Translated from French

“Hello, my name is Amel Bendouah, the eldest of five children, mom to two adorable kids, and coordinator at Centre Médical Mieux-Être in Ville Saint-Laurent. My family and I arrived in Quebec on June 24, 2000, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (laughs!). Originally from Algeria, my journey, filled with humor, family and challenges, has shaped my unique personality and allowed me to build a career I'm truly proud of.

Why did I choose the medical field? In 2007, I decided to pursue a college degree in nursing because I was drawn to management, technology, and the challenges in clinical settings. What I enjoyed most about my experience was mentoring staff, tackling challenges and taking on responsibilities. I started out as a manager at a small clinic on Jarry Street, the Polyclinique du Cœur-de-l'île, where I proved myself over three years.

It was there that I discovered my true passion: providing excellent customer service with a contagious smile and positive attitude. I took care of patients, staff and doctors, ensuring each request was handled with care. Sadly, I lost that job, but the doctors I worked with asked me to join them at their new clinic, where I stayed for 12 years. Every day reinforced my conviction that I was in the right place.

At that new clinic, I developed countless other skills. I managed 14 doctors, oversaw care for Syrian refugee patients, and coordinated operations through the COVID-19 pandemic. Every day, I learned how to manage increasingly complex situations while maintaining a commitment to compassionate care. These experiences sharpened my organizational and communication skills and pushed me to excel in demanding settings that required adaptability and rigor.

In 2020, I was diagnosed with cancer. I underwent surgery, numerous treatments, and had to take a six-month leave from work. When I returned to the clinic, the experience had pushed me to reflect on my personal worth. I felt the need to advance my career and applied for a coordinator role, but my application was turned down.

However, after going through cancer, you gain an inner strength that lets you face change without fear, seeing life from a new perspective. I adopted a new mindset: live one day at a time, go after what you want and break through barriers. The very next day, I submitted my resignation.

God heard my call, and I found a fresh start at CMME as a clinical coordinator. Today, I’m part of a company that shares my values and gives me the chance to grow professionally. I’m right where I need to be, with an amazing team. I've worked to transform my branch into a welcoming environment for everyone: administrative assistants, licensed practical nurses, healthcare professionals and doctors. The trust my team has in me fills me with pride.

Working alongside Rémi, my ambitions have expanded. While the coordinator role is fulfilling, I believe life is an adventure, and I plan to explore every opportunity at CMME. My ultimate goal is to hold a position that lets me travel between clinics, provide training, welcome new staff and physicians, and more. I’m even considering pursuing a health management certificate at university.”