Fireside Chat with Betty-Anne McBey, 2018 Award Recipient for Excellence in Wellness and Safety

I sat down with Betty-Anne McBey, 2018 award recipient for Excellence in Wellness and Safety, to learn more about her work at OVC in the Department of Pathobiology.  Learn more about Betty-Anne and her efforts to enhance the culture of wellness and safety at the University.

1. Can you tell me a bit about your role and work at U of G? 

I’ve worked at U of G for 30 years!  I am an Animal Health Technician with a MSc degree in immunology and I started at U of G in the Biomedical Sciences.  From there, I moved into the Large Animal Clinic, where I sat on the Safety Committee.  When I saw this job posted in Pathobiology, I knew it was the perfect fit for me, with my experience with both small and large animals and as a Research Technician.

As a Research Technician, I run the virology lab and help keep things in order!  We have quite a lot of lab equipment including flow cytometers, which I help maintain and train people on. 

2. Congrats on receiving the President’s Award for Excellence in Wellness and Safety! What are you most proud of accomplishing that’s helped to enhance wellness at U of G?

I was surprised and honoured that my department and OVC put my name forward as a recipient for this award.  I’m proud of the work I’ve done to re-write the safety manual for Pathobiology.  I also have created a system to  inspect departmental laboratories in a timely manner.  Everyone is very busy and lab inspections can take about an hour to complete, so it’s quite the process.

 I am a member of the Departmental joint safety committee with the Animal Health lab that meets quarterly.  If there are concerns about safety procedures, there is a process for individuals in the department to raise their concerns and we bring them forward to our Committee.

I take new researchers and students around the lab as part of their orientation to show them any hazards and ensure they know who to talk to about safety concerns.  We have worked hard to create a culture where it’s  encouraged for people to ask questions without embarrassment and thereby creating a team where everyone is supporting one another. This is instrumental to reduce incidents that might happen in the workplace, to ensure there is an open environment for questions regarding safety.

3. How do you maintain your wellness while working a very busy job?

As knitting is one of my hobbies, I will work on a new pair of mittens or a hat for the charity I support, during lunch breaks.  I find knitting very mindful and like to focus more on the process of knitting itself than the final product I create. 

We also did monthly ukulele lessons in our department during the lunch hour.  It was a lot of fun to sing, socialize and focus on learning something new.  I now have two of my own ukuleles at home!

Outside of work, I  attend weekly yoga class and curl twice a week.  As the skip, I get the chance to have fun and curl with my women’s social group and my husband on Fridays.  In the summer, I also enjoy golfing with my girlfriends and kayaking at the cottage.

I have a Border Collie/Australian cattle dog cross named Skip.  He helps remind me to take time to get outside and go for a walk with his cute look for attention.  Walking him is therapeutic and contributes to my wellness!

4. What suggestions do you have for others on campus who are looking to foster a positive culture on campus?

It’s important to get out of your office or work space on occasion.  Instead of always relying on email or phone conversations, pop by to have coffee or ask a colleague how their day is going.  Recently, I went for lunch on campus with other technicians and  we had a great time, and also learned about a new way of doing  a task at work that I hadn’t thought of before.  It’s important to be able to connect outside of the lab or work setting and recognize other staff for their great ideas.

5. What makes U of G an exceptional place to work?

People at U of G are so friendly, and it is these interactions that make the difference.  There is amazing work being done at our university and many great teams doing important research.

It is the work culture of the people here that makes a difference. We are a very environmentally aware university and have a great reputation  locally, nationally and internationally, which makes me proud to work here.

6. What advice do you have for others on campus who are looking to enhance their own personal wellness?

It’s important to find time for yourself.   Time management and personal life balance are important, so even a quick 15 minute break can make a difference.  If you are unable to take care of yourself, you will be unable to take care of others.

Take a break!  In my building, there is a nice room on the 4^th floor  with a view of Johnston Green.  I like to sit there to eat my lunch and overlook the trees and events taking place on the field and across campus. 

  It is worthwhile to explore opportunities you are presented with, as you never know where they will take you!