Meet Tanya — Study coordinator, research liaison and bride-to-be.
Q: What do you do at Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI)?
A: I have two roles at VCHRI. First, I work part time as a study coordinator in the Clinical Research Unit (CRU). I help researchers with various administrative aspects of their clinical trials and by collecting and processing samples from study participants. Second, I’m a liaison for the VCHRI clinical trials department, which entails travelling to various VCH research locations and meeting with research coordinators to find new ways to support them in their work.
Q: What is the best part of your job?
A: While I enjoy learning about new and upcoming research studies and knowing the latest news in health research, my favourite part of the job is meeting and interacting with positive people. The people I meet during my day, whether they’re staff or patients, make it fun to go to work.
Q: What is one highlight from your career path?
A: In 2008 I had the opportunity to spend eight weeks in Lesotho, as part of my practicum for my nursing degree. The experience opened my mind to how different health care systems operate around the world. It really gave me the sense that we are all part of an international community and we need to help and support each other as best we can. I’ve also learned that it doesn’t matter what you have in life, it’s whom you share your journey with that matters most.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not working?
A: I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, making the most out of every moment I have with them. Also, I love keeping active in a variety of ways, including hiking and yoga.
Q: What do you see yourself doing in 20 years?
A: In 20 years, I see myself being involved in natural medicine, tying together Western and Eastern health in a holistic way.
Q: If you won a free vacation to anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: I would go to Bali. I’m inspired by how simply and humbly people there live their lives. I would love to learn from the Balinese and see how they practice healing the body, culturally and spiritually.
Q: What would you be doing if you weren’t a study coordinator and research liaison?
A: I would still be involved in health somehow, helping where I’m needed.
