We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.  Name: Jessica Reimer Worksite: Kelowna Health Services, Okanagan / Sylix Nation Years of Service: 2 Job Title: Career Marketing Assistant Quote: "You can't buy back your time, be present." There is something special about Jessica. Many recognize her by her beautiful bright white smile, warm demeanour, bubbly personality, and fun attitude. Her positively infectious energy radiates through the Kelowna Health Services building when she is around. Regularly cheerleading her co-workers on, Jess provides a creative insight into problem-solving and creating meaningful ways to attract, retain, and recognize Interior Health's employees. Jessica Reimer with Manager, Lauren Hristoski, at Interior Health photoshoot Jessica's strong work ethic, desire to succeed, and positive outlook have greatly contributed to her career development from a Recruitment Service Partner to her current role as a Career Marketing Assistant. Working alongside many departments such as Employee and Physician Recruitment, Employee Experience and Communications, Jessica aligns the goals of the organization to execute engaging, meaningful, and effective marketing strategies. Born in a small farm town outside of Vancouver called Agassiz, Jess was raised with her younger sister and close to her family to be the incredible person she has become today. She began to build a life for herself in Kelowna after moving to the city in Grade 11 and graduating from the Okanagan College with her Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Human Resources Management. The education she received and the work experience she gained during these years greatly contributed to her successful career at Interior Health. Jessica Reimer at Okanagan College graduation with fellow Interior Health employee Ryan Lazauskas (right) Inspired to make a positive impact in the lives of others, Jess has created a career path that allows her to use her creative design abilities and outgoing personality to connect with others on a personal level. A proud moment for Jessica was during a video interview at Kelowna General Hospital with a Medical Lab Technologist, Mussarat, where they bonded over his life experience. Born and raised in Pakistan, Mussarat taught Jessica a few Arabic phrases and shared his journey to Interior Health. Both Mussarat and Jessica felt grateful for this special experience that moved Jessica to tears, knowing that one person and one story can be so impactful and unique. It's moments like these that confirm to Jess that she is on the right career path. You may also recognize Jessica for her In Focus article in Kelowna Now where she opens up more about her personal and professional life. Like many, Jessica's plans changed in 2020 with the global pandemic. After over a decade with her husband, Brad, they had planned a backpacking trip across Europe for six weeks. Unable to travel, they created new plans, starting their family. Currently awaiting her first child in February, Jess will be starting a very new exciting adventure. Congratulations, Jessica and Brad! Jessica Reimer snowshoeing at Big White Mountain, Kelowna An adventurer at heart, Jess is looking forward to spending more quality time with her family outdoors. She can be found snowboarding or exploring the snowy mountains on snowshoes in the winter. During the spring and summer, she spends time gardening and exploring the many opportunities the Okanagan offers. As a free spirit, she can be caught dancing in the kitchen like no one is watching, singing along to her favourite tune. This summer Jess was able to cross an item off her bucket list with Interior Health. To promote the beautiful Okanagan, Jess played a role behind-the-scenes in planning and on-the-screen as one of the real Interior Health employees in an IH promotional video. Jessica's kind heart opens to the people she meets in health care as she connects with different departments. Through experience, her eyes are continually opened to learning more about the complexities of health care and her gratitude for our employee's service. Inspired to recognize those employees for their hard work, Jess creatively acknowledges those employees touching the lives of many. Thank you for all that you do, Jessica! We are so excited for you to start your family! Nominate your colleagues to keep the We Are IH loop going: Name: Tonia Polak Message:  "I wanted to recognize Tonia for her outstanding problem solving and managerial skills. I was very impressed by her demeanour and positivity. I don't know her personally, but if she's anything like how she is at work she would be an amazing We Are IH feature." For more information contact EmployeeExperience@InteriorHealth.ca.

