Our People Our Stories: Dr. Joyce Lock
One year later: A series of inspiring stories from Public Health during a pandemic
How a pandemic shaped SWPH as an organization and the women behind the change
On March 23, 2020, exactly one year ago today, the first case of COVID-19 was reported in the Southwestern Public Health region.
Dr. Joyce Lock and Chief Executive Officer Cynthia St. John are leading the emergency response in the COVID-19 pandemic at Southwestern Public Health. These two incredible women share the role of Incident Commander, working alongside a “rock star” staff to ensure the safety of our communities in Oxford County, Elgin County and St. Thomas. It’s a big job that requires a delicate balance of managing work and life.
This week, we invite you to get to know them a little better with a sneak peek into their lives in and out of the office as they reflect on the past year.
Part 1: Dr. Joyce Lock, Medical Officer of Health
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Joyce Lock is no stranger to the intense workload that comes with emergencies as she leads Southwestern Public Health through the COVID-19 pandemic.
A familiar feeling
Although her role has changed dramatically over the past year, Lock says her former clinical experience prepared her well for this.
“When the COVID event came upon me, I thought hmm… this feels very familiar,” says Lock.
As an emergency physician for 25 years before switching to public health, Lock is familiar with the ground rapidly shifting beneath her and having to stop and change directions.
“Sometimes I would be really needed to assist for a lifesaving intervention, just as I was going off for a meal. But I am used to saying, oh ok that plan went out the window, let’s attend to this right now.”
Multi-tasking is a requirement in her position as are long hours of work without a break, reminiscent of her days in the emergency department.
“It’s the art of being in health care,” says Lock. “Emergency medicine allows you to focus or at least keep perspective on what’s really important and what’s not. It taught me not to get flustered if one of the balls falls faster; you will get your hand there to catch it when you need to.”
A typical day
After a 40-minute walk to the St. Thomas office, Lock makes a cup of tea and slice of toast before settling down at her computer to get a grasp of what the day is going to be like.
“It’s usually around 7:45 a.m. or 8 a.m. when I get there. It’s nice and quiet as most people are working from home or not in the office yet,” she says.
But the calm doesn’t last long. She is soon launched into a series of internal and external stakeholder meetings, where she is building connections between various provincial initiatives, regional strategies, and local directives.
She spends about six to seven hours in virtual meetings each day, and about three hours approving communications and responding to emails, texts, calls and MS Teams messages.
“That’s the COVID days,” says Lock. “In the past it wasn’t like that.”
She adds all she really has time for now in her personal life is a bit of grocery shopping and other home related requirements. And yes - even she has had to make the dreaded walk back to the car – or home – to get her mask.
“I am much better now, but definitely in the beginning I was like everyone else and had to make a concerted effort to have what I needed with me. I think every jacket, coat and purse I own has a mask in it now.”
Beating burnout and living well
At home Lock says she tries as much as possible to respond only to things that really need to be done.
“I try to spend some time with my husband, to really not work, so that I am refreshed the next morning to take on the day. I’ve learned over time the world won’t end if you don’t respond to some messages instantly.”
And her position on self-care: It’s not a nice to do, it’s a must do.
“I am not doing anyone any good if I burn out. It’s not only a responsibility to myself, but to the whole organization and community to be sure I manage my personal time and my off time in a way that makes me functional.”
Lock loves the outdoors and exercise is an important part of her life. It’s the 40-minute walk at the end of the day, she says, that helps her decompress.
“I also know we have an excellent team who can carry the weight if I need to take a few hours off,” adds Lock.
And like all of us, she is excited to get back to all the things she loves like playing tennis, and going to the swimming pool and gym.
“And, I am particularly looking forward to getting my hair cut.”