Staff Spotlight
Emily Chan, Registered Dietitian
Meet Emily Chan, a float dietitian who works in various areas of Vancouver General Hospital—anywhere from hospitalist medicine to surgery and anything in between.
She assesses her patients’ nutritional status during their hospital stay. If a patient is unable to eat by mouth, then she explores other methods including tube feeding or total parenteral nutrition.
Emily’s day will vary depending on the unit she works in. “I may provide diet education to help patients manage chronic diseases, such as diabetes, low appetite and weight loss due to cancer, or I may support patients going home with permanent feeding tubes.”
Building relationships with her patients and their families is what Emily enjoys most about her work. “Each day is never the same, but it is always rewarding when you can see that you are making a difference in your patients’ recovery. If we can show up, be the best version of ourselves and make a small impact, then hopefully that drop can some day make waves.”
One of the most inspirational moments she has encountered at work recently was when she was working on the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Surgery, and Gastrointestinal (GI) Medicine Unit. Many of the patients have a temporary tracheostomy—an alternative airway for breathing—after surgery and are unable to vocalize. It is an exciting moment when she gets to hear their voice for the first time after spending many days communicating with a board or with hand gestures.
Moving to Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)
Born and raised in Victoria, Emily actually applied to her current role while living in Calgary. She had missed the ocean air, green grass and even the rain. More importantly, she had heard that the team of dietitians working at Vancouver General Hospital was supportive. And it was true.
“I am very lucky to work with a team of supportive dietitians who have a wealth of knowledge. I feel comfortable asking questions and I know I can always run a complex situation by my colleagues. Additionally, I am grateful to work alongside other like-minded professionals within our interdisciplinary team, including the nurses, physicians, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and many others. They make showing up to work fun.”
When Emily is not working, you can find her baking cookies, working out at the gym, or catching the latest episode of reality TV.
Join the team
Explore the current career opportunities for Dietitians at Vancouver Coastal Health.