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.  Name: Doris Charest Worksite: East Kootenays/Kootenay Boundary Staffing Service Centre, Ktunaxa (Tun-ah-hah) / Kootenay Ktunaxa Years of Service: 9.5 Job Title: Portfolio Clerk The holiday season is like no other at the Charest family home. Doris Charest, Interior Health’s (IH) endearing Portfolio Clerk, handcrafts many of the festive ornaments that make up her Christmas décor. It’s no secret that she has quite the artistic side; apart from enjoying decorative tole painting, Doris has also been cutting out wooden Christmas decoration pieces for over 15 years. Apart from her crafty nature, Doris loves the outdoors where she can be found immersing herself in a book next to a cozy campfire. True to the nature of anyone born and raised in British Columbia’s beautiful Cranbrook city, she enjoys the many lakes, campgrounds and mountains that surround her. In the future, she looks forward to having grandchildren, helping raise them in the very community she and her children grew up in. Till then, she gives her unconditional love to her grand puppy, Izzie, an affectionate SPCA rescue. Over nine years ago, Doris found herself at a cross-roads when she received a recommendation from a fellow Interior Health employee and friend; she applied knowing it would be a great place to work. Starting her career at IH off with a casual role at reception and Short Call desk, Doris was soon promoted to a full-time position as a Portfolio Clerk. She continues working in this role today at the Staffing Service Centre in East Kootenay/Kootenay Boundary. Her kind and helpful demeanour does not go unnoticed as she helps her team solve problems together. While the holidays are undoubtedly different this year, the lights at the Charest home continue to shine on as brightly as ever. Thanks for everything you do for Interior Health, Doris! We wish you many more successful years. Nominate your colleagues to keep the We Are IH loop going: Name: Ceilidh Stump  Message: She is wonderful person who is a great listener and very helpful and always there when you need her.  For more information contact EmployeeExperience@InteriorHealth.ca.   

Growing up in Penticton, Lindsay Dionne always knew the South Okanagan was a great place to live. A registered nurse, she spent a small part of her health-care career outside of her home town, but always maintained her ties to the area. Now a nurse educator in the intensive care unit and the emergency department, Lindsay has been working at Penticton Regional Hospital since 2003, save for that quick jaunt to the lower mainland. “My family is here and it’s a nice community,” says Lindsay. “The hospital has a great community feel to it as well. It’s a friendly place to work. It’s a regional site so you have a lot of interesting work to do. You get a well-rounded experience.”   With the opening of the David E. Kampe Tower in April 2019, Penticton saw its hospital modernized with a six-storey tower and parkade. Once the tower opened, crews began to work on Phase 2 of the project, including a major renovation and expansion of the PRH emergency department. This November, the first part of the new ED will open to patients with new patient check-in and registration areas, complete with a new process for patients coming for care. “The way we used to do things was the patient came in and presented to registration first and then saw a nurse,” explains Lindsay. “We’ve changed the process to what’s called ‘nurse first’ so the nurse will assess patients when they come in and we will see where they go depending on their needs.” The registration process will follow the assessment. The change in process is considered best practice and is being done in other hospitals in Interior Health and right across the province. “It’s designed so that we see the sickest people first,” she says.   In planning for the expansion of the emergency department at PRH, Lindsay and some members of the IH Capital Planning & Projects team travelled to a few different hospitals in B.C., learning how they assess and treat patients so they could ensure the new department at PRH is on the cutting edge of patient care. Everything is designed with the patient in mind and to provide the best working conditions for emergency department team members. The patient check-in and registration area opens Nov. 16 while renovations continue in the main ED, creating enhanced patient care spaces that will see a phased opening from January 2021 to early 2022.   “It’s going to be a much bigger space. There will be more nurses and staff, more designated treatment areas, a much more comfortable setting,” says Lindsay, noting that patient rooms will be divided by walls as opposed to curtains when the ED opens, increasing privacy and infection prevention and control measures. Along with the work in the PRH emergency department, there are also renovations taking place in the PRH pharmacy and material stores.

