Matthew Zhiss, Social Worker

On a typical work day, Matthew provides social work consultation which ranges from investigating abuse, neglect or self-neglect from an Adult Guardianship lens, assessing substance use, mental health and coping concerns, assisting patients who are homeless with their housing options, supporting end-of-life care planning which may involve hospice referrals or MAiD (medical assistance in dying) requests, and generally supporting patients and families navigate their hospitalization to ensure miscellaneous needs are met.

A fulfilling role in social work

Matthew pinpoints two aspects of this job that he enjoys the most. “First is having the privilege to work at VGH,” he says. “As one of the premier hospitals in Canada, the care we provide is at the highest level and I take a lot of pride in being one of the social workers here. Every day, my fellow team members and I push one another to continue striving for better on behalf of the patients and families for whom we care.”

The second aspect is holding end-of-life conversations with his patients. “There are few things more genuine for us humans than grappling with our mortality, the finality of our lives, and being able to support some of the oldest Canadians during this pivotal time,” he shares. “Whether it’s supporting their palliative discharge back home or to hospice, or supporting their end-of-life on the unit itself which sometimes entails a MAiD provision, these moments validate me both as a social worker and as a fellow human. It is something that leaves a lasting impression on me.”

Matthew relocated from Indianapolis to Vancouver last year. “I always wanted to immigrate to another country and Canada presented itself as the place most aligned with my values. Upon applying, I was instantly welcomed by the social work team and I knew I made the right decision.”

Inspiration with MAiD program

Matthew tells us that MAiD requests and especially MAiD provisions on-unit are, without a doubt, the most breathtaking moments he has ever experienced. “There is nothing more genuine than sitting with another human and supporting them as they reflect on decades of their life before making the final decision,” he says. “These conversations are tough, but we also have an amazing Assisted Dying Program here at VCH that offers extraordinary assistance and consultation during these moments.”

Matthew attests to the supportive environment he works in at VGH. “I feel incredibly supported by the social work team,” he says. “The team along with leadership is unified in our mission to support and advocate for the betterment of our patients. There are admittedly too many examples to name of times when I’ve needed support and been able to liaise with team members and my leadership for support during difficult moments.”

At VCH, we embrace the values: We Care for Everyone, We Are Always Learning, and We Strive for Better Results. Matthew says his personal values as a social worker inherently corresponds to those of the organization. “At social work’s core, we honor the dignity and worth of every human being, never discriminating against someone due to age, race, health, financial status or anything, and instead seeking to support everyone to attain their best via the highest level of professional practice,” he explains. “We truly are the stewards of Caring for Everyone. In achieving this, our social work practice is also never stagnating as humans are an ever-changing being which requires constant learning.”

Fun fact about Matthew: he likes to learn new languages! “I learned French prior to moving to Canada. Currently, I’m working on Hindi!” Daily, he makes an effort to pick up small phrases here and there in other languages to better connect with the diverse people of Vancouver and the world.

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