We Are IH: Educator teaches respiratory patients how to live well

October 24, 2024

Suzie Kinnunen enjoying the outdoors.

Name: Suzie Kinnunen (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Respiratory Therapist/Respiratory Patient Educator
Years of Service: 3
Worksite: Kelowna General Hospital
Community: Kelowna
Ancestral Territory: syilx
Favourite Quote / Advice to live by: “It doesn't cost you anything to be kind.”

Suzie Kinnunen was born in Winnipeg and raised in West Kelowna, where she has lived most of her life. Suzie has been a respiratory therapist and respiratory patient educator with Interior Health (IH) at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) for the past three years. Another fun fact about Suzie is that at the age of four, before moving to West Kelowna, she lived in India for two years.

In this Story…

Learn more about Suzie’s journey with IH

Explore respiratory therapist Careers@IH

Learn more about Suzie’s journey with IH

A woman and her toddler face away from our view while walking towards a lake at Bear Creek, B.C. in the autumn. — Suzie and her daughter Azraya having an adventure at Bear Creek, B.C

As a personable and compassionate person, Suzie takes the time to talk to her patients and learn about their symptoms. While accompanying them on their disease journey, she finds fulfillment in educating patients on how to manage their symptoms to better their quality of life.

“I've had patients come in who don't know what it means to have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and they are so appreciative of the education,” explains Suzie. “And sometimes patients just need to vent about having asthma/COPD and the struggles it can bring. I have no problem lending an ear if that's what’s needed.”

As a teacher, Suzie meets with her patients to educate them on what asthma/COPD are, and provide inhaler device training. She then works with her patients to develop an asthma/COPD action plan that fits with their life and creates clear steps to care.

Suzie also teaches patients about peak flow monitoring, performs spirometry, trigger avoidance techniques and more. Asthma education programs are available through IH for pediatric and adult patients. These programs offer self-management skills to help patients achieve well-controlled asthma, and to recognize worsening asthma. “I am looking forward to seeing how the asthma care program will grow and expand!” adds Suzie.

“My proudest moment is when a patient I had seen left a comment about me and our education session with the IH recognition team. It was such a sweet comment, and it really made me feel like what I’m doing is improving patient's lives.”

-- Suzie Kinnunen

Outside of her role at IH, Suzie describes herself as a homebody at heart with an inclination for adventure—if her daughter Azraya joins! “I love watching her explore the world around her, especially now that she’s two years old and curious about everything,” Suzie says.