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.  Name: Brianna Hawkins Worksite: Rocky Mountain Lodge, Ktunaxa (Tun-ah-hah) / Kootenay Ktunaxa Years of Service: 6 Job Title: Registered Dietitian Growing up in Kitimat, a small town in northern British Columbia, Brianna was motivated to pursue a career in health care from a young age. She found herself immersed in health care throughout her childhood, encouraged by her father's love for his career as a Lab Tech. Through her love of cooking, nutrition, and sciences, Brianna found her niche as a dietitian. Eager for new experiences and furthering her education, Brianna spread her wings to another province and enrolled in the Registered Dietitian program at the University of Alberta. Inspired by her preceptors to relocate outside of Calgary after completing her internship in 2014, Brianna knew she wanted to move back to beautiful British Columbia. With only three suitcases in tow, she moved to Cranbrook. The plan was to only stay a year, but during that time, the Kootenays captured her heart and she is here to stay, luckily for us! In her current role as a Dietitian at Rocky Mountain Lodge, Brianna loves working in both renal and acute care, making each day different and exciting. As part of the amazing renal team, she enjoys working with patients over months, or even years to experience real change and possibly delay dialysis. It’s moments like these that help her realize she is making a difference in the lives of others. “I love the challenge of working in acute care, using a different set of skills and the fact every day is so different. I have an amazing dietitian co-worker who I learn from every day” - Brianna Hawkins A dietitian's major role is to help patients adapt to the dialysis diet so they can enjoy some of their favourite foods while still being aware of dietary recommendations. The dialysis diet can be restrictive and very challenging for patients to navigate. Having the support of a knowledgeable dietitian is crucial to help manage a chronic condition. “I love being able to talk to patients about food and seeing the joy in their eyes when they can have their favourite Christmas dish or enjoy something special for their birthday.” - Brianna Hawkins A traveler at heart, Brianna is patiently waiting until she can explore new places again. First stop, Germany, followed by Peru and then Australia. In the meantime, she will continue to dream of planning her wedding in Hawaii! Luckily during these times, Brianna can continue to be out hiking, running, and exploring the beautiful outdoors. As an avid chef, she spends a lot of time cooking delicious meals and trying new recipes. Thank you for all that you do, Brianna! Nominate your colleagues to keep the We Are IH loop going: Name: Georgi Winger  Message: As a Chronic Kidney Disease Nurse, she does an amazing job keeping track of all our patients, managing an ever-increasing load, and is always there is talk! I couldn’t do my job without her! For more information contact EmployeeExperience@InteriorHealth.ca.

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.  Name: Lauren Hristoski Worksite: Kelowna Community Health Centre  Years of Service: 5 Job Title: Manager of Career Marketing, Human Resources Lauren radiates the workplace with positive energy as her welcoming demeanour makes people feel supported. As a hard worker who is determined to make impactful change, she has paved her own career path at Interior Health. Working in Human Resources for many years, Lauren has been given the opportunity to grow career marketing initiatives through a newly developed department, Career Marketing. Lauren brings crucial knowledge of Interior Health and career marketing to her new role that provides instrumental value to the organization. Over the past year, the team has grown significantly to provide marketing support to employee and medical staff recruitment, employee experience, and recently the pandemic response. As an adaptable and innovative individual, Lauren has led work throughout the pandemic to ensure her team has had a smooth transition to a virtual work environment. Lauren’s love of people and passion for uplifting people has supported the growth of employee initiatives including We Are IH. Her commitment to sharing authentic stories, promoting Interior Health as an employer, and showcasing diversity and inclusion has significantly assisted in sharing our brand story. With Lauren’s out-of-the-box creative thinking, she showcased our award of becoming a B.C. Top 100 Employer by creating a video of our people to celebrate our story. Lauren feels so fortunate to be part of supportive teams that work collaboratively together to achieve their goals. Born in Edmonton, Lauren grew up very close with her family including her parents, sister, and brother. Graduating from French immersion high school with a bilingual degree, she furthered her passion for health by graduating with a Bachelor of Kinesiology from the University of Calgary. After living most of her life in Calgary, Lauren relocated her family to the Okanagan to live an exciting and active four-season lifestyle. In the summer you can find Lauren and her family standup paddleboarding, hiking, biking, playing games, and exploring all there is to offer in beautiful British Columbia. Over the winter season, she spends her time with her family up at Big White hitting the slopes and sipping on hot cocoa. Lauren’s two little girls also possess her bright smile, kind demeanour, intelligence, and adventurous spirit. As food lovers, her kids are often sous chefs in the kitchen and share Lauren’s passion for experiencing delicious food and cuisines. Lauren is looking forward to travelling again and being able to experience more of the world through her daughters' eyes. Check back each Friday for the next We Are IH feature. For more information contact EmployeeExperience@InteriorHealth.ca. Lauren's nomination of Jenn Goodwin keeps the We Are IH loop going: As a leader in the organization, Jenn is always looking for opportunities to grow and support teams. She always has a smile on her face walking down the hall and takes time to say "Hello" and ask simple questions that brightens your day.  

