Today, Saint Bernard Medical Center had the great honor of welcoming Sister AnnaMaria Petronilla Vanherk, known as Sister Marie Michel. She was the first nurse to work at Gishari Health Center in Rwamagana District in 1958.
She also dedicated 30 years of service before her retirement at Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Kigali (CHUK). Even at 101 years old, she continues to inspire others through her commitment to nursing and her professional service within the community of the Sisters Bernardines in Kigali.
During her visit today, Sister Marie Michel met with Saint BMC staff and shared valuable advice on providing quality and compassionate healthcare services. She encouraged the team to remain focused on the things that can make a positive difference in daily work, and to always demonstrate accountability, commitment, and professionalism in serving patients.
She took the time to review the annual report and warmly congratulated the team on the remarkable progress made by Saint BMC — growing from 297 patients to 5,559 patients in just one year and three months.
Her words, experience, and dedication were a great source of inspiration to all of us. At 101 years, Sr. Marie Michel reminds us that true service has no age limit, and that a life dedicated to caring for others leaves a lasting legacy.
🌹 Thank you, Sister Marie Michel, for your inspiring visit, your love, your wisdom, and your continued commitment to supporting our community. 🕯️
Sister Marie Michel during her visit to Saint Bernard Medical Center
Sister Marie Michel sharing her advice with the Saint BMC team
