Empathy, Innovation, and Teamwork: Rachel’s Impact in Neurophysiology at VGH

"One of the best parts of my job is the variety of tests we do," she says. At VGH, Rachel and her team perform a wide range of neurophysiology tests "One day, I am going bedside to perform an EEG; another day, I am monitoring a patient’s spinal cord function in the operating room; and another, I am working in the Seizure Investigation unit, helping patients with epilepsy."

In the Seizure Investigation unit, Rachel plays a critical role in assisting the epileptologist in locating the speech center in a patient's brain, a vital task for treating those with epilepsy. "Because there are always discoveries regarding the brain, EEG continues to reveal new correlations between brain activity and various conditions that affect brainwaves," she says. 

Rachel speaks highly of her team and department, emphasizing their wealth of experience. "We meet regularly to discuss concerns and protocols to provide the best care for our patients," she says. She also praises her leaders for their support and guidance, noting that they help the team deliver exceptional patient care while prioritizing staff well-being.

Teamwork and learning on the job are central to Rachel’s role. She is constantly expanding her knowledge of the field, staying up to date with new technology, and discovering fascinating patterns in brain activity.

Rachel also learns from her patients, gaining insight into how cultural differences can impact patient care and adapting her approach to meet diverse needs. She takes pride in the positive feedback from patients, many of whom express gratitude for the compassionate care they receive. "I’ve had patients thank me for being kind and gentle, making the test less stressful for them," she says, highlighting the importance of empathy in her work.

She ensures that her EEGs meet the Canadian Standard for quality, providing the most accurate and reliable results for the Epileptologist. By continuously learning and collaborating with her team, Rachel can deliver the best care possible while growing both professionally and personally.

Her journey into this field began with a strong foundation in avionics and electrical systems, which she studied at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology. Drawing on her technical expertise, Rachel made a seamless transition into electroneurophysiology, combining her passion for health care with her skill set.

Rachel joined Vancouver Coastal Health in September 2005, and within her first five years, she gained extensive experience, including working in the province’s only adult seizure investigation unit. In 2010, she was introduced to intraoperative neuromonitoring (IOM), a technique that tracks the brain and spinal cord function during surgery. "Training for IOM is done in-hospital by shadowing and working alongside those already trained in the field," she explains. This hands-on approach helped her further deepen her expertise in neurophysiology.

The diverse nature of Rachel's work makes every day a new challenge and opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives. "If you enjoy learning, EEG is a career to pursue -it's all about staying curious and being willing to learn."

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