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.  Name: Hilary Beck Worksite: Polson Annex, Vernon, B.C. Years of Service: 1 Job Title: Occupational Health Nurse As an Occupational Health Nurse at Interior Health, Hilary Beck brings to the unique position a wealth of knowledge from her two degrees, two certifications and her extensive work experience of over 20 years in the health field. Born in Vernon on the Syilx Nation/Okanagan territory, Hilary has recently returned home closer to her family in Vernon after living in Calgary, Alta., for the past 20 years. We are so fortunate that Hilary has chosen Interior Health to further her career. With a desire to start a career where she could make a difference in people's lives, Hilary moved to Vancouver and enrolled in her first degree, a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Simon Fraser University. Since graduating in 1997, Hilary’s passion for continuous learning has led her to become a perpetual student. As someone who loves school and is always looking for a new challenge, she enrolled in her Masters of Nursing at Athabasca University, where she will graduate in 2022 with even more knowledge to open doors and opportunities at Interior Health. Hilary’s passion to further her education continued as she received her Advanced Certificate in Athletic Therapy from Mount Royal University in 2000. She landed a job as an athletic therapist with the Men's National Disabled Standing and Sitting Volleyball teams, where she was able to see the world as she worked and travelled with them for 10 years. A highlight was the Standing Team winning the World Championships and the World Cup for three consecutive years from 2004-2006. In 2011, Hilary was granted the opportunity to be part of the delegation that attended the Para Pan Am Games in Guadalajara, working with para athletes from other sports. These were truly amazing experiences that Hilary cherishes. When she wasn’t tending to the team or working her full time jobs, she was likely found at the hockey arena, working as an athletic therapist for junior hockey in Alberta. As a former athlete in many sports, primarily volleyball and soccer, Hilary was able to relate to her clients and provide a beneficial perspective. Her own injuries forced her to retire from those activities as she had a high tibial osteotomy. She now spends her time cycling, fishing or at her summer cabin on Okanagan Lake. Working one-on-one helping athletes inspired Hilary to further her education with an additional degree in nursing, where she could apply her education to helping others even more. After graduating from the University of Calgary with her Bachelor of Nursing in 2011, she decided to add another certification to her resume. Shortly thereafter, she obtained her Certificate in Occupational Health Nursing from Grant MacEwan University in 2015. The combination of her exceptional work experience and advanced education has played a vital role in her successful career where she has bettered the lives of so many. Hilary Beck's graduation from University of Calgary As a Vancouver Canucks fan, it’s been a bit challenging living in Calgary for the past 20 years surrounded by Calgary Flames fans. Hilary is grateful to be back in Vernon closer to her family, especially her two nieces and of course her fellow Canucks fans. When it’s safe to do so, Hilary is excited to attend sporting events, live concerts and travel somewhere with palm trees! Thank you for all that you do, Hilary, we appreciate you very much! Arizona, U.S.A. Check back each Friday for the next We Are IH feature. For more information contact EmployeeExperience@InteriorHealth.ca. Hilary's nomination of Carla Davies keeps the We Are IH loop going: When I first started Carla was super helpful and very welcoming, and she has supported my transition into this role in a way, that I can not express my thanks to her enough. Carla was recently promoted to WHS Safety Advisor from a Service Partner Role, which also shows the great work she does.

