MEGAN PARRY

Megan Parry has a wealth of international experience in global health, community engagement, nursing and education. She is driven by the goal of achieving equitable and sustainable universal health coverage for all and believes that primary health care and investment in nursing is the path to achieving this. Megan is currently Project Manager for the Pediatric Nurse Education Partnership (PNEP) COVID-19 Response Program, funded by Government Affairs Canada.

“Remain Grateful, Let Things Go, and Continue Being Kind”

Q: Tell us a few things about your country, and also your life's story!

I am originally from the UK. I was born in Kent but I am half (and very proudly) half Welsh. So far I have lived in five different countries (UK, Spain, Chile, Mexico and Canada). This all started from an experience during an ERASMUS exchange programme where I went to live in Santander, Spain at 20 years old (not knowing much Spanish at all!). It opened my eyes to the beautiful similarities and differences amongst people from all around the world.

Q: How did you experience the global pandemic crisis, did it change your life or/and your views about the world? How?

Life changed for me tremendously during the pandemic as I am sure it did for most of the globe. As I live in Canada I was unable to see my family for almost two years.

I think the pandemic gave me time to reflect on my priorities, strengthened my desire to continue my career in global health and also my pride in being a nurse.

Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society currently? 

The two things that come to mind straight away are loneliness and time scarcity. I am currently living in Toronto, Canada, and actively engage in my community through a youth mentoring programme and also building connections with elderly neighbours. I see how isolating life can be nowadays with everything online, it is not beneficial to everyone. This ties in with time scarcity, we are all constantly 'on' and expect immediate responses, so we give little time (or priority) to the things we enjoy or for fun! I think the pandemic has demonstrated the need to build connection and enjoyment back into our lives.

Q: Share with us some of the hurdles that you had to overcome in your life so far? How did you handle them?

I think being away from my family during the pandemic was pivotal to me. I always try to handle any hurdles with integrity and see them as a lesson to be learnt. I am also very fortunate to be able to access the internet so I could keep in touch with people although we were physically apart.

However, during the pandemic when I was away from my family in a country that wasn't my own I was able to experience the kindness of those around me and the importance of asking for help when you need it.

Q: If you were to ask one thing from our current leaders, what would it be?

What has been your greatest failure or life lesson?

Keeping in mind FAIL stands for First Attempt In Learning.

Q: Why is the role of a mentor important for you?

A mentor for me is the classical sounding board, nuggets of wisdom sharer and perspective giver! However, in this programme specifically, my mentor has really boosted my confidence in my skills and ability, helped me see things differently and make connections/patterns I hadn't previously been aware of as well as provided a space to think creatively and openly about topics I am passionate about. Through our conversations and the time I take to reflect on our discussion, it has enabled me to take tangible next steps in many aspects of my life.

Q: Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share?  

One day at a time. For me, that has been a phrase I go back to regularly. It helped me survive the pandemic and many hurdles.

Q: Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives! 

I recently was awarded a Catalyst Grant along with my nursing colleague (and friend) in Cameroon. The project is organized through her organization the Family Health and Development Foundation which focuses on the Promotion of mother and child health, prevention of diseases and community-based rehabilitation. (https://www.linkedin.com/company/79441268/admin/)

Our project aims to train nurses working in the rural community in sickle cell disease detection and management. Sickle Cell Disease is a challenge in Cameroon, particularly in rural areas, and carries a lot of stigma and misconceptions. With good treatment, many of the symptoms, e.g. pain, can be well-managed. The approach we are taking in the design of the programme also considers school and community engagement to promote the sustainability of the interventions. I am very proud of the work we have achieved so far and hope it can continue.

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are made towards gender equality?

Canada prides itself on equality however there is still a way to go. I think a particular issue close to home is that of mothers in the workplace. There is still considerable negative stigma attached to part time and flexible work, though we have come a long way since the beginning of the pandemic. Women need to be supported in their role as mothers and professionally. I believe both can be achieved but to be done without negative impacts it takes a system shift whereby affordable childcare is accessible, maternity leave is offered and there are plentiful paths to reintegrate into the workforce.

Q: Share with us a phrase, a poem or a story that means something to you.

I have two favourite poems, 'Continue' by Maya Angelou, and a short poem by Najwa Zebian 'These mountains you are carrying, you were only supposed to climb'.

Both remind me to remain grateful, let things go, and continue being kind despite the harshness of the world.

Q: Share with us a project that you would like to make happen for your country or a cause that you are passionate about.

I am passionate about investment in nursing to strengthen health systems globally. I have been fortunate enough to work across 5 continents and be inspired by nurses from many countries. Currently many people are leaving the nursing profession, understandably so with the poor working conditions and lack of support they are given. Countries need to invest in nurse training and retention and offer good and safe working conditions as well opportunities for growth that reflect all the expectations that are currently placed on nurses.

I am particularly passionate about nurses as leaders and change makers in their own community. Nurses are uniquely placed to help connect families to the health system, engage and take accountability for their own health in their own context. I think this also links to the concept of One Health which recognizes the interconnectedness of people, animals and the planet and I am sure nurses are well placed to recognize opportunities to improve health outcomes taking this approach.

Q: Anything else that you may wish to add?

I would like to thank my mentor and GTF for the opportunity to be part of this programme. It has been such a fruitful and rewarding experience so far.