For over 15 years, Ryan Kandasamiar has played a key role at Holland Bloorview, beginning his journey as a pharmacy technician on the pharmacy team before transitioning to information management & technology (IMT). Now, as the manager of clinical application services, Ryan reflects on his career evolution, the projects that have defined his work and the passion that fuels his dedication to innovation.
In his current role, Ryan leads several pivotal initiatives that align with Holland Bloorview’s strategic vision for 2030, including projects like sociodemographic data collection, Ontario Laboratories Information System (OLIS) integration (capability for physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and clinicians to access external lab results within Meditech), Kronos upgrade (upgrading nursing workforce management tool for shift clock-ins and outs to a new cloud-based solution with enhanced features) and integration of Ocean Referrals into Meditech (enhancing our Ocean Referrals solution to automatically create a client account with all referral details when external referrals are sent via Ocean). These initiatives are crucial for advancing the hospital’s technological infrastructure, enhancing operations, reducing administrative barriers for staff and ultimately improving client care.
When asked what most inspired him about his work, Ryan shares, “I'm inspired by the opportunity to help people, share my knowledge, and make a meaningful contribution to Holland Bloorview. I take great satisfaction in creating efficiencies, solving issues and improving the existing software.”
With a deep commitment to bridging the gap between clinical care and technology, Ryan remains focused on the long-term impact these innovations will have on the future of client care at Holland Bloorview.
Can you briefly tell us about yourself and your role at Holland Bloorview?
I have been with Holland Bloorview for over 15 years, starting as a member of the pharmacy team before transitioning to the information management & technology (IMT) team. I’ve served as a clinical application specialist, then supervisor of clinical applications and now manager of clinical application services. During my time with the IMT team, I’ve contributed to major initiatives such as the lab interface with Sunnybrook, physician/NP voice recognition and bedside medication verification.
What does a typical day look like for you in your current role?
I manage a team of 10 staff members. My day typically begins with checking my inbox and touching base with the morning staff to ensure that the systems morning check is completed without any issues. The rest of the day varies depending on the number of projects I’m involved in, with much of the mid-day spent in meetings and on project management. Toward the end of the day, I focus on supporting the help desk team, addressing any urgent or complex issues that arise. I also spend the final part of my day wrapping up e-mails, team communications and reviewing all Meditech-related tasks with our vendor.
How has your career grown here at Holland Bloorview?
I started my career at Holland Bloorview as a pharmacy technician. After further education, became a registered pharmacy technician. I have always been interested in systems and while in my pharmacy role, I was heavily involved in Meditech system testing and improvements, managing pharmacy-related issues. In 2013, I was given the opportunity to join the IMT team as a clinical application specialist, marking the start of my career growth. In this role, I participated in numerous projects, including the development of the patient portal. The knowledge and experience I gained led to my promotion to supervisor of the clinical application team. After leading more projects and initiatives, I eventually advanced to my current role as manager of clinical applications services.
What major projects are you currently leading?
We are working on several critical projects, including sociodemographic data collection initiative, OLIS integration, Kronos upgrade, and Ocean integration into Meditech. These projects play a crucial role in supporting key hospital operations and our new strategic plan for 2030, providing the essential data needed to drive forward new initiatives for the organization.
What challenges have you encountered in such projects, and how have you overcome them?
Each project has unique challenges, which can vary widely. Some common challenges we encounter include connection issues, customization to fit our organization and workflow changes. A key aspect to all projects is the formation of a strong working group that includes members from various levels, such as management, IMT, and frontline end users. This collaborative approach is crucial in troubleshooting challenges and designing effective solutions.
What inspires you to do the work that you do?
I'm inspired by the opportunity to help people, share my knowledge, and make a meaningful contribution to Holland Bloorview. I take great satisfaction in creating efficiencies, solving issues and improving the existing software. I find it especially rewarding to learn new ways to connect Holland Bloorview to other facilities electronically, and I continuously strive to do more in this area.
What do you find most rewarding about your job? And what are you most proud of in your time at Holland Bloorview?
At Holland Bloorview, our goal is to support clients and families, ensuring they receive the best care possible. While our team doesn't work directly with clients, we play a crucial role in supporting everyone in the hospital by providing the right tools to help them excel in their roles. We create efficiencies and save clinicians time by enhancing documentation tools, improving connections, and ensuring better access to data.
I'm proud of the many initiatives I've been part of during my years at Holland Bloorview, from helping implement unit dose in pharmacy to leading various projects in IMT. I’m particularly proud of leading the Bedside Medication Verification (BMV) project. The foundation for this project began in pharmacy when I joined Bloorview in 2009, and after years of preparation, I had the opportunity to lead the project from the technology side. The safety benefits that BMV provides to clients and families are something I’m particularly proud to have contributed to both professionally and personally.
Do you have any hobbies or passions outside of work? What motivates you beyond your professional life?
Outside of work, I’m passionate about cars, basketball and my new hobby, running, provides a much-needed break from work and fuels my enthusiasm for continuous learning and improvement. Whether I’m delving into the latest automotive innovations or following all of the Raptors media, these interests keep me energized and engaged.
Additionally, my two kids are a major source of motivation. Their curiosity, growth, and achievements remind me of the importance of balance and the impact of my work on the future. Spending time with them and supporting their development not only enriches my personal life but also reinforces my commitment to making a positive difference through my professional endeavors.
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that left a lasting impact on you?
One of the most memorable aspects of my career has been my interactions with families, clients and nurses as a pharmacy technician. A pivotal moment for me was transitioning from the clinical world to Meditech technology. Shifting my focus from directly assisting families to supporting the clinical staff was a significant change. I take pride in breaking down barriers and making Meditech feel like an intuitive, accessible system for clinicians, managers, and directors. It's rewarding to see them now comfortably seek improvements rather than struggling with the system.
Is there anything else you would like to share about your work?
I want to acknowledge my team for the incredible work they do in supporting the hospital 24/7. Everything we accomplish is a result of their dedication, great work and the support they provide. We have an outstanding team that truly understands and supports the needs of everyone in the hospital.