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.  Name: Ryan Lazauskas Worksite: Kelowna Community Health Centre  Years of Service: 3  Job Title: Employee Relations Consultant An adventurer at heart, growing up in the beautiful community of Kelowna in the Okanagan, Ryan has explored most trails on his road bike. His passion for exploring led him to travel abroad where he backpacked his way through over a dozen countries throughout Western Europe before starting his career. Ryan traveling abroad in London, England. Motivated to grow professionally, he embarked on his Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Human Resources Management from Okanagan College at the Kelowna campus, where he learned valuable skills that have propelled his career forward. His work experience with non-profits and the private sector gave him the knowledge, skill set, and experience to land a job at Interior Health as a Service Partner for the Benefits Department.   Over the past three years at Interior Health, Ryan is proud of the way he has been able to learn, grow, and adapt continuously. As a motivated employee, Ryan has been rewarded for his hard work with multiple new positions. He was awarded a new position in Recruitment and then he gained experience with Labour Relations, allowing him the opportunity to take on the role as a Labour Relations Service Partner. His love for helping others shines through in his work, granting him the recent role as an Employee Relations Consultant. His passion for serving others has helped him further exceed at Interior Health. As a results-orientated individual, Ryan is focused on getting the job done in the best way possible while providing excellent service. Ryan’s hard work continued to pay off in his personal life, as he recently purchased his first home in the Central Okanagan with his girlfriend. They expanded their family with their French Bulldog, Frankie, who has quickly become the centre of their world as they adventure the outdoors together. Ryan's French Bulldog, Frankie Ryan's girlfriend and French Bulldog This year may have travel restrictions, but when it is safe Ryan will continue his goal of traveling across the incredible province of British Columbia to further explore the outdoors of what B.C. has to offer! His love for his friends and family brings him so much joy, so he is looking forward to spending more quality time with his loved ones once it’s safe to do so. A great perk of living in the beautiful Okanagan is having Big White close by! Ryan plans to spend lots of time on the slopes this winter season exploring the mountains. Thank you for all that you do, Ryan! We appreciate you very much.   Ryan Lazauskas in Switzerland Check back each Friday for the next We Are IH feature. For more information contact EmployeeExperience@InteriorHealth.ca. Ryan's nomination of Katherine Semenoff keeps the We Are IH loop going: Katherine has been an amazing colleague and big support for our team. She has been with Interior Health a long time. She is dedicated, driven and always looking to help you no matter what.

We are IH is a recognition campaign to spotlight Interior Health employees and medical staff – through pictures and stories.  To help us celebrate National Nursing Students Week, we met with Mariah Perry, a recent 2019 graduate from the Practical Nursing Program at Okanagan College. As part of the incredible team at Kelowna General Hospital, Mariah stands out for her big heart, her desire to spread kindness, and her positive attitude. At first, Mariah may be shy but before you know it she is filling the room with her radiating energy! Inspired by her desire to make a difference in the lives of others by working closely with them, she pursued a rewarding career as a Licensed Practical Nurse. As she was starting her career, the COVID-19 pandemic began, creating completely new challenges for everyone to navigate. We are so proud to see all of our health-care heroes rise to the occasion and continue to provide the best possible care amidst the pandemic. Mariah Perry in PPE Mariah reflects on the growth she has experienced throughout the pandemic. “I feel for the patients in the hospital, especially with visitor restrictions, but it has been something special to me, as I have had the opportunity to be there for my patients. It’s been inspiring to see us come together to get through this pandemic. Everyone motivates me, and it shows how we are stronger together and we’re not alone.” In the dynamic field of nursing, some days are better than others, but at the end of the day, you can end your shift with a sense of pride. Mariah shares one of her proudest moments at IH as she comforted a palliative patient. They shared meaningful conversation about life and he told her she was the nicest nurse he has ever had, really touching Mariah's heart. It's moments like these that make it all worth it.  “I love nursing because there is so much room to grow in this career. Right now, I do really love bedside nursing and the medical floors I work on, but I have the option to expand my knowledge in so many ways when I want to and I think that's amazing!”  