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).
Behind every good society is a great treasurer and CSTM is certainly no exception with Julie Hendry holding the title because for Julie it is more than just the bottom line, it is about having a society that is sustainable in every aspect, driving her to continuously mentor those around her and provide opportunities for others to excel and shine.
The Treasurer Position – Lifelong Sentence?
Julie started her journey on the board as Western Director (2009-2011), however the financial skills she developed working with other organizations were quickly identified by Wendy Owens (MLT, and previous CSTM Treasurer) who mentored her into the role. As Treasurer Julie prepares budgets for the society and annual conference, reviews and approves expenses, reviews quotes for services to ensure alignment with the budget and proposes changes to fees and services to ensure the financial sustainability of the CSTM. Unlike many other board positions, the bylaws state that the Treasurer “may stand for re-appointment for as long as he/she is willing to serve”, as such CSTM has been the beneficiary of Julie’s skills and consistency since 2011 earning her the title of “mama with the purse strings” – ok that just might be what I call her when I come asking for funding for a project.
While on the board Julie has enjoyed not only building the standing committees for the annual conference but working with them and mentoring members into the responsibility. The standing committees have introduced a consistency and continuity to the conference that did not exist before and has made the task of hosting the annual conference less daunting for local groups. Focusing on accessibility, as Treasurer, Julie ensures that there is financial support for members to attend the conference, but she has also been instrumental in supporting the virtual education events being offered by CSTM thus removing the financial burden of accessing education all together.
Transfusion Medicine – there is no autopilot here.
Starting as a rotating technologist on nights in 1991 it was not until the year 2000 that Julie specialized in transfusion medicine. Julie was drawn to the critical thinking involved in transfusion medicine like figuring out complex antibody investigations, but even more she found fulfillment in teaching and working with others to develop their skills, encourage them to take on new challenges, and helping them succeed. It is not surprising that Julie has since crossed over into management starting as a clinical supervisor then a community services manager and is now a site lead. Even though transfusion medicine is at arms length for Julie she is still working with various relevant groups to implement change and knowledge translation, improve processes and mentor the next generation.
Mother knows best – tried and true advice.
Saline is the best stain remover for blood – as a student Julie was preparing a pooled whole blood unit, there wasn’t a fancy heat sealer at that time, so the tubing was sealed with a metal band and hand crimper. Julie sealed the tubing, mixed the bag, and cut the tubing on the wrong
- side of the then very full bag turning it into a “blood spewing fire hose” – everyone and everything was sprayed with blood, then everyone and everything was doused with saline. Using humor Julie’s preceptor let her know that she will never make that mistake again – which she did not but she also learned the value of saline in transfusion medicine mishaps.
- Only dead fish go with the flow – make your own path, the best experiences come from stepping outside your comfort zone.
- Take every opportunity to connect with new people – you never know where it will lead you! Julie’s involvement with CSTM and connections have taken her to an outstanding 13 CSTM conferences in 9 different Canadian cities.
- Volunteer – at CSTM there is something for everyone, if you are not sure where you might fit reach out to Julie and after a conversation, she will quickly be mentoring you into your new role.
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