Melissa Redlich
For 40 years, Melissa Redlich has been a steady and compassionate presence in Calgary’s intensive care community. Her career is defined by dedication, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to care. Redlich began her career in postpartum and labour and delivery. But when the new ICU opened at Rockyview in 1985, she took a chance and applied. “As soon as I got into the ICU, I realized that I loved it,” she recalls. “I felt so privileged to look after patients and families at some of the hardest points in their lives — and perhaps be that one person who makes a difference, even if HERO IN HEALTH: MELISSA REDLICH Manager of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Coronary Care Unit at Rockyview General Hospital By Kendra Horosko
“The last few years have been hard in healthcare, but people show up every single day with the best part of themselves to care for patients. I’m honoured to be recognized, but I see it as a shared honour — none of us does this work alone.”
it’s just offering a quick hug or explaining what’s happening to a loved one.” That sense of purpose became her lifelong calling. Over the years, Redlich has worked in nearly every ICU in Calgary, serving as both an educator and a manager. She’s witnessed remarkable advances in care and countless stories of survival, resilience, and hope. For Redlich, the best part of her job is supporting her staff. “My job is to support them to do the amazing work they do on the front lines,” she says. “I feel blessed that I still get to interact with families and be part of that
hero in health, really,” she says. “The last few years have been hard in healthcare, but people show up every single day with the best part of themselves to care for patients. I’m honoured to be recognized, but I see it as a shared honour — none of us does this work alone.” When asked about donations to Calgary Health Foundation, Redlich expresses much gratitude. “It’s a very thoughtful gift — and it is truly a gift,” she says. “You may never know how many lives you’ve touched, Donate and recognize your Hero in Health today.
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how many people were supported, or how one piece of equipment changed the trajectory of someone’s care. Every little bit counts, and together, it all makes the system better.
—Melissa Redlich
journey through critical care — and to see some of our patients come in at the brink of death, then walk or be wheeled out the door, knowing we had a role in that. It’s an incredible feeling. “Being in critical care has been a great profession and a very rewarding one,” she adds. “I have a fabulous team. I love coming to work every day because of them and the hard work they do, and seeing how passionate they are about this work.” Recently recognized as a Hero in Health, an initiative that encourages patients and their families to give back in thanks for the extraordinary care they’ve received, Redlich finds the recognition deeply humbling. “I’ve worked with some amazing people, so each and every one of us is a
Heroes in Health invites donations to Calgary Health Foundation from patients in thanks for the care they’ve received and to also acknowledge their healthcare heroes.
Breakthroughs [ Fall 2026 ]
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