Mariah Perry and her Grandfather From a young age, her family has been extremely influential in her life. Mariah’s grandfather ingrained in her his favourite quote as a child: “Always forward, never back.” These words have helped propel her forward during tough times and encourage her to persevere towards a solution. She fondly remembers her grandfather’s quote regularly to quickly move from worry to action forward. Young Mariah and her sibling Surrounded by the natural beauty of the four seasons, Mariah feels extremely grateful to be born and raised in Kelowna, her forever home. Growing up as “Mariah Perry” she was surprisingly asked if she was named after the famous, Mariah Carey, and also blessed with her vocals. Despite a short stint in singing lessons, Mariah has concluded it did not help her singing abilities and no one wants to hear her sing. You can find Mariah out shooting hoops playing basketball with her friends or taking on a DIY craft. Mariah knows how important self-care is, especially during these times in her career, so makes time to incorporate physical activity into her crafts to keep her mind in the right place. The pandemic has shown us what's important and not to take anything for granted. Mariah looks forward to a time where hugs can be given out freely, quality time can be spent with family and friends, and all of the added stress can be removed from everyone’s life. Thank you for all that you do, Mariah! You have a very successful career ahead of you and we are honoured to have you at Interior Health.    Check back each Friday for the next We are IH feature. For more information contact EmployeeExperience@InteriorHealth.ca. Mariah's nomination of Mary Lynn Pallett keeps the We Are IH loop going: Mary is an LPN on 6 West and she is the absolute best! Her nickname is Mamma Lynn, she has such a big heart and really looks out for everyone on the unit!  

Annually, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we gather to honour and remember all of those who have fallen. We observe a moment of silence to mark the sacrifice of the courageous soldiers who have served our country. This year we are honoured to celebrate our very own courageous soldiers who served our country and continue to serve their community through their integral work at Interior Health. To continue with our We Are IH initiative we are honoured to feature three of our staff this week in our Remembrance Day article. A special thank you to Lannon De Best, Richard Harding and Suzanne Gardner-Clark for allowing us the honour to feature you. Lannon De Best A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves. – Lao Tzu Lannon De Best's favourite quote   Lannon De Best in Japan Lannon De Best, has made a significant impact in the world, from his current service as a Captain in the Royal Canadian Medical Service as a Reserve Nursing Officer attached to 12 field ambulances based out of Vancouver to his 4.5 years at Interior Health as the Director of Clinical Operations of Nursing Administration at QVH and SLH. We are honoured to have Lannon continue his career with us at IH. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience coupled with his thoughtful and kind demeanour. To honour the careers of many in the military he arrives at his local hospital in uniform on Remembrance Day to visit with hospitalized veterans to show his gratitude for their service. He is connected with these individuals through his strong relationships with staff, where the entire clinical team is engaged and helps connect him with those individuals. With Lannon, it's always a team mentality.  Lannon De Best in Military Uniform Lannon's team knows that he is always willing to lend a helping hand to brighten someone's life. As his team cared for a palliating patient it was important to acknowledge his Armed Forces service and Lannon rose to the occasion. In uniform, he volunteered his time to thank him for his service. It's moments like this that bring us together that is so meaningful. Inspired by his desire to be in service to others, Lannon is fulfilled by his community service, quality family time and travelling to new places. Born and raised in Vancouver, B.C., he jumped horses at an amateur level, seeing first hand how courageous he really is.  Lannon De Best travelling abroad This year has been tough for everyone and Lannon shares how proud he is of his team for stepping up into the heavy workload during COVID. Lannon, we know how much you love Christmas and decorating for the holidays, so we wish you a healthy, happy and love filled holiday season!   