SANDY MCNEILL
Outreach and Engagement Initiatives Manager
Site:
Vancouver – Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre
Meet Sandy, Outreach and Engagement Initiatives Manager at UBC Orthopaedics!
With over two decades of experience at UBC and a fresh start in the Department of Orthopaedics, Sandy brings a wealth of knowledge, enthusiasm, and a collaborative spirit to the team. From managing CPD activities and Grand Rounds to supporting major events like the Whistler Summit, she is already making a big impact. Outside of work, Sandy is a dedicated arts volunteer, concert enthusiast, and trivia whiz—just don’t challenge her on pop culture unless you’re ready to lose!
How long have you worked in the Department/UBC?
I joined the Department of Orthopaedics just over a month ago, but I have worked at UBC for over 20 years. In my previous role, I managed a lot of the meetings for UBC Orthopaedics, so I have collaborated with most of the UBC Orthopaedics team quite a lot over the last few years. I’m very excited to be working on so many different projects with such a great team.
Can you summarize what you do in the Department?
I do a little bit of everything: my title is ‘Outreach and Engagement Initiatives Manager’. I am responsible for ensuring that our CPD activities fulfill all the requirements and liaising with other Divisions to help them put on successful meetings of their own. For the Orthopaedics Team, I oversee Grand Rounds and most of the CPD activities, such as the UBC Whistler Orthopaedic Summit, Orthopaedic Update, which involves putting my event management skills to good use. I’m always ready to jump in and help with other events and activities as needed, and I’m still learning how all of the activities and divisions fit together.
What is your favorite thing about working in the Department?
The administrative and faculty teams have been wonderfully welcoming and supportive as I have transitioned into the role—I really appreciate all the guidance and advice! I’m navigating my way through all of the different divisions and roles in the department to see how my expertise aligns with the department’s goals and how I can assist other divisions with putting on their own successful events
What is one interesting fact about you that people may not know?
I have been an active volunteer at the Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival, which runs from June to September in Vanier Park (Sen̓áḵw) for over 15 years. In 2024, I was awarded the honour of being ‘Volunteer of the Year’. I got a plaque and everything!
What kinds of hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?
I do additional volunteer with other arts organizations. My partner and I are great concert goers, so we have been to a lot of shows in a lot of venues over the years. I love to travel and am looking forward to doing some more travelling in the new year. I am a bit of a pop culture trivia fanatic—no one ever wants to play against me during trivia nights! I love being so close to the ocean, and you can often find me walking on the dyke near my house.
