Cindy Mathews: Living Our Values

Cindy Mathews is an administrative assistant to Drs. Malin Clark (MD) and Anna Felstrom (MD) in the Department of Psychiatry, in the child and youth division. She manages day-to-day tasks necessary for physicians to have efficient and effortless inpatient/outpatient clinics.

Cindy was nominated by Drs. Clark and Felstrom for the Living Our Values Award. The award is presented annually to a staff member who exemplifies one or more of the college’s values in their day-to-day work including: collegiality; fairness and equitable treatment; inclusiveness; integrity, honesty and ethical behaviour; and respect.

Her nominators mentioned that, during the past 20 years, Cindy not only has supported faculty within the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, but she also goes out of her way to “do the right thing,” considering the best interests of patients, and members within the division team. Her proactive, efficient, calm and “can do attitude” makes the division a fun and rewarding place to work.

“Over the years, we have had countless medical students and residents rotate through our Division and each one is welcomed by Cindy who works to ensure that their experience is as good as possible,” Cindy’s nominators wrote.

“It is no stretch to say that the tone of warmth, joy and support that Cindy lives has helped our efforts to recruit new Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists. We have lost count of the number of learners who have spontaneously commented that, ‘Wow, Cindy is amazing!’”

We asked Cindy her thoughts on receiving the Living Our Values Award.

The following interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

What was your reaction when you learned you were named the recipient of this award?

I was absolutely overwhelmed with emotion when I heard I was the recipient of the “Living Our Values” award.  

What does it mean to you to be recognized in this way?

I have tremendous respect and admiration for the physicians I work for.  These feelings are reciprocated by the physicians on a regular basis, but being recognized with this award was truly overwhelming

What motivates you to go above and beyond within your department/unit?

In the Department of Psychiatry, Child & Youth Division our team is like a family.  We motivate and support each other in many different ways, both professionally and personally.  We listen to each other’s concerns without judgment or discrimination and help support each other in any way we can. 

What work/professional accomplishment are you most proud of over the past year?

Ensuring that our patient’s needs are being met during the COVID 19 Pandemic. 

What do you enjoy most about working for the college/university?

The support and guidance that I receive from the USask College of Medicine is an integral part of me being able to do my job in the way I need to.