Microbiology and PCR staff posing with Dr. Bonnie Henry shirts outside of the lab in front of KGH
Name: Chandra Hauer (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Medical Technologist and PCR Testing Department Lead
Years of Service: 10
Worksite: Kelowna General Hospital
Community: Kelowna
Ancestral Territory: Syilx
Advice to live by: I just try to have a positive outlook, be happy and hopefully promote happiness around me.
Chandra Hauer loves working in health care and has spent most of her career working in microbiology.
“Every day is different, every specimen is different and there is never a dull moment!” she says.
Learn more about her journey with IH
Chandra with her partner Dan and two kids near Drumheller, Alta.
Chandra considers herself an introvert, which makes working in the lab – behind the scenes – ideal, but she is gratified in knowing that her work directly contributes to healing for those who visit the hospital.
“As lab techs, we give physicians direct guidance on diagnoses and treatments with every lab result reported,” she says.
Since the start of the pandemic, Chandra has been privileged to serve as team lead of the brand new PCR (polymerase chain reaction) testing department at Kelowna General Hospital.
“The proudest moments easily are being part of this incredible team that has worked tirelessly through multiple COVID-19 waves, through constant changes and all the while working under the radar as health-care heroes,” she says.
Chandra with her family riding the log flume at an amusement park
She looks forward to a time when the pandemic slows down and there is a return to work-life balance: “I am looking forward to society as a whole to be happier.”
Chandra love sports, the outdoors, her career and most importantly spending time with family, friends and co-workers.
“Playing volleyball and basketball for over 25 years has been the most important adult activity to keep me active and busy,” she says.
Chandra nominates Dr. Amanda Wilmer, Medical Microbiologist, to keep We Are IH going:
“Dr. Amanda Wilmer has been one of the biggest assets to our brand new microbiology PCR department in the lab. She is a huge support, mentor and a wealth of knowledge and experience for all of us. Without her, this new department would not have been possible. It is hard to comprehend how much she has done for this department, community and Interior Health. We are so very grateful.” - Chandra Hauer
Explore a career as a medical technologist or in laboratory services
Are you interested in learning more about a career as a medical technologist or in laboratory services?
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