At ACP’s Celebration of Leadership on June 12, 2024, Patricia (Pat) Matusko was recognized with an Honorary Membership, which is presented to an individual who has never been a regulated member of the college and has, in the opinion of Council, rendered distinguished service to the practice of pharmacists or to the practice of pharmacy technicians.
Pat spent her entire career making a difference in health care, focusing on her two passions: public health care and advocating for patients. From working with vulnerable patients as a public health nurse to developing international programs and health policy to representing Albertans on ACP Council, Pat’s continued efforts have left an indelible impact.
“I decided to go into health care and nursing and then, ultimately, into public health because I saw that there were people who were not getting the help and support they needed in our health system,” said Pat. “I felt the challenge to become involved and find a way to help.”
Pat was always up for a new challenge. As a public health nurse, she worked directly with vulnerable populations to provide health care that met their needs.
“As a healthcare worker, you have to be really creative—many of the individuals I worked with couldn’t easily manage their medications—they didn’t have fridges to keep their insulin in, for example. The goal was always to understand these limitations and try to keep people as healthy as possible,” she said.
Pat eventually transitioned to a leadership role with Manitoba Health, where she worked to develop provincial, national, and international health policies and programs including working on international projects to help those living with HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections.
When Pat retired and relocated to Beaumont with her husband, she stayed involved with the healthcare work that was so important to her, working as a consultant for the World Health Organization, Pan American Health Organization, and the Canadian Public Health Association.
“I think once involved in health care, always involved in health care,” said Pat.
Despite her busy schedule, Pat’s desire to make a difference meant she was always open to new opportunities, which eventually led her to ACP Council.
“One day my husband was reading the newspaper and he let me know he found something he thought I would be interested in—serving as a government-appointed representative for a regulatory college,” said Pat. “I decided to apply and I was fortunate enough to be selected for ACP and the rest is history.”
Pat was appointed by the Minister of Health to ACP Council as a public member in 2007. She served on Council for the longest available appointment—two three-year terms—and then stayed involved as a public member on the hearing tribunal roster, where she participated as a public member on disciplinary hearing tribunals for the 28 colleges of healthcare professionals, including ACP, for another seven years.
“There’s no one public perspective—I bring a different perspective compared to the public member across the table—which is good,” said Pat. “I can’t represent everyone, but I had been a member of the healthcare system for 34 years in various capacities and I brought that perspective to my role on Council.”
She said her work in public health gave her an appreciation for developing and implementing effective policies, standards, and guidelines, and her frontline work with vulnerable and unhoused patients shaped her perspective on how the varied patient perspective needed to be considered throughout this process.
“Looking at both the implication of standards and applying them to the general population, including more vulnerable patients, that was the driver for me as a public member.”
Pat said every member of Council brought a different perspective, and the varied backgrounds and areas of expertise around the Council table led to better discussions and decisions.
“We had lively debates—we had a lot of exchanges that altered my perspective, and it was always a respectful and open environment,” said Pat.
Pat looked back at her time with ACP as a rewarding chapter in her career.
“If I could, I would do it all over again,” she said. “Somebody asked me about a week before the awards ceremony, ‘why do you do this, what’s in it for you?’ That really made me think, and what it comes down to for me is that you truly can make a difference.”
Pat believes everyone can have an impact in their own way.
“You can make a difference, you really can, so I would say, take the chance. I’ve tried some things that were disastrous, but you find that out pretty quick! Recognize where you can contribute—don’t be shy about it,” said Pat.
Pat shared her advice for making the most of these opportunities.
“Find something that you’re passionate about, give it a try, take the opportunity to learn from others, and don’t give up. Also, bringing a sense of humour definitely helps,” she said.
Pat embodies this approach, bringing her passion, her open-mindedness, her tenacity, and a good dose of humour to everything she does. This approach has empowered her to make a meaningful difference as a nurse, an advocate, and a leader.
“I am very proud of my work and association with ACP and my hope is that I have made even a small positive difference in the health of Albertans,” said Pat. “I am humbled that ACP has recognized my contribution—what pleases me most is that we did it together in the interest and protection of Albertans.”
