The Hospital for Sick Children’s Post

University of Waterloo student Laura Mereweather spent the day shadowing SickKids President and CEO, Dr. Ronald Cohn — and for the chemistry major, it was "revolutionary."     "My understanding, appreciation and perspective on both leadership and health care have all changed," says Laura.     The opportunity was part of CEOx1Day, a student leadership development program by Odgers Berndtson that offers a full day of mentorship with one of Canada's top CEOs. Laura applied for the program and was matched with Dr. Cohn.     Throughout the day, she attended a Senior Management Team meeting, where she learned about some of the issues health-care leaders work through, as well as a SickKids Foundation Board of Directors meeting, where she heard from an inspiring patient ambassador. She also walked through the hospital with Dr. Cohn and met with nurses who were on the ground level of a new program that had been launched that very morning.     "The biggest thing I learned was what it really means to be a leader," says Laura. "From my perspective, Ronni's role as a leader is more a role of guidance than authority … He has been so successful in his career because he practices what he teaches, which is patience, kindness and an open mind to those around him."    And her biggest takeaway?     "Where I see my impact as a scientist in the future," says Laura. "As a young woman who is passionate about science and research, after my day at SickKids, my heart and soul are set on leveraging science in health care."     Thank you, Laura, for spending the day with Dr. Cohn and SickKids!