We Are IH: Vernon rehab assistant is on the trail to achieve her goals
Name: Brandy Martin (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Central Functions Rehabilitation Assistant
Years of Service: 25
Worksite: Vernon Jubilee Hospital
Community: Vernon
Ancestral Territory: Syilx
Advice to live by: You have to have a work-life balance.
Brandy Martin, a central functions rehabilitation assistant, was born in Medicine Hat, Alta. She moved to Vernon, B.C., in 1987 and has been working at Interior Health for more than two decades.
“As a health-care worker for the past 25 years, and a JOHSC [Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee] co-chair for the past year, I have come to really appreciate working with others that have a good work ethic and are willing to work collaboratively together to achieve the same goals.”
Learn more about her journey with IH
Brandy especially enjoys her role when she can make a true difference in someone’s day-to-day life by providing them with support.
I feel proud when a co-worker knows that they can come to me to help them problem-solve a situation, help to get a task done that requires an extra set of hands or just listen to them when they are struggling. I’m proud that people know they can count on me to do my best to help them.
Outside of work, running (especially on trails) is a big part of Brandy’s life, which she primarily does as a hobby and during her vacation time. Anyone who knows Brandy personally will agree that running takes up many hours of her week when she is training for ultra marathons.
With her adult children away at college and working, Brandy and her husband, Owen, are living a new chapter of life as empty-nesters.
“We’re able to enjoy the Okanagan and all that it has to offer. I love the trail network that Vernon has established, and my husband enjoys the dirt bike riding that is so close to our home. There’s nothing better than getting outside and enjoying the fresh air and scenery with friends. When I’m not on the trails, you can find me working in my yard; I love having my flower gardens, and don’t even mind picking weeds.”
One thing people may not know about Brandy is that she has been somewhat uncomfortable with change and the unknown; but she’s worked on it, and has made great strides in this area by pushing through her personal boundaries and trying new things.
I’ve never been a person that likes to make change or try something I may not be good at. But I’ve gotten to a point in my life where I’m less afraid of making mistakes, and I’m learning from those mistakes. I’m thankful for the opportunities that Interior Health has afforded me, and I continue to look for more growth opportunities in the future.
Explore Careers@IH
Interior Health’s Advance Care Planning: Your Voice, Your Choice video series teaches about the purpose and importance of advance care planning (ACP).
/stories/lets-talk-about-advance-care-planning-your-voice-your-choice
Derrick has lost more than 80 family members & friends to the toxic drug and opioid crisis. He reflects on grief & loss, and issues a plea for compassion.
/stories/peer-reflects-ninth-anniversary-toxic-drug-emergency
Devon has been working in various positions at Interior Health since 2017, and as an administrative assistant to the director of Health System Planning(HSP).
/stories/we-are-ih-admin-assistant-aims-create-positive-impact
All 29 of IH's emergency depts. offer Sexual Assault Forensic Examination services. Confidential and compassionate, SAFE starts with We believe you.
/stories/safe-provides-compassionate-care-sexual-assault-patients
Lenora Starr is an Indigenous cultural safety practice lead of St’át’imc Nation advocating for the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples of the Interior.
/stories/we-are-ih-indigenous-lead-forges-path-health-and-wellness
Trauma is a powerful force that can shape a person’s life. Learn what trauma is, and why those who use substances need compassion and understanding.
/stories/how-trauma-can-lead-drug-and-alcohol-use
STAY CONNECTED
Receive news and alert posts, and Stories@IH blog posts, right to your inbox!
