Close Alert Banner
Skip to Content

Hospital

ResearchFoundation

Text Resize

Regular Large X-Large

Colour Contrast

Default High

Accessible formats and communication supports are available, please contact accessibility@cheo.on.ca

View Our Accessibility Plan

CareersContact UsWebsite FeedbackMyChart
FR
Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario Logo
Contact Us
  • Coming to CHEO
    • Accessibility
    • Amenities
    • CHEO KidCare Pharmacy
    • Health Records
    • Maps and locations
    • Parking
    • Patient safety
    • Pay your bill
    • Preparing for your stay or visit
    • Research Connection
    • Visiting hours and policies
    View our Physician directory page
    Find Your Doctor Directory
  • Clinics, Services & Programs
    • A-Z Directory
    • Core Innovation
    • Emergency care
    • IR/Cath and Sim Labs
    • Make a referral
    • Mental health
    • School
    • Surgical care
    • Virtual care
  • Resources and Support
    • A-Z resources
    • Community supports
    • Families First newsletter
    • Family and caregiver supports
    • Indigeneity - Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Social justice
    • Patient Experience
    • Transition to adult care
  • Get Involved
    • Co-op program
    • Donate
    • Family Advisory Council
    • Feedback
    • Share your voice
    • Volunteer
    • YouthNet
  • About Us
    • About CHEO
    • Careers at CHEO
    • CHEO leadership
    • For community physicians
    • For learners, students and residents
    • For pharmacists
    • Newsroom
    • Our partners
    • Privacy and confidentiality

Alaa found her new community at CHEO

Alaa Abashar

Regular Large X-Large
 
  • Open new window to share this page via Facebook Facebook
  • Open new window to share this page via LinkedIn LinkedIn
  • Open new window to share this page via Twitter Twitter
  • Email this page Email
Subscribe to Blog

Contact us

Receive Email Updates...
Email icon Back to Search
Alaa Abashar
Meet Alaa Abashar, Patient Experience Lead in the Emergency Department

“Growing up, I always knew I wanted to work with kids,” says Alaa. “I didn’t know how exactly, but I knew it was something I was meant to do.” In 2013, Alaa’s dream began to take shape. She moved from Abu Dhabi to Canada and started her bachelor’s degree in childhood and youth studies, with a minor in disability studies.

But moving to Ottawa and away from everything she knew was a culture shock for Alaa. Her first year of university felt isolating and difficult. Alaa was no longer surrounded by the community she grew up with and her mental health suffered. “We don’t talk about mental health where I come from,” says Alaa. “That’s why I’m so passionate about helping others on their mental health journey.”

And Alaa did just that. She started her career working with children and adults in a group home in Orleans and then in 2023, she joined the CHEO community as a respite worker with the Neurodevelopmental Health department. A few months later, she took a permanent position in the Emergency Department as a Patient Experience Lead. In this role, Alaa offers kindness and support to patients and their families during a stressful time.

“I offer a listening ear,” says Alaa. “Patients and families are anxiously waiting for care. They’re sick, scared and stressed. I help relieve their stress, put a smile on their faces, bring them juice or water, and make them feel heard. That’s what matters.”

For Alaa, working on the CHEO campus with patients and families gives her purpose and brings happiness. Walking into the hospital, she's surrounded by community – something that Alaa was desperately searching for when she first moved to Canada.

“Everyone has the same goal here. Everyone wants to help. That’s why I always wanted to work at CHEO. And now I do,” shares Alaa.

CHEO is filled with kind and thoughtful people like Alaa. Join us.

Careers - CHEO. 

Receive Email Updates...

CHEO

  • Coming to CHEO
  • Clinics, Services & Programs
  • Resources and Support
  • Get Involved
  • About Us

Contact Us

CHEO
401 Smyth Road
Ottawa ON K1H 8L1
Phone: 613-737-7600
Email Us

 

Connect with us

View our Facebook Page View our Instagram Page View our YouTube Page View our LinkedIn Page

Sign up for our newsletter

twitter:00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000

Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario logo

Copyright 2025 CHEO.

By GHD Digital
  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy and confidentiality
  • Website Feedback
  • Contact Us

Staff Portal

Close Old Browser Notification
Browser Compatibility Notification
It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.