For the ninth edition of Meet the Staff, we introduce you to Bertrand Toulouse, a new Registered Nurse joining Mobile Health’s Manhattan medical offices. Bertrand joins us in New York City after being born and raised in Quebec, Canada. As a CUNY (Hunter College) graduate, Bertrand is ready to earn the title of a real New Yorker by keeping this city healthier, one patient at a time.
As a young professional in Quebec, Bertrand always had an interest in others and their well-being. This initial interest lead him to study Human Resources, eventually graduating with a Bachelor’s degree. Eager to start helping others, Bertrand found a position in HR at a corporate business environment.
Unfortunately, the position was not exactly what Bertrand had in mind. Instead of directly improving others’ health, he found himself consumed with payroll and managing benefits. He agreed that these were very important roles, but not just where he envisioned himself at the time.
While researching opportunities to help others, Bertrand came across the growing HIV epidemic of the early 90’s and decided this was a cause that he wanted to devote his time too. He quickly packed up his bags and moved to Los Angeles to work at AIDS Project Los Angeles as a HIV treatment Advocate and Educator.
Working at the crises center, Bertrand became involved in a lot of the social work by supporting the patients and helping them navigate access to care. It was here that he realized the power of not only medical care but the information itself has to improve a person’s wellbeing.
After some time helping control the epidemic, Bertrand was inspired to combine his caring support role with a professional knowledge of medicine. This brought him to CUNY’s Hunter College where he graduated with a Bachelor’s in Nursing.
Even before graduating, Bertrand was already being recruited for employment, eventually joining Village Care. This new position exposed himself to the inner workings of all levels healthcare administration, and not only the supporting role that we was previously accustomed to.
For years, Bertrand thrived in his role which spanned primary care, home health, and occupational health. Working in different departments introduced him to different cultures and different lifestyles – the exact diversity he was hoping to find in the New York City metropolitan area.
After his employer closed their clinic, Bertrand decided this was the right time to reenter school and strive for a double major in Medical Sciences and Public Health. Nearly halfway through his studies he was offered the opportunity to learn more about Mobile Health and their own healthcare needs.
A healthcare position that would allow Bertrand to continue to provide care for a diverse population from all corners of the world sounded exciting and a perfect fit for him. Soon after learning about Mobile Health’s occupational health needs and the patients they service, Bertrand accepted the open position and started immediately; while still studying full time for a double major and interning at Housing Works.
He hopes to bring a patient oriented focus to care and to make the patient’s regular occupational appointments more of an opportunity to learn about their health and have the access to information they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
