Katherine - Strategic Communications Team
Coordinator, Strategic Communications
Joined team: July 2008
Katherine chose to do her communications internship in healthcare because she thought it would be interesting, challenging and rewarding. “I chose St. John’s Rehab because I believe in their cause.”
Her internship was only eight weeks but it was long enough to confirm that this was the right industry and it provided an in-depth understanding of what her current role would entail.
“At first, you can feel a little off-guard in a hospital environment because you’re not sure how to approach the several different types of people that work and are treated here,” says Katherine, “But during my internship, I found that St. John’s Rehab was a friendly environment. The people here put you at ease and everyone works together to support the cause—rebuilding lives.”
Katherine writes, edits, designs and produces communications materials, events and online content. “We manage corporate messaging, ensure the hospital’s brand integrity, and work with the hospital to maintain internal and external communication that is strategic, effective and consistent.”
“We’re sort of like storytellers. We use all means of communications – written, visual and verbal – to tell staff, patients and the community the story of St. John’s Rehab and how we’re an important part of the healthcare system,” says Katherine.
As someone who tells stories, Katherine says it’s inspirational to work in a place where you see amazing things happen every day. “One day someone will come into the hospital bedridden and a few weeks or months later, you’ll see them walk out, able to go back to their life and live independently.” But, from what she’s witnessed so far -- it’s not about miracles -- it takes hard work, a positive attitude and support from staff to achieve this amazing success.
As a budding communications professional, it’s important to get a variety of experiences, says Katherine. “I love what I do and because it’s a small team, I get to do a little bit of everything and own my projects.”
“Here, you are able to achieve great things because there is a dynamic, hardworking and dedicated team behind you every step of the way.”