About me
In 2009, I graduated with a Bachelor of Medical Rehabilitation - School of Respiratory Therapy from the University of Manitoba. My first job as a registered respiratory therapist was at Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg. This role gave me experience working in acute care, mainly assisting with resuscitation and providing mechanical ventilation in the adult ICU and emergency room. I moved to Calgary, Alberta, in January 2013 and started working in critical care at Rockyview General Hospital; working in a casual position gave me more time to explore respiratory therapy outside acute care. In 2014, I worked part-time as a respiratory educator at Didsbury Hospital, performing spirometry testing for outpatients and educating them on managing their asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Working in a rural area made me realize the difficulties and obstacles of accessing healthcare services for people who sometimes face living remotely; this experience also triggered me to think about what kind of care and how people receive proper care in the community. In 2015, I started working as a respiratory consultant and educator in assisted living and long-term care facilities. The majority of my clients are seniors and adults with complex respiratory needs. My role includes assessing clients and recommending therapies and management for their respiratory issues. I also educate clients and medical staff on using respiratory equipment and providing care. I have gained experience in case management and discharge planning, working in a collaborative environment to ensure clients are placed safely in the community. I have been working in this position for seven years and have witnessed the community gaining capacity to manage complex respiratory care clients.
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Throughout my 15 years of career, I have gradually developed interests in leadership, senior care, and collaborative quality care. I began the Master of Health Studies program at Athabasca University in September 2022. I am eager to explore leadership in healthcare and expand my knowledge in health promotion through this innovative learning program.
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My positionality
I was born and raised in Hong Kong. Because of the foreseeing political instability, my parents and I immigrated to Canada in 1996. My parents worked hard to provide for the family despite the culture shock and language barrier. Their sacrifice allowed me to receive an education that they never had a chance to have, an education my parents believed would give me the privilege to live a comfortable life. However, after attending school as a newcomer to Canada, I struggled to make new friends, communicate in English, and adapt to a new culture.
Additionally, being a visible minority in rural Saskatchewan in the mid-90s, my family and I frequently experienced prejudice and exclusion. These experiences shaped my understanding of the importance of compassion and empathy in healthcare.
Despite these challenges, I acknowledge my unearned privileges. I was fortunate to have a stable upbringing and loving parents. This sense of security continues with my current healthy and supportive relationships. My healthcare career provides me with a stable income, a secure home, and a healthy lifestyle.
Navigating a new language and culture, coupled with the challenges of being a visible minority, has instilled in me a deep appreciation for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) in healthcare and my general community. I strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all patients, recognizing the impact of social determinants of health on their well-being.