Welcome to the “Meet the CSTM Board” blog series! Each month a different position on the board will be spotlighted along with some insider information on the individual in the position. Each blog will follow a different path as each position and individual is unique. We hope you enjoy.
Author: Crystal Brunk, CSTM Director at Large (2022-2024)
My conversation with Deanna Dillabough, the current CSTM Secretary (2021-2023), started with a strangely nervous energy almost comparable to a first date or job interview but soon into our chat the theme of connecting developed and my nerves eased as I realized that just like first dates and interviews this blog series is really about making connections, and even more so about connecting the transfusion medicine community to each other.
The Secretary Position
Straight from the bylaws it states that “the Secretary shall attend all meetings and act as clerk thereof and record all votes and minutes of all proceedings” however the responsibilities do not end there. The secretary does a lot of the background work to keep the CSTM board operational including creating the strategic plan, organizing monthly meetings, following up on action items, coordinating the various in-person committee meetings at the conferences, and acting as the right-hand to the current president. Deanna pointed out that the position requires both a great deal of organization and dedicated time. In her time as secretary Deanna has sharpened her own IT and organizational skills and has been able to stay close to transfusion medicine as her professional role has evolved away from the hands-on aspects of the field.
While on the board Deanna has most enjoyed her work on the conferences and being able to attend in-person events across Canada, citing that meeting someone in person changes your connection with them and that there is nothing better than collaborating face-to-face with national transfusion medicine experts. Deanna reminisced about how great it is to experience the different parts of Canada from coast to coast through the conferences and get an understanding from those local to each conference spot of what it is like to work in that province and how things compare nationally. Looking ahead as her term as secretary is ending, Deanna wants to continue to volunteer with CSTM hoping that the right door opens with another opportunity.
Transfusion Medicine – it’s 39% O Positive and in demand!
Throughout her twenty-four-year career Deanna has steadily advanced from a tech I and is now a clinical supervisor at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary, giving her a unique ability to provide advice to those entering, and wanting to succeed in the field of transfusion medicine:
- First and foremost, set yourself apart and volunteer!
Think outside the box, volunteering does not have to be grand, but it shows your intent and commitment to something. There are often lots of opportunities within a work site for projects and even more opportunities when you start to look provincially and nationally. CSTM for example has a variety of opportunities based on how much time you have to give and what skills you have or want to develop.
- Find your joy (and passion)!
At first this might mean taking risks and doing things that are uncomfortable, like dipping your toes into new waters. For Deanna, her passion at work is in quality improvement and making a difference in people’s lives, which she discovered as a tech II working with coagulation products in the home care setting, something that is not currently in her day-to-day responsibilities but is what drives her to continue her professional journey.
- Share your ideas!
Everyone see’s things from a different perspective and these perspectives are needed in order to paint the most diverse and inclusive picture.
So just like her blood type Deanna is (essentially) universally needed in the transfusion medicine community and a connection worth having, so seek her out at the next conference and challenge her to an arm wrestle as an ice breaker, because rumour has it she was the unofficial arm wrestling champion back in high school!
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