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Meet Natalie Beauchamp, a physician assistant in CHEO’s intermediate care unit (IMCU).
Natalie Beauchamp has experienced CHEO from both sides of bedside care. From ages six to 12, Natalie was a patient at CHEO and underwent multiple surgeries for ear, nose and throat issues. Today, she’s back at CHEO as a physician assistant (PA), helping children and families navigate their own medical journeys.
“Being a patient here gave me my first glimpse into hospital care,” Natalie said. “Now, seeing the level of dedication and teamwork that goes into providing care — it’s everything I had imagined and more.”
Natalie joined CHEO in January 2024 and spent 10 months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) as the hospital’s first and only PA in that department. This November, she transitioned to the intermediate care unit (IMCU), where children who no longer need full ICU support still require close monitoring and specialized care.
Physician Assistants play a pivotal role in healthcare and Natalie’s work is a prime example. Trained to perform tasks delegated by doctors, PAs collaborate with medical teams to ensure timely, high-quality care.
“Under the supervision of a physician, we perform physical assessment, order and interpret tests, perform procedures and collaborate closely with the medical team allowing the physician to focus on other important tasks,” said Natalie.
Before becoming a PA, Natalie worked as a midwife for over a decade in both Ontario and Alberta. While she found the work rewarding, the unpredictable, on-call lifestyle was challenging for her and her family. Seeking better work-life balance, Natalie completed the PA program at the University of Toronto.
“As a PA, I still get to provide hands-on care, but the hours are much more predictable,” she said. “There’s also lateral mobility — I can work in different specialties, which wasn’t an option as a midwife.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of Natalie’s work is building relationships with families.
“In the NICU, the communicating is done through the parents,” she said. “This is such a high-stress time for them, but as a PA, I’m one of the few team members who stays with them throughout their journey, providing continuity of care.”
While Natalie appreciated the fast-paced, specialized environment of the NICU, she is happy to shift into a broader pediatric focus in the IMCU.
“Neonatology was a great fit with my background as a midwife, but I’m excited to expand my skills and knowledge in pediatric care,” she said.
On National Physician Assistants Day, marked annually on Nov. 27, CHEO celebrates Natalie and PAs everywhere for their vital contributions to providing exceptional care.
“Working here is special,” Natalie said. “There’s a sense of pride in the care we provide and in being part of a team that genuinely makes a difference every day.”
CHEO is made up of inspiring people like Natalie. Join us.