.

BCHS is always on the lookout for skilled professional staff who would like to share their talents. For more information about physician opportunities at BCHS click here.