Transformative Journeys: Reflections from Graduates of the VCH Anesthesia Assistant Training Program

Participants benefit from access to residency lectures, labs, and simulations, along with clinical oversight from the Vancouver Acute Department of Anesthesia at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH), fostering immersive AA development. This program aims to cultivate proficient AAs to enhance patient care and expand access to physician-guided anesthesia services.

Respiratory Therapists (RTs), with their established expertise and skills, are well-suited to transition into the AA role, where their background proves to be a valuable asset. The training program encourages them to leverage their expertise as they broaden their critical thinking skills and engage in high-acuity operative environments.

We recently had the opportunity to speak with Mark Carolan, Supervisor of Anesthesia Technology at Vancouver Acute, as well as several graduates of the training program, to gain insights into the role and pathway to becoming an AA.

Mark, who has been an integral part of the VCH team for a decade, brings a wealth of experience, having previously served as a paramedic with the BC Emergency Health Services for over ten years. His journey into anesthesia began as an RT and he enrolled in the inaugural VCH AA Training Program cohort in 2017.

Following several years of dedicated clinical practice, Mark took on the shared role of AA Clinical Educator. "For the past two years, I have held the position of Supervisor of Anesthesia Technology, overseeing practice, operations and the AA training program for UBC and VGH," he says. "I enjoy and am proud of the work I do. Being able to reassure someone as they undertake a significant health journey is immensely rewarding. Even simple gestures like offering a few comforting words or holding a hand as they enter the operating room (OR) can make a profound impact."

Before enrolling in the VCH AA Training Program, Izzie Cheng spent three years as an RT. "My RT class graduated early to start working during the COVID-19 pandemic," she says. "I believe that my clinical exposure during this time significantly influenced my critical thinking and prioritization abilities in acute care settings." Reflecting on her experience, she adds, "I cherished my time as an RT, and after a few years, I decided to broaden my expertise and professional scope to include the OR.”
 
Izzie highlights the significant involvement of the anesthesiologists at VGH in shaping the AA training curriculum, which made her feel confident that she was acquiring knowledge aligned with their expectations. "Opting to train as an AA was a personal goal for me," she explains. "While I felt highly specialized and valued as an RT, my focus was primarily on the respiratory system. I wanted to broaden my understanding, particularly in pharmacology and hemodynamic management."
 
Izzie says that RTs interested in the VCH AA Training Program can anticipate several benefits, including a deeper comprehension of patient care, advanced procedural proficiency such as arterial line insertion, and a heightened awareness of technology's role in health care, particularly within the OR environment.
 
"The team environment at VCH is very supportive," she continues. "Everyone checks in on each other and offers to help. As a new person, I feel that the staff are attentive to my comfort levels. In areas where I may feel less confident, they extend learning opportunities for me. They are great at giving constructive feedback and looking for ways to help me succeed."
 

Denis Cho reflects on his tenure, telling us, "This marks my 10th year at VCH. With a prior BSc degree from UBC, I pursued the fast-track program at Thompson Rivers University for Respiratory Therapy. This accelerated program enabled me to obtain my diploma in just two years, comprising a year of didactic study and a year of clinical training.” Following his practicum, which included time at VGH, Denis was hired upon completing the diploma. 

After six years working as an RT, Denis felt a desire for a new and thrilling challenge in his career. "Several of my former RT colleagues had started working in the OR through the VCH AA Training Program," he recalls. Encouraged by their positive experiences, Denis found himself inspired to expand his skill set and applied for the training program.

Reflecting on his journey, Denis says the VCH AA Training Program offers a comprehensive immersion into all facets of anesthesia care. It aims to cultivate AAs with exceptional predictive and clinical skills to support anesthesia care across all service areas.

"RTs considering the program can anticipate gaining insight into the wide array of surgical procedures," he says. "They will learn to collaborate with the Anesthetic Care Team to deliver optimal patient care by preparing specialized equipment required for procedures. Additionally, they'll gain proficiency in line placement, including arterial and intravenous lines, utilizing tools such as ultrasounds for guidance."

A significant factor that continually fuels Denis's motivation is the consistent recognition from anesthesiologists, nursing staff, and surgical teams. 

Marisa McGovern brings seven years of experience as an RT at VGH, following five years of service in Victoria, B.C. Her career has predominantly revolved around bedside care in acute settings, where she has thrived in a dynamic and rapidly evolving environment. Last year, Marisa got accepted into the VCH AA Training Program and recently completed her orientation in the OR.

She found VCH's own accredited AA training program to be particularly beneficial as it provided her with relevant and practical information directly applicable to the job. Unlike distance courses, Marisa appreciated the opportunity to learn firsthand from anesthesiologists on a daily basis. "It is an invaluable experience in my professional development." she says.

Marisa believes her experience as an RT laid a strong groundwork in collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. Through the training program, she has gained a broader perspective encompassing medication, hemodynamics, new equipment, and a range of hands-on skills.

"I enjoy the team dynamic and people from various health care disciplines working together for a common goal," says Marisa. "After many years of working in critical care, coming to the OR has been an exciting change. Every day is different, and I’m always learning."

The journey through the VCH AA Training Program represents not just a professional advancement, but a transformative experience for individuals like Mark, Izzie, Denis, Marisa, and others. Their narratives highlight the program's unique blend of hands-on learning, collaboration with anesthesiologists, and the fulfillment of providing compassionate care to patients during critical moments. As they continue to grow and thrive in their roles, their stories serve as inspiring testimonies to the significance of dedicated training programs in shaping the future of health care.

 Interested in being a part of a specialist-physician-led anesthesia care team and help to optimize the delivery of safe and efficient patient care? Apply today to join our team.

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