Woman's Work::Heather Patterson

I am an emergency physician, photographer and most importantly, a mom and a wife.  During the pandemic, life was busy for my husband, Kip - who is also an emergency physician, and I.  With our two children, Quinn and Hannah, at home, we alternated caring for our kids at home and working in the ER.  We supported at-home learning, focussed on family activities like walks in the forest and card games by the fire, completed household tasks, and worked clinically at the hospitals. In addition to working in adult and pediatric emergency departments I photographed the pandemic response in Calgary.  It was a privilege to meet and photograph health care workers, non-clinical support staff, patients and families.  Through my photography, I was able to see with more clarity the role of each person, and their kindness and compassion.  The pandemic revealed the heart of those caring for the sick and reminded me about the purpose and privilege of being a physician.  I have shared my work on Instagram and through local and national media and have spoken to leadership and clinical groups in many locations.  I will be publishing a book with Gooselane Editions this fall.  It is an honour to be able to celebrate our successes and to bring a human perspective to the pandemic through the stories of patients and families.  

~ Heather Patterson (original photo by Leah Hennel, AHS)