Name: Jonnathan Quintero (he/his)
Job Title: Risk & Quality Manager, Biomedical Engineering
Length of Service: 4 years
Worksite: Kelowna Community Health & Services Centre
Community: Kelowna
Ancestral Territory: sylix
For Jonnathan Quintero, curiosity, compassion and commitment guide how he leads, learns and supports those around him.
Since starting at Interior Health (IH) in 2022, Jonnathan has brought those values into every aspect of his work, including supporting patient safety, strengthening partnerships, and continuing to grow as both a professional and a lifelong learner.
Jonnathan’s experience volunteering with the Red Cross at an early age sparked his interest in health care. That early exposure to supporting communities in need shaped his values.
“Serving others helped me build empathy and see the world from a broader, more compassionate perspective,” he reflects.
Learn more about Jonnathan’s journey with IH
Today, that perspective guides his work behind the scenes in biomedical engineering, an often unseen yet critical part of health-care delivery. Whether reviewing medical equipment alerts and recalls or monitoring patient safety events across the region, Jonnathan helps ensure medical equipment is safe, effective and reliable.
Collaboration is a key motivator.
Working across departments gives me opportunities to build awareness about the biomedical engineering role within IH. It’s rewarding to show how our work supports patient safety and contributes to quality improvement across teams.
Jonnathan’s collaborative approach has helped drive meaningful change. A standout moment in his career was presenting his team’s evolving incident investigation process to IH leaders. Being recognized by peers for this work was both humbling and motivating.
“It encourages me to stay curious and keep learning,” he says. “It’s a reminder that the work happening behind the scenes plays a critical role in supporting patient safety and quality improvement.”
Recently, Jonnathan was named the recipient of the Outstanding Canadian Biomedical Engineer Award, presented by the Canadian Medical and Biological Engineering Society in recognition of exceptional contributions to biomedical and clinical engineering in Canada.
“Being recognized by peers makes this especially meaningful and it reinforces that what I value in this work truly resonates with others."
His director, Miguel Antonio, says Jonnathan combines strong technical expertise with a broader impact that elevates his team and IH.
Jonnathan's contributions have made a lasting impact on team performance, patient safety and organizational culture. He has strengthened collaboration, navigated complex challenges with empathy and professionalism, and consistently led by example.
Jonnathan’s leadership is grounded in continuous growth. He is proud to be the first Canadian to complete a Master of Engineering with a clinical engineering concentration at the University of Connecticut. He also volunteers as a competency assessor with Engineers and Geoscientists BC, mentoring the next generation of engineers.
His work supporting the First Nations Health Authority has deepened his understanding of reconciliation.
“As a lifelong learner, I approach reconciliation with humility and compassion,” he says. “It’s about understanding the truth and recognizing how it continues to impact Indigenous Peoples today. This work has reinforced the importance of curiosity, respect and cultural awareness.”
Outside of work, Jonnathan enjoys spending time on the water and is looking forward to paddleboarding in the Okanagan. He’s also inspired by the idea that growth comes from stepping outside of routine.
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page,” he says, quoting Saint Augustine. “Exploring new places gently disrupts routine, awakens curiosity and reminds me that change can be meaningful and gradual rather than overwhelming.”
As Jonnathan continues his journey with IH, he is focused on expanding awareness of biomedical engineering and advancing quality improvement initiatives that support safer care.
“Every experience has taught me more about people, systems and the responsibility we carry,” he says. “Taking the time to listen and learn helps me better support our communities and protect the patients who rely on our work.”
At IH, Jonnathan is helping make sure that even the work we don’t always see makes a lasting difference.
Explore Careers@IH
Check out more stories like this
IH’s CMH redevelopment team travelled around Cariboo to reconnect with Indigenous communities and share how their input is shaping the hospital's new building.
/stories/closing-circle-indigenous-communities-shaping-future-cmh
Chris Turner turned to addiction as a teenager, but through his recovery has become a mentor to give hope to others battling addiction.
/stories/what-worked-me-chriss-focus-daily-skills-helps-recovery
Find tips for walking, biking or rolling to school safely. Learn how to make it safer to travel to school in your community.
/stories/how-walk-bike-or-roll-school-safely
For Kelli Hartman, nursing was never just a career choice. It was a calling. What she didn't expect was where that calling would take her.
/stories/we-are-ih-retired-nurse-still-makes-difference-long-term-care
What worked for Saras addition recovery was the connections and relationships she formed at IH that changed her life.
/stories/what-worked-me-saras-journey-surviving-living
With B.C.’s ongoing toxic drug crisis., it’s more important than ever to know how to recognize the signs of an overdose and what to do if someone needs help.
/stories/knowing-signs-opioid-overdose-could-save-life
STAY CONNECTED
Receive news, alerts, public service announcements and articles right to your inbox.