Richard Harding At the young age of 16, Richard Harding joined the British Army as a Combat Medical Technician in the Royal Army Medical Corps. As he served his country, he experienced multiple operational deployments, including UN and Nato deployments to Bosnia (1994, 95, 96), Kosovo (2000) Kuwait/Iraq (2002/2003), where he was dual qualified as a Medical Supply Technician from the rank of Private to Staff Sergeant up to 2004. During his last deployment to Baghdad he worked in the Central Palace as a British Army Liaison Officer, with the Coalition Provisional Authority supporting the transition of authority from coalition forces to the newly formed Iraqi Government. "In recognition of an exceptional contribution to the Coalition mission in Multi-National Division (South East)" - Richard was awarded a Certificate of Commendation in the Queen's Operational Honours list. Richard continued his education at the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps as a student nurse completing his BSc (Hons) Nursing in 2007. As a qualified Military Nurse, he worked within the NHS in various areas, including Trauma Orthopedics, Colorectal Surgery, and Cardiac Care Units. In 2008, he deployed again to Basra, Iraq, to the Role 3 Hospital. Shortly after, he completed the Professional Qualified Officer course at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and was commissioned as a Lieutenant, becoming a Military Ward Manager and Professional Development Nurse.  In 2011, he deployed to the Role 3 Multi-National Military Medical Unit in Kandahar, Afganistan, as the British Army Liaison Officer where he worked alongside US, Canadian and Dutch nurses on the Trauma Surgical Unit as a Trauma Nurse Coordinator and Nurse-in-Charge on the Unit. This deployment was extremely challenging both mentally and physically for Richard, due to the high tempo of combat operations and providing trauma care to coalition forces, Afghan Security Forces, and civilians, including children and detainees. Richard's hard work continued to pay off as he was promoted to Captain and posted to a Field Hospital as a Troop Commander and Clinical Training Officer. He deployed again to Afghanistan in 2013 as the Clinical Governance Officer responsible for Quality and Patient Safety at the Role 3 Multi-National Hospital at Camp Bastion, Helmand Province. In 2014, he was acknowledged for his distinguished services whist in support of operations as he was named in the Queen's Operational Honours list. After 24 years of service in the British Army, he retired to Vernon, BC to start a new career and be with his family. His career in the British Army was absolutely incredible and impacted the lives of so many. We are so grateful for your service and that you chose Interior Health to continue your passion for serving. Richard's career over the past 6 years at IH grew from the Health Services Director at Vernon Jubilee Hospital (VJH) to the Health Services Administrator for VJH, expanding to Shuswap Lake Hospital and Queen Victoria Hospital. Most recently in the past year, he was appointed Executive Director for Clinical Operations in the North Okanagan. Congratulations, Richard, well deserved! A few words from Richard, "This is always a very poignant time of year for me as I reflect on my military career, places I've been, and experiences. I am extremely cognizant of the number of conflicts members of the Armed Forces have undertaken in recent years. In addition to the sacrifices and losses of Armed Forces personnel and their families have experienced and the ongoing physical and Mental Health challenges that Armed Forces personnel continue to experience daily." Interior Health is incredibly lucky to have you a part of our team, Richard. You play such an integral role in our organization and we value the tremendous knowledge and experience that you bring to helping us serve our communities. It's an honour to work with you. Thank you for all that you do, Richard. Suzanne Gardner-Clark "Be the best you can be, be happy and positive." - Suzanne's Favourite Quote Over the past five years at Royal Inland Hospital as the Director of Clinical Operations for Nursing Administration, Suzanne has impacted the lives of many and our organization through her extensive knowledge and experience. Her experience serving her country has provided valuable insight into helping us serve our communities in the best way possible.Young Suzanne was and continues to be a bubbly and positive person to be around, with an enthusiastic outlook on life and an adventure seeker who loves a good adrenalin rush. Born and raised in England, Suzanne was able to pursue a career in the military where her hard work and commitment were acknowledged on the New Year's Honors List in 2015 as she was awarded the ARRC medal.Suzanne has always been inspired by working as a team to be able to provide the best possible care. She is always looking for ways to improve and innovate to surpass expectations. As her worksite at the Royal Inland Hospital expands with the opening of the Patient Care Tower, many are moving to Kamloops to be a part of this incredible tertiary hospital. Suzanne and her co-workers are looking forward to this expansion and the many opportunities it brings. She loves being outdoors skiing, living in a tight-knit community, and providing acute care. Her proudest moment at Interior Health was the NSQIP team she manages receiving the Quality Award for their hard work. Congratulations, Suzanne and team, we are so proud of you! We would like to thank every person who has served our country. We are so grateful for your hard work, dedication, and commitment. It's an honour to have those who have served, such as Lannon, Richard and Suzanne, working with us at Interior Health to continue to serve our communities. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to feature you and for all that you do for Interior Health and your communities. Lest